[The Hankyoreh, August 29 2008] Fearing repercussions, MBC postpones program about mad cow
But experts worry the move could justify the administration’s efforts to privatize the broadcaster
Munhwa Broadcasting Corp. has sparked controversy by indefinitely postponing an episode of “MBC Special,” dealing with a British mother who lost her son to vCJD, the human form of mad cow disease, due to fears the program could “provoke prosecutors.” Broadcasting experts are criticizing the move, saying MBC’s over-defensive attitude could bring the ill effect of justifying the administration’s hard line drive towards the broadcaster.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
[The Hankyoreh, August 28 2008] New KBS president threatens to cancel programs
Cancellations could include programs critical of the government or those that are deemed racy
In his inaugural address yesterday, new KBS President Lee Byong-soon strongly hinted that programs that monitor and criticize public power like “Media Focus” and “Current Events Tonight Live” would be canceled. This is earning criticism as not only a violation of the principle of separating station management and programming as laid out in current broadcast laws, but also as an attempt to turn KBS into a government-run media in step with the administration and its ideological persuasions.
Cancellations could include programs critical of the government or those that are deemed racy
In his inaugural address yesterday, new KBS President Lee Byong-soon strongly hinted that programs that monitor and criticize public power like “Media Focus” and “Current Events Tonight Live” would be canceled. This is earning criticism as not only a violation of the principle of separating station management and programming as laid out in current broadcast laws, but also as an attempt to turn KBS into a government-run media in step with the administration and its ideological persuasions.
KBS PRESIDENT:
[The Hankyoreh, August 27 2008] Lee Myung-bak appoints new KBS president
KBS employees and civic groups respond with announcements that they will continue to protest the controversial appointment
President Lee Myung-bak appointed KBS Business President Lee Byong-soon as the new president of the Korean Broadcasting System on August 26.
The new appointee will complete the term of former KBS President Jung Yun-joo, which will last until November 2009. Lee began working for KBS in 1977 and was previously the president of KBS Media.
[The Hankyoreh, August 25 2008] [Editorial] Use of unofficial authority poisons selection of KBS president
There is widespread criticism of how key members of the Lee Myung-bak administration met secretly prior to the choosing of KBS’s new president to discuss what to do about it. The anger is completely natural because the news of this clearly reveals that the administration was conspiring to manipulate the broadcast media.
[The Hankyoreh, August 23 2008] Secret meeting held to appoint KBS president sparks widespread opposition
Korean Communications Commission chair, KBS board president and candidates for KBS president in attendance
Ahead of the naming of a new president of broadcaster Korean Broadcasting System, it has been revealed that Korean Communications Commission Chairman Choi Si-joong led a “secret meeting” between presidential chief of staff Chung Chung-kil, presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan, KBS board of directors chairman Yoo Jae-cheon and figures believed to be candidates to be the next KBS president.
[The Hankyoreh, August 23 2008] Foul play
Choi Si-joong of the Korea Communications Commission, the Blue House, and the head of the board of trustees at KBS are holding the broadcaster back so President Lee Myung-bak can score the man he wants in the position of president of KBS.
[The Hankyoreh, August 23 2008] [Editorial] Blue House should remove itself from KBS affair
It has been revealed that the Blue House is deeply involved in the KBS affair. It shows you how closely the Lee Myung-bak administration is plotting to manipulate the broadcast media when you learn that on August 17, influentials who constitute the inner circle of the administration met with KBS board chairman Yoo Jae-cheon and Kim Eun-gu, a former KBS board member and its presumptive next president.
On August 11 President Lee Myung-bak, while taking action of legally questionable legitimacy in firing KBS President Jung Yun-joo, said, “like other places, KBS must be reborn.” The best his administration could do to help it be reborn, however, was hold a strategy meeting to interfere in the choosing of the broadcaster’s new president. The people cannot help but be shocked at the inconsistency, since on the surface they have been talking about impartiality and political neutrality in broadcasting. Even more lamentable are the lies coming from those key administration figures, people who have repeatedly said they were not going to interfere. When the first news report exposing the Blue House’s involvement appeared, Kwak Kyung-soo, the Blue House’s senior public relations aide, expressed anger, saying the Blue House would demand a correction. It would have been more honest of him to just say the administration needs broadcasters favorable to it if it is going to succeed. Who will trust and follow a president whose administration lies with the regularity of a meal schedule?
