Arirang TV launches 24-hour channel on U.N. In-house Network

NEW YORK, July 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's all-English television station, Arirang TV, launched a 24-hour channel on the U.N. In-house Network on Tuesday, joining a series of major international networks to broadcast to U.N. officials and diplomats from around the world. Arirang began its "Korea Arirang" broadcasting service on Channel 65 of the U.N. network under a five-year partnership with the U.N. It is only the second Asian station after Japan's NHK World to launch a channel on the U.N. network that includes about 20 major international channels, such as CNN International and BBC World. Arirang said it will broadcast a mix of news and current affairs programs catering to the U.N. network. About 2,000 U.N. staff as well as diplomats from around the world can view the in-house network on TV monitors installed in public spaces at the U.N. headquarters. U.N. staff can view the network on their desktop computers as well. "I warmly welcome this dynamic broadcaster to our United Nations In-House Network. Arirang now takes its place with other major global news outlets," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a video message to a ceremony to launch the channel. "The United Nations and the Republic of Korea have a proud history. I am confident that this valuable engagement will grow even stronger in the future. And I hope Arirang will be there to cover the story," he said. South Korean President Park Geun-hye also sent a video message saying she hopes the Arirang channel will help diplomats from around the world and U.N. officials better understand issues on the Korean peninsula and Korean culture. Those attending the launching ceremony included South Korean Ambassador to the U.N. Oh Joon, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Cristina Gallach and Arirang TV President Bang Suk-ho. (END)