[The Chosun Ilbo, April 10 2008] Gov't to Lift Press Ownership Restrictions

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yu In-chon on Wednesday said the government’s basic policy is to permit newspaper companies limited ownership of broadcasters. Yu made the remarks in a meeting with correspondents in New York on Tuesday. "The government is basically considering lifting restrictions” on the simultaneous ownership of newspapers and broadcasters, he said.

"We'll still have to undergo several processes including an inter-governmental discussion and a public hearing, but I think a bill on this issue can be submitted to the regular National Assembly session this year,” he added. Asked about the criteria, Yu pointed out that some newspapers such as the JoongAng Ilbo and the Maeil Business Newspaper already have cable TV stations. "It wouldn't be reasonable for the government to permit one newspaper to own a broadcaster but refuse the application of another."