[The Hankyoreh, August 27 2008] Lee Myung-bak appoints new KBS president
KBS employees and civic groups respond with announcements that they will continue to protest the controversial appointment
President Lee Myung-bak appointed KBS Business President Lee Byong-soon as the new president of the Korean Broadcasting System on August 26.
The new appointee will complete the term of former KBS President Jung Yun-joo, which will last until November 2009. Lee began working for KBS in 1977 and was previously the president of KBS Media.
[The Hankyoreh, August 25 2008] [Editorial] Use of unofficial authority poisons selection of KBS president
There is widespread criticism of how key members of the Lee Myung-bak administration met secretly prior to the choosing of KBS’s new president to discuss what to do about it. The anger is completely natural because the news of this clearly reveals that the administration was conspiring to manipulate the broadcast media.
[The Hankyoreh, August 23 2008] Secret meeting held to appoint KBS president sparks widespread opposition
Korean Communications Commission chair, KBS board president and candidates for KBS president in attendance
Ahead of the naming of a new president of broadcaster Korean Broadcasting System, it has been revealed that Korean Communications Commission Chairman Choi Si-joong led a “secret meeting” between presidential chief of staff Chung Chung-kil, presidential spokesman Lee Dong-kwan, KBS board of directors chairman Yoo Jae-cheon and figures believed to be candidates to be the next KBS president.
[The Hankyoreh, August 23 2008] Foul play
Choi Si-joong of the Korea Communications Commission, the Blue House, and the head of the board of trustees at KBS are holding the broadcaster back so President Lee Myung-bak can score the man he wants in the position of president of KBS.
[The Hankyoreh, August 23 2008] [Editorial] Blue House should remove itself from KBS affair
It has been revealed that the Blue House is deeply involved in the KBS affair. It shows you how closely the Lee Myung-bak administration is plotting to manipulate the broadcast media when you learn that on August 17, influentials who constitute the inner circle of the administration met with KBS board chairman Yoo Jae-cheon and Kim Eun-gu, a former KBS board member and its presumptive next president.
On August 11 President Lee Myung-bak, while taking action of legally questionable legitimacy in firing KBS President Jung Yun-joo, said, “like other places, KBS must be reborn.” The best his administration could do to help it be reborn, however, was hold a strategy meeting to interfere in the choosing of the broadcaster’s new president. The people cannot help but be shocked at the inconsistency, since on the surface they have been talking about impartiality and political neutrality in broadcasting. Even more lamentable are the lies coming from those key administration figures, people who have repeatedly said they were not going to interfere. When the first news report exposing the Blue House’s involvement appeared, Kwak Kyung-soo, the Blue House’s senior public relations aide, expressed anger, saying the Blue House would demand a correction. It would have been more honest of him to just say the administration needs broadcasters favorable to it if it is going to succeed. Who will trust and follow a president whose administration lies with the regularity of a meal schedule?
[The Hankyoreh, August 21 2008] [Cartoon] Critical concentration
“None of you move!!” yells President Lee Myung-bak.
In his concentration camp he has the KBS president, the MBC program “The Producer’s Notebook,” Koreans who are charged with encouraging a boycott of companies that advertise with the big three conservative newspapers, “candlelight” protesters, and now, Korean athletes in Beijing.
“None of you move!!” yells President Lee Myung-bak.
In his concentration camp he has the KBS president, the MBC program “The Producer’s Notebook,” Koreans who are charged with encouraging a boycott of companies that advertise with the big three conservative newspapers, “candlelight” protesters, and now, Korean athletes in Beijing.
