I met with Jung Chan-hyung, a MBC radio Program Director (PD), at MBC. He was on radio broadcasting <Hi-five, I'm Choi Hyeon-jung>. He is directing the program and using wit to motivate his co-workers. He graduated from Chungnam National University. He started his undergraduate in 1976. And he majored in History. Now, he is a deputy director and producer in radio headquarters.
About His University Life
When I was a freshman, I wandered for a long time. I basically enjoyed drinking, even selling my textbook. Also, I started a book retail business with my three colleagues to earn some money. Then, my grades got much worse than they already were.
My poor grades caused me a great anxiety. After my army service, I seriously considered giving up my university studies, but a close friend suggested that I take the final-exam and I did so. Surprisingly, I got a good grade, was awarded a scholarship, and had a chance to register for additional credits. I decided to push my way through and complete my studies. I created a study group. And we encouraged each other and exchanged ideas and information.
2. How could you become a radio PD?
I majored in History and my minor was Education because I wanted to be a history teacher. But one day, one of my colleagues brought a press exam paper and informed me, 6"If you score just more than 50, it would be fine." Fortunately I got good score, so I started to prepare for a press exam to be a reporter.
I continuously sought information and advice from upper classmen about the "its" and "outs" of broadcasting. Eventually, I chose to be a radio producer because I wanted to make current affairs programs n the radio. Producing <Microphone move>, a current events program, I realized that history repeats itself.
About Jung's Work
Since I worked at MBC as a radio PD, the studio became my home. I was also a representative of the company's union and a secretary in MBC. Now, I'm a producer. I directed radio programs such as current events programs and traffic reporting programs immediately after entering MBC. During a pro-democracy movement in 1987, I worked as a union leader and insisted on the freedom of expression in the miss media. Then I was put in prison in 1992. Upon leaving prison and coming back to radio, I casted Lee Jong-hwan and Choi Yu-ra and directed a program titled <The Era of Radio>. Also, I casted Yang Hui-eun and directed the program <The Era of Woman>. Since then, I concentrated on producing new radio products like <Son Seok-hui's Eyes Focus>. After working as an executive secretary, I made <Kim Mi-Hwa's 'The World and Us'>. I then became the director of the radio station and the director of the broadcasting business. Now in 2011, I'm directing music programs like <Sin Hae-chul's Ghost Station> and <Hi-Five, Choi Hyeon-jung>. For years, I had been working on programs on programs of Knowledge and labor intense subject matter, but now i'm trying enjoy more entertaining content.
2. What's PD's Job?
A program director is under constant tension. We have to closely watch our neighborhood with deep affection. Also. a PD must understand clearly the world's flow, no matter what kind of program he or she will produce. In addition, we should be careful not to be isolated from reality and community life.
3. What are difficulties?
Recently, most broadcasters. especially PDs, are suffering from the restrictions on freedom of expression. Freedom of speech is getting restricted more and more. But, people should be encouraged to from and collect public opinions actively; and to stop power-related corruption. We have to make productive places for discourse and develop a society which respects diversity.
1. When was the most memorable moment for you?
I am jubilant when I plan a program that is met with great appreciation. When I produced <The Era of Radio> in 1994, there was, a fervent response to the program. At that time, I learned how to attract the masses' attention and read market flow. So I tried to reflect the phases of the times in <The Kra of Woman> during the IMF crisis. This attempt brought a huge success and it was truly worthwhile. My programs such as <Son Seok-hui's Eyes Focus> and <Kim Mi-Hwa's the World and Us> received a favorable evaluation in the sense then they are very typical current affairs programs. By following my successful model, other companies started to make programs in the same way, leading to a new market trend.
2. What is your lifelong goal?
I just want to live as a PD. I'm sure I'll consider creating better programs, ever when I become an old man with grey hair!
3. My advice to CNU students dreaming of broadcasters
To be a successful broadcaster, you need to be well qualified. You must be able to demonstrate your ability. You should be able create articles or programs that can move the minds of the public. What you need is plenty of knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking. Diverse reading will be quite helpful. I spent reading 100 days to increase my knowledge. During those days, I read all kinds of books in the fields of humanities, society, literature, and natural science. My extensive reading became a valuable asset. So, I would advise you to read books a lot. Forget that you are a graduate from a local university. What matters most is your ability. So, invest your time and energy in realizing your dream. Make yourself strong!
dasol1422@cnu.ac.kr