CBCK News
2009-08-24 11:07
2009-08-24 11:07
8,503
Communications on Aug. 17, 2001
* A Statement Issued to Urge Media Firms to Repent their Little Effort for Media Reform and Government to Clear up Doubt of its Repression on Media


On Aug. 2, thirty two prominent figures from all walks of the society including the Most Rev. Peter Kang, Episcopal Vicar for Social Apostolates of Archdiocese of Seoul and Rev. Lee Han-taek, President of Jesuit-run Sogang University had a press conference at YMCA(Young Men's Christian Association) in downtown Seoul and issued a statement regarding the media reform.
The statement said, “Media reform has been our long-time dream, so we want to contribute for it in solidarity with civic groups."

A joint statement under theme of 'Our Position on the Media Issues of Recent Time' pointed out important aspects to be considered with regard to the media reform which are independence of the editorial right and protection of the media freedom from the government; independence of editorial right from advertisement agents and presidents of the firm; maintenance of media freedom from groups for profit including labor union; respect for readers' right to know; protection of private life and reputation of people from media violence; transparency of management and stabilization of ABC system; promotion of professionalism for fare information and moral consciousness; prevention to make media propaganda tool for benefit of media firms etc. And continued to say "The media reform is a mission of the time, but the media firms have neglected it. The media workers have to make a sincere self-examination on this matter.?
With regard to tax investigation it urged the government to make a clear presentation that is acceptable by all but not to make a 'sanctuary' which leaves doubts about media investigation.
The statement pointed out also that presidents of media firms, editorial responsible and front line journalists should reflect on their own behavior regarding their duties prior to blame pressure from outside.
"In order to be free from influence of the government the media firms like MBC, KBS, YTN and AP that are connected with government should reform the hiring system and possession structure." the statement said.