[The Hankyoreh, August 21 2008] Arrest warrant sought for six accused of leading newspaper ad boycott
Some within the prosecution say charging the six with obstruction of business is inappropriate
With a court set to review a request by prosecutors to issue a warrant to arrest six Internet users, who are alleged to have led a campaign to persuade companies to stop placing ads in three conservative newspapers, the Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, and DongA Ilbo, the most critical issue is whether the six people conspired with other Internet users to obstruct the advertisers’ business.
The prosecution sought an arrest warrant August 19 for the six Internet users, who they are charging with obstruction of business for allegedly posting a list of the companies that advertise in the three conservative dailies on the Internet community site “National Campaign for Sovereignty of Media Consumers” and asking visitors to the site to call the companies. The 39-year-old creator of the site, who is only identified by the surname Lee, is among the six charged, all of whom are members of the site.
Some within the prosecution say charging the six with obstruction of business is inappropriate
With a court set to review a request by prosecutors to issue a warrant to arrest six Internet users, who are alleged to have led a campaign to persuade companies to stop placing ads in three conservative newspapers, the Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, and DongA Ilbo, the most critical issue is whether the six people conspired with other Internet users to obstruct the advertisers’ business.
The prosecution sought an arrest warrant August 19 for the six Internet users, who they are charging with obstruction of business for allegedly posting a list of the companies that advertise in the three conservative dailies on the Internet community site “National Campaign for Sovereignty of Media Consumers” and asking visitors to the site to call the companies. The 39-year-old creator of the site, who is only identified by the surname Lee, is among the six charged, all of whom are members of the site.
[The Hankyoreh, August 19 2008] [Editorial] Gov’t tries to tame the portals
The administration and the Grand National Party say they are going to revise laws like the Newspaper Act so as to be able to classify portal news sites as news media. Portal sites choose, arrange, and write titles for news articles, they are saying, so they need to bear the responsibility that goes with that.
Since a considerable number of Korean citizens are indeed getting a lot of their news at portal sites, one surely might say there needs to be some legal basis, framework, and rules in place. There is in fact a need for some apparatus to provide developmental momentum in the future, given Korea’s high-tech Internet base and culture. However, it does not look like the administration and ruling party’s motives for wanting regulation originated in such thinking.
The administration and the Grand National Party say they are going to revise laws like the Newspaper Act so as to be able to classify portal news sites as news media. Portal sites choose, arrange, and write titles for news articles, they are saying, so they need to bear the responsibility that goes with that.
Since a considerable number of Korean citizens are indeed getting a lot of their news at portal sites, one surely might say there needs to be some legal basis, framework, and rules in place. There is in fact a need for some apparatus to provide developmental momentum in the future, given Korea’s high-tech Internet base and culture. However, it does not look like the administration and ruling party’s motives for wanting regulation originated in such thinking.
[The Hankyoreh, August 16 2008] Cheong Wa Dae’s IP address linked to critical comment left on media union Web site
Statement that prompted the comment urged union members to attend hearing on Broadcast Law
The IP address of a critical comment attached to a posted statement on the homepage of the National Union of Media Workers has turned out to be from a computer located in the Cheong Wa Dae.
The union, ahead of a public hearing on revisions to the executive ordinance of the Broadcast Law, posted on its homepage August 14 a statement entitled, “Broadcast Communication Committee Members, Appear and Debate at the Hearing.”
An Internet user that uses the identity “Jungangin” criticized the statement in a comment left at 5:04 p.m. on August 14 in which he said there was no need for the committee members to attend the hearing since the deliberation process was taking place transparently. He said the union, which was hiding behind the mask of being media while thinking only of their rice bowls, should remove their masks and get jobs.
Statement that prompted the comment urged union members to attend hearing on Broadcast Law
The IP address of a critical comment attached to a posted statement on the homepage of the National Union of Media Workers has turned out to be from a computer located in the Cheong Wa Dae.
The union, ahead of a public hearing on revisions to the executive ordinance of the Broadcast Law, posted on its homepage August 14 a statement entitled, “Broadcast Communication Committee Members, Appear and Debate at the Hearing.”
