[Editorial] Censorship is a danger under new law

Now is the time for anyone to take issue with the excessive portrayals of obscenity and violence that appear in newspapers and on television. In this regard Culture-Information Minister Park Jie-Won recently said that the government would do everything possible to fight such unsavory practices, and his proposition is attracting public endorsement.

However, there is some criticism that Park`s statement is beyond his authority as the culture-information minister. With the enforcement of a new broadcasting law, the highest executive organ is the Broadcasting Commission, and accordingly most of authority that belonged to the culture ministry has been transferred to the commission. In particular, the commission is entrusted with inherent rights to sort out obscene and violent scenes. From this viewpoint, Park`s remarks that he would do away with sex and violence with his ministerial post at stake leaves room for a controversy.

However, Park¡¯s statements are reminiscent of the old-era practice under authoritarian regimes that the broadcasting commission chairman and presidents of three major broadcasting systems orchestrated the minister`s statement and expressed their support for it, as if they had reached a prior consensus on the matter.

The primary reason for the legislation of a new broadcasting law after five years of debate is to ensure the independence of broadcasters. For the safeguard of hard-won rights, the broadcasting body must maintain the rights in a dignified and authoritative manner. Hence, the commission members` passive attitude at this time is disappointing.

When the broadcasting commission first was organized in March, some related personnel in the broadcasting circles raised concerns about its membership. This is to say that the members fell short of safeguarding their vested rights from outside influence or interference. With this development, it seems that such an apprehension is probable.

The issue of portrayal of sexuality is not a matter that can be settled overnight. Under past regimes, steps against sexual content often were tried but ended in failure. This is because the broadcasting stations have the imperative of competition among them for drawing audiences.

Since the new legislation granted tremendous power to the broadcasting commission, its members have been urged to exercise their authority properly and to take the initiative in broadcasting policy matters through such measures as regulating excessive competition for ratings. The broadcasters must not be driven by the government any more, and at the same time, the government should refrain from suspicious activities that might infringe upon the rights of broadcasters.