[2] JTBC is a generalist channel, with programming consisting of television series, variety shows, and news broadcasting; its news division is held in similar regard to the three main terrestrial networks in South Korea.

[citation needed] JTBC was one of four new South Korean nationwide generalist cable TV networks alongside Dong-A Ilbo's Channel A, Chosun Ilbo's TV Chosun and Maeil Kyungje's MBN launch in 2011,[3][4][5][6][7] to serve as supplementary networks to the existing conventional free-to-air TV networks like KBS, MBC, SBS and other smaller channels launched following deregulation in 1990.

In 1964, it founded the Tongyang Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) and ran the network for 16 years.

However, TBC was forced to merge with the state-run KBS by the military regime of Chun Doo-hwan in 1980.

At its founding in 2011, some media analysts considered the return of JoongAng Ilbo to television in JTBC as the reincarnation of TBC.