An Internet user that uses the identity “Jungangin” criticized the statement in a comment left at 5:04 p.m. on August 14 in which he said there was no need for the committee members to attend the hearing since the deliberation process was taking place transparently. He said the union, which was hiding behind the mask of being media while thinking only of their rice bowls, should remove their masks and get jobs.
[The Hankyoreh, August 15 2008] Conservatives blame MBC program for candlelight protests
Prosecution may request arrest warrants and search and seizure warrants for MBC producers
[The Hankyoreh, August 14 2008] [Editorial] MBC’s compromising position
Yesterday the MBC program “The Producer’s Notebook” apologized on the air for its mad cow disease report, giving in to the Korea Communications Commission’s binding order to do so. Procedures do exist for challenging the order, but the broadcaster chose against that option and has reassigned the producer responsible as internal censure. The management’s decision goes directly against the position of the news media professionals who have resisted the prosecution’s investigation and the commission’s sanctions, seeing them as suppression of the media. It is also a betrayal of the country, which has trusted and supported the program.
Prosecution may request arrest warrants and search and seizure warrants for MBC producers
[The Hankyoreh, August 14 2008] [Editorial] MBC’s compromising position
Yesterday the MBC program “The Producer’s Notebook” apologized on the air for its mad cow disease report, giving in to the Korea Communications Commission’s binding order to do so. Procedures do exist for challenging the order, but the broadcaster chose against that option and has reassigned the producer responsible as internal censure. The management’s decision goes directly against the position of the news media professionals who have resisted the prosecution’s investigation and the commission’s sanctions, seeing them as suppression of the media. It is also a betrayal of the country, which has trusted and supported the program.
[The Hankyoreh, August 13 2008] Badman to the rescue
He arrests people who have committed no corruption, and sets free those who have. He’s going to put KBS President Jung Yun-joo into jail, while pardoning the corrupt chiefs of conglomerates and conservative newspaper companies.
He arrests people who have committed no corruption, and sets free those who have. He’s going to put KBS President Jung Yun-joo into jail, while pardoning the corrupt chiefs of conglomerates and conservative newspaper companies.
[The Hankyoreh, August 13 2008] YouTube subject to Korea’s real name system
Will Google go or stay and search for a solution?
Global Internet firm Google has fallen into the trap of Korea’s “real name system.”
Google’s YouTube (youtube.com), the world’s largest video site, has become subject to the real name system, which obliges Internet users to use their real names when posting information to Web sites. YouTube now stands at a crossroads and must decide whether to adopt the real name system or alter or drop its service in Korea.
The government announced on July 22 comprehensive measures to protect online information, expanding the number of sites subject to the real name system from media outlets, portals and UCC sites getting up to 300,000 visitors a day to those getting just 100,000 a day. YouTube, which was getting 800,000 visitors weekly as of the second week of August, will from next year be subject to the real name system. An official with the Korea Communications Commission said that YouTube, even though it is an overseas site, will not be exempt from the system, and that Google has, in the past, accepted Korean regulations, such as those regarding underage protections.
Will Google go or stay and search for a solution?
Global Internet firm Google has fallen into the trap of Korea’s “real name system.”
Google’s YouTube (youtube.com), the world’s largest video site, has become subject to the real name system, which obliges Internet users to use their real names when posting information to Web sites. YouTube now stands at a crossroads and must decide whether to adopt the real name system or alter or drop its service in Korea.
The government announced on July 22 comprehensive measures to protect online information, expanding the number of sites subject to the real name system from media outlets, portals and UCC sites getting up to 300,000 visitors a day to those getting just 100,000 a day. YouTube, which was getting 800,000 visitors weekly as of the second week of August, will from next year be subject to the real name system. An official with the Korea Communications Commission said that YouTube, even though it is an overseas site, will not be exempt from the system, and that Google has, in the past, accepted Korean regulations, such as those regarding underage protections.
