South Chungcheong Province is just over 100 days away from the launch of its first terrestrial radio station, the Korea Road Traffic Authority's (TBN) Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting. Preparations are in their final stages, with the installation of broadcasting equipment in the newly completed building and upcoming test broadcasts scheduled for May. Efforts are also underway to establish additional transmission and relay stations to eliminate "blind spots" for listeners across the province.
The provincial government announced on March 27th that TBN Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting will begin transmitting its first signals on July 8th at 10:39 AM, broadcasting on the frequency 103.9 MHz (and 103.1 MHz for Cheonan and Asan).
The establishment of Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting has been a key initiative of the current administration, "Powerful Chungnam," under the aim of improving the transportation environment, ensuring the safety of provincial residents, preventing and reducing traffic accidents, establishing a proper traffic culture, and strengthening disaster and safety preparedness to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
The project faced potential setbacks when the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) delayed granting the broadcasting license for nearly two years, risking the return of national funds. However, Governor Kim Tae-heum actively persuaded the KCC, leading to the swift approval and groundbreaking of the new station in November 2023, just three months after the license was granted.
The new broadcasting center is located within the industrial-academic facilities zone of the Naepo New City's advanced urban industrial complex. It spans 2,994 square meters across three floors on a 7,512 square meter site, with a total investment of 29.56 billion KRW.
Currently, interior work and the installation of broadcasting equipment are in progress, with the overall construction progress at 68%. The first floor of the building will house a public hall and a large conference room. The second floor will feature a traffic information control center providing a comprehensive view of traffic conditions across Chungnam. The third floor will contain the main and auxiliary control rooms and studios. The public hall will have a capacity of 200 seats. The exterior of the building will include a plaza for various programs and a performance stage for small-scale events.
To provide rapid and accurate traffic and disaster information throughout the province, Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting has already installed transmission and relay stations on Gaya Mountain (Wonhyobong Peak) in Seosan and Black Fortress Mountain in Cheonan and has begun test operations. Three additional relay stations are being established on Okma Mountain in Boryeong, Gyeryong Mountain, and Daragwon (Cheongsanhwegwan) in Geumsan, which will commence broadcasting with the official launch.
Initially, the Seosan and Cheonan transmission and relay stations were planned to cover only nine cities and counties at the time of the opening. However, following Governor Kim Tae-heum's directive to ensure province-wide coverage from the outset and address areas with poor reception, the additional relay stations are being installed.
Upon its launch on July 8th, Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting will provide real-time traffic information and engage with residents through a variety of programs. Furthermore, a traffic safety council will be formed, comprising the Korea Road Traffic Authority's Daejeon, Sejong, and Chungnam branch, the Yesan Driver's License Examination Center, and the traffic broadcaster. This council will focus on broadcasting content aimed at enhancing public safety awareness, including traffic laws and safe driving education, as well as public campaigns for various disaster scenarios.
A provincial government official stated, "Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting holds significant meaning as the only terrestrial radio station in the province and the first public institution attracted since the designation of Chungnam Innovation City."
The official further added, "Chungnam has been relatively underserved in terms of regional disaster broadcasting services. With this launch, the 2.2 million residents of the province will be able to receive real-time information on traffic and disasters within the province." They also affirmed that administrative efforts will be concentrated on ensuring a smooth opening.
The opening ceremony for Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting is scheduled for 10:00 AM on July 8th at the new broadcasting center and will include a signal transmission ceremony and a commemorative tree planting. The day before the launch, on July 7th, a celebratory concert featuring famous singers will be held at the South Chungcheong Provincial Government's multi-purpose plaza from 6:30 PM for two hours, celebrating the birth of Chungnam Traffic Broadcasting with the 2.2 million residents of the province.
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