The government has announced that it will allow the nation’s terrestrial television broadcasters to air programs for 24 hours a day starting in October.

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) held a plenary session on Friday and decided to lift a ban on late-night broadcasting of terrestrial television broadcasters, including KBS, MBC and SBS.

Currently, the stations can air programs for 19 hours a day, starting from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m. the next day.

With the latest announcement, KBS 1TV plans to air programs for 24 hours a day starting next month, while the nation's two other major broadcasters also plan to gradually increase their broadcasting time.

The KCC expects the new measure will allow low-income people who cannot afford cable TV service to watch television programs late at night. It also believes the 24-hour broadcast will help keep the people better informed in the event of a disaster.