[The Hankyoreh, August 13 2008] Newspaper execs granted presidential pardons free to move into broadcasting
Relationship between government and media likely to grow stronger following pardons, critics say
Critics of President Lee Myung-bak’s decision to pardon convicted executives from the three major conservative newspapers have characterized the move as a symbolic step toward a “new era of cozy ties between the government and media.” It was announced on August 12 that more than 340,000 convicted businesspeople will be pardoned on Liberation Day, August 15.
The critics say that compared with the presidential pardons for convicted businesspeople, made to “save the economy,” the pardons to be granted to the conservative media executives, including the Chosun Ilbo President Bang Sang-hoon and executives from the JoongAng Ilbo and the DongA Ilbo, are unjustified because none of the executives have apologized for their crimes, yet seem to have contempt for the prosecutors and judges that convicted them. The newspaper executives were all convicted of large-scale tax evasion.
Relationship between government and media likely to grow stronger following pardons, critics say
Critics of President Lee Myung-bak’s decision to pardon convicted executives from the three major conservative newspapers have characterized the move as a symbolic step toward a “new era of cozy ties between the government and media.” It was announced on August 12 that more than 340,000 convicted businesspeople will be pardoned on Liberation Day, August 15.
The critics say that compared with the presidential pardons for convicted businesspeople, made to “save the economy,” the pardons to be granted to the conservative media executives, including the Chosun Ilbo President Bang Sang-hoon and executives from the JoongAng Ilbo and the DongA Ilbo, are unjustified because none of the executives have apologized for their crimes, yet seem to have contempt for the prosecutors and judges that convicted them. The newspaper executives were all convicted of large-scale tax evasion.
Monday, September 01, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, September 1 2008] Korea's e-Government Again Ranked World's Best
Korea has been voted best e-government for the third straight year in a report from a U.S.-based think tank.
The Brookings Institution evaluated nearly 1,700 government websites from almost 200 countries for the ranking.
Korea scored well for its online foreign language service, protection of private information and access for users with disabilities.
Korea has been voted best e-government for the third straight year in a report from a U.S.-based think tank.
The Brookings Institution evaluated nearly 1,700 government websites from almost 200 countries for the ranking.
Korea scored well for its online foreign language service, protection of private information and access for users with disabilities.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 29 2008] Seoul to Issue Tax Receipts Online
From next month, Seoul residents can download their municipal tax receipts online.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the new measure aims to streamline the process, which normally involves a visit to a local government office.
From next month, Seoul residents can download their municipal tax receipts online.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the new measure aims to streamline the process, which normally involves a visit to a local government office.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 28 2008] New KBS President Promises Change
The new KBS president Lee Byung-soon on Wednesday hinted there will be massive reform in all sectors of the public broadcaster, from programming to management and organization. Lee was speaking at an inauguration ceremony at TV Open Hall in the KBS main building on Wednesday morning,
In his inaugural address, Lee promised to “secure the independence and autonomy of KBS, turning it into a public broadcaster that earns the viewers fees and makes viewers want to pay more.” He promised to make KBS a strong organization by introducing effective competition.
The new KBS president Lee Byung-soon on Wednesday hinted there will be massive reform in all sectors of the public broadcaster, from programming to management and organization. Lee was speaking at an inauguration ceremony at TV Open Hall in the KBS main building on Wednesday morning,
In his inaugural address, Lee promised to “secure the independence and autonomy of KBS, turning it into a public broadcaster that earns the viewers fees and makes viewers want to pay more.” He promised to make KBS a strong organization by introducing effective competition.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 27 2008] Hanafos to Offer Online File Restoration Service
A new online service will enable the restoration of lost information from computer hard drives. Hanafos.com said Tuesday that it has launched a web-based service that restores users’ deleted data.
