[The Hankyoreh, August 29 2007] Gov’t is considering revising press room guidelines

Journalists gain ground and gov’t backs down in the battle over press freedoms

The Government Information Agency is considering an overhaul of a controversial measure that it has claimed would increase support for journalistic activities. Possible revision of the measure comes following harsh criticism launched by members of the press, who are concerned that the press guidelines would restrict their access to information and thus infringe upon the public’s right to know.

“Regarding the revision of the Prime Minister’s guidelines, we will make some improvements after reviewing the opinions that journalists have expressed on the matter,” GIA Chief Kim Chang-ho told reporters in a briefing. “ As for the revision issue, we will have plenty of time to collect opinions.”