[Editorial] Strained Relationships with the Press

We really wonder what the government of Roh Moo-hyun thinks of the press. Should the press just convey what the government says to the public like a parrot mimicking words?

We cannot but worry about the new government’s policy on the press, looking at the management measures on publicity activities issued by Culture-Tourism Minister Lee Chang-dong. Mr. Lee once said that his viewpoint on the press is like that of the president and measures by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism could send ripple effects throughout the other ministries.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism shut down its pressroom, and instead, introduced a briefing system, following the system in advanced nations. However, there has been ceaseless criticism that the spokesperson’s briefing is not enough since Cheong Wa Dae adopted the system earlier.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry is highly likely to confront the same response. According to measures announced by Mr. Lee, public workers who talked with reporters for coverage with the help of the official in charge of public information should report what they said. If these measures are taken, it is in effect impossible for news organizations to report news that points out a wrong government policy or is unfavorable to senior public officials. Who would disclose information that is disadvantageous to the government in its real name?

Mr. Lee said that a healthy tense relationship should be established between the government and the press. However, his measures are little more than oppression of the press.

Freedom of speech is a foundation for democracy. Mr. Lee should keep in mind that the public has the right to know information about the government. For this right, journalists access sources and report what information they have collected to the public, which is are their role and obligation. Limiting the scope of the coverage for reporters is tantamount to covering up people’s eyes and plugging their ears.

The government’s press policy ignoring consumers of information and controlling journalists’ coverage on the supplier side is unprecedented in Korean history. Even authoritarian governments in the past did not enforce such a press policy. It is very disappointing that the culture-tourism minister with hands-on experience has provided a plan to control the press as his first measure.

yuri@donga.com