A new online service will enable the restoration of lost information from computer hard drives. Hanafos.com said Tuesday that it has launched a web-based service that restores users’ deleted data.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 26 2008] The New KBS President Has a Big Job Ahead
The board of directors at public broadcaster KBS nominated Lee Byong-soon, chief executive officer of affiliate KBS Business, after interviewing and screening four candidates. If President Lee Myung-bak chooses Lee as KBS president, the public broadcaster will get its first chief executive in 35 years to be chosen from within its own ranks. The 11 former KBS presidents were selected from outside the company’s ranks, with either public service or media backgrounds.
The board of directors at public broadcaster KBS nominated Lee Byong-soon, chief executive officer of affiliate KBS Business, after interviewing and screening four candidates. If President Lee Myung-bak chooses Lee as KBS president, the public broadcaster will get its first chief executive in 35 years to be chosen from within its own ranks. The 11 former KBS presidents were selected from outside the company’s ranks, with either public service or media backgrounds.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 26 2008] KBS Insider to Head Network
Lee Byong-soon, the 59-year-old chief of KBS Business, was nominated as the new head of probably Korea’s most influential public broadcaster on Monday. President Lee Myung-bak plans to appoint him to the post on Tuesday. Lee will head KBS for the remainder of the term of Jung Yun-joo, who was fired earlier this month, which ends in November next year.
Lee Byong-soon, the 59-year-old chief of KBS Business, was nominated as the new head of probably Korea’s most influential public broadcaster on Monday. President Lee Myung-bak plans to appoint him to the post on Tuesday. Lee will head KBS for the remainder of the term of Jung Yun-joo, who was fired earlier this month, which ends in November next year.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 22 2008] Portals Must Make Voluntary Changes
The Korea Communications Commission came up with a revision of the country’s Act on Promotion of Utilization of Information and Communication Network and Data Protection so that Internet portals will face fines of up to W30 million if they fail to abide by a request from a defamation victim to delete a piece of writing posted on a portal (US$1=W1,055). Also, portals must monitor their own websites so that unlawful information does not float around, while being required to notify individuals whose private information has been exposed in case of hacking or by accident.
The Korea Communications Commission came up with a revision of the country’s Act on Promotion of Utilization of Information and Communication Network and Data Protection so that Internet portals will face fines of up to W30 million if they fail to abide by a request from a defamation victim to delete a piece of writing posted on a portal (US$1=W1,055). Also, portals must monitor their own websites so that unlawful information does not float around, while being required to notify individuals whose private information has been exposed in case of hacking or by accident.
DOKDO:
[The Chosun Ilbo, September 1 2008] Japan's Defense White Paper to Mention Dokdo
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 29 2008] Japan 'Should Recognize Korea's Effective Control of Dokdo'
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 26 2008] Netizens Fund Dokdo Ad in Washington Post
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 22 2008] Japanese Group Stands Up for Dokdo
[The Chosun Ilbo, September 1 2008] Japan's Defense White Paper to Mention Dokdo
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 29 2008] Japan 'Should Recognize Korea's Effective Control of Dokdo'
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 26 2008] Netizens Fund Dokdo Ad in Washington Post
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 22 2008] Japanese Group Stands Up for Dokdo
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 21 2008] Web Portals To Be Fined W30 Mln for Defamatory Posts
Web portals will be fined up to W30 million unless they remove articles from sites at the request of a defamation victim. The Korea Communications Commission on Wednesday said it will revise the Act on Promotion of Utilization of Information and Communication Network and Data Protection to that effect.
Web portals will be fined up to W30 million unless they remove articles from sites at the request of a defamation victim. The Korea Communications Commission on Wednesday said it will revise the Act on Promotion of Utilization of Information and Communication Network and Data Protection to that effect.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 21 2008] Court in Snub to Ex-KBS President
The Seoul Administrative Court on Wednesday rejected an application to review the dismissal of KBS president Jung Yun-joo. The court said information submitted did not suggest the dismissal at the hands of President Lee Myung-bak was illegal.
