Gov’t is considering revising press room guidelines

Posted on : 2007-08-29 10:19 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
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.”

The government recently proposed the measure, under which it would consolidate the press rooms of its 37 major agencies into three centralized briefing centers, thereby effectively impeding direct contact between reporters and government officials. Kim’s remarks refer to the guidelines issued earlier this year by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, under which reporters are required to contact public relations officers before being permitted to ask questions or meet with government officials. The guidelines also stipulate that reporters and officials meet only in designated areas. These two requirements prompted an outcry from reporters, who claim that the regulations would restrict their work.

“After reviewing the comments and complaints from the media, we will find reasonable measures and revise the guidelines so as not to cause further misunderstanding and controversy,” a government official said on condition of anonymity.

At a cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo said that the criticism against the government measure comes in large part from a misunderstanding and emphasized the need to have talks with the media via both direct and indirect channels.

Meanwhile, journalists covering the Ministry of Construction and Transportation issued a statement, the second of its kind following another released last week, in which they pledged to remain in the press room, even after the ministry goes ahead with the planned shutdown of all press rooms throughout the city. The statement also says that the journalists will continue to fight for the protection of people’s right to know. Other reporters at major government agencies plan to follow suit by releasing statements voicing their opposition on Aug. 30.

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