The Seoul Administrative Court on Wednesday rejected an application to review the dismissal of KBS president Jung Yun-joo. The court said information submitted did not suggest the dismissal at the hands of President Lee Myung-bak was illegal.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 19 2008] KBS Shooting Itself in the Foot
State-run broadcaster KBS aired a special program on Sunday on Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who became the country's premier in May for the third time, alleging that the media mogul's control over state broadcaster RAI has threatened media objectivity and democracy. The program said that after top management at RAI were replaced, various news programs took a "sandwich" approach by broadcasting the government's opinions first, followed by criticism from opposition parties and finally the stance of the ruling party, leading to an imbalance in news where the government and ruling party's positions account for two-thirds of news content.
KBS should speak for itself. It has set a new standard when it comes to brazenness. In its coverage of the impeachment motion against former president Roh Moo-hyun in March 2004, the KBS program "Media Focus" aired seven consecutive interviews with people opposed to the impeachment and not a single one who supported the move. Looking at the entire lineup of KBS programs on the impeachment motion, there were 22 people who opposed it and just one who supported it.
State-run broadcaster KBS aired a special program on Sunday on Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who became the country's premier in May for the third time, alleging that the media mogul's control over state broadcaster RAI has threatened media objectivity and democracy. The program said that after top management at RAI were replaced, various news programs took a "sandwich" approach by broadcasting the government's opinions first, followed by criticism from opposition parties and finally the stance of the ruling party, leading to an imbalance in news where the government and ruling party's positions account for two-thirds of news content.
KBS should speak for itself. It has set a new standard when it comes to brazenness. In its coverage of the impeachment motion against former president Roh Moo-hyun in March 2004, the KBS program "Media Focus" aired seven consecutive interviews with people opposed to the impeachment and not a single one who supported the move. Looking at the entire lineup of KBS programs on the impeachment motion, there were 22 people who opposed it and just one who supported it.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 19 2008] Google Video a Hotbed of Illegal Videos
The Korean version of Google Video, the search engine recently launched by Google Korea, is becoming a hotbed of illegal clips. Despite its powerful search technology, the site seems powerless to prevent users uploading pornography and copyrighted content.
Google Video shows millions of clips searched through all over the web from overseas services such as MySpace.com, plus major domestic video-sharing sites, including Daum TV Pot, Pandora TV, Mgoon and Mncast, as well as its own YouTube.
The Korean version of Google Video, the search engine recently launched by Google Korea, is becoming a hotbed of illegal clips. Despite its powerful search technology, the site seems powerless to prevent users uploading pornography and copyrighted content.
Google Video shows millions of clips searched through all over the web from overseas services such as MySpace.com, plus major domestic video-sharing sites, including Daum TV Pot, Pandora TV, Mgoon and Mncast, as well as its own YouTube.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 18 2008] Laws to Rein in Internet Portals Are Needed
The government and the ruling Grand National Party have decided to revise related laws governing print and online news outlets, classifying Internet portals as news organizations so that they will face more social responsibility. The aim is to classify Internet portals so they fall under the jurisdiction of the Press Arbitration Commission and can be held accountable in a court of law if an article carried by them draws libel complaints.
The government and the ruling Grand National Party have decided to revise related laws governing print and online news outlets, classifying Internet portals as news organizations so that they will face more social responsibility. The aim is to classify Internet portals so they fall under the jurisdiction of the Press Arbitration Commission and can be held accountable in a court of law if an article carried by them draws libel complaints.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 18 2008] New Law to Group Web Portals With News Outlets
The government and ruling party will define web portals as news outlets to enhance their social responsibilities and obligations. In a recent working-level meeting, the ruling Grand National Party and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism agreed to revise the Newspaper Law to that effect.
The move comes after criticism of web portals for playing host to defamation and other violations while playing a similar role to the news media by gathering and editing news.
The government and ruling party will define web portals as news outlets to enhance their social responsibilities and obligations. In a recent working-level meeting, the ruling Grand National Party and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism agreed to revise the Newspaper Law to that effect.
The move comes after criticism of web portals for playing host to defamation and other violations while playing a similar role to the news media by gathering and editing news.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 18 2008] Internet Shopping Mall Helps Businesses Succeed
Internet shopping is changing the way we do business. And this is helping struggling domestic companies find new ways to increase profits.
The Korea National Statistical Office says local start-ups doing business online have more than doubled since 2001. This is because people can operate Internet shopping malls on relatively low budgets, with considerably less items than a regular store.
Internet shopping is changing the way we do business. And this is helping struggling domestic companies find new ways to increase profits.
The Korea National Statistical Office says local start-ups doing business online have more than doubled since 2001. This is because people can operate Internet shopping malls on relatively low budgets, with considerably less items than a regular store.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 14 2008] MBC Must Atone by Telling the Truth
MBC apologized to viewers on Tuesday for misleading them with misinterpretations and exaggerations about the risks of mad cow disease in the current affairs program “PD Diary.” It had been 106 days since PD Diary aired the first report on April 29 on the risks of mad cow disease that drove the entire country into hysteria. The apology followed an order by the Korea Communications Standards Commission on July 16. Following its main newscast that night, MBC showed the text of the KCSC order on air and read aloud its content, telling viewers that it apologized from the bottom of its heart.
MBC apologized to viewers on Tuesday for misleading them with misinterpretations and exaggerations about the risks of mad cow disease in the current affairs program “PD Diary.” It had been 106 days since PD Diary aired the first report on April 29 on the risks of mad cow disease that drove the entire country into hysteria. The apology followed an order by the Korea Communications Standards Commission on July 16. Following its main newscast that night, MBC showed the text of the KCSC order on air and read aloud its content, telling viewers that it apologized from the bottom of its heart.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 13 2008] Int’l Press Hail Korean Performance in Beijing
The international press is praising Korean athletes who are performing superbly by winning gold medals almost every day.
China News, a quasi-official Chinese news agency, on Tuesday selected three top athletes or athletic teams of the Beijing Olympics -- American swimmer Michael Phelps, who has been breaking world records every time, the South Korean women's archery team, who won the team title for the sixth time in a row, and the American basketball dream team of NBA superstars. "After the semifinals, the South Korean women's archery team shot all arrows into the central gold target area. We must bow our heads to their divine skills,” it wrote.
The international press is praising Korean athletes who are performing superbly by winning gold medals almost every day.
China News, a quasi-official Chinese news agency, on Tuesday selected three top athletes or athletic teams of the Beijing Olympics -- American swimmer Michael Phelps, who has been breaking world records every time, the South Korean women's archery team, who won the team title for the sixth time in a row, and the American basketball dream team of NBA superstars. "After the semifinals, the South Korean women's archery team shot all arrows into the central gold target area. We must bow our heads to their divine skills,” it wrote.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 21 2008] Korea Switches to E-Passports
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 13 2008] Korea to Issue E-passports in Late August
From the 25th of this month, new passports with an electronic security chip will be issued.
The chip contains personal information such as birth-date and photo. Citizens will have to have their fingerprints taken at government offices to apply for the new passport.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 13 2008] Korea to Issue E-passports in Late August
From the 25th of this month, new passports with an electronic security chip will be issued.
The chip contains personal information such as birth-date and photo. Citizens will have to have their fingerprints taken at government offices to apply for the new passport.
[The Chosun Ilbo, August 12 2008] Beware of 'WWIII' E-mails, IT Security Firm Warns
Computer users have been warned beware of a spam e-mail spreading false news that World War III has started. In recent analysis of worldwide malicious spam campaigns released on Monday, computer security firm Symantec warned of the mail, titled "WWIII Has Started: U.S. Troops Have Attacked Iran." If users click on the video out of curiosity, they will see their computers contaminated with a malicious code and hacker may steal their personal information.
Computer users have been warned beware of a spam e-mail spreading false news that World War III has started. In recent analysis of worldwide malicious spam campaigns released on Monday, computer security firm Symantec warned of the mail, titled "WWIII Has Started: U.S. Troops Have Attacked Iran." If users click on the video out of curiosity, they will see their computers contaminated with a malicious code and hacker may steal their personal information.
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