hankyoreh

Cheong Wa Dae, or the Presidential Office, is believed to have accepted an arbitration proposal by the pro-government United New Democratic Party (UNDP) to amend or deleted core parts of its "plan for the modernization of media support" on the condition that journalists should follow the government's move to consolidate press rooms.

The Roh Moo-hyun administration has been pushing to restrict reporters' direct access to government officials as well as to reduce the number of press rooms in government offices, a controversial move that has been met with opposition from journalists.

A high-ranking official at Cheong Wa Dae, who asked not to be named, said on September 13 that "The UNDP's 'arbitration proposal for the modernization of media support' is regarded as a rational offer. Talks are underway to fully accept the arbitration proposal," the official said.

The UNDP's proposal centers on amending or deleting the guidelines issued earlier this year by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, under which journalists are required to contact public relations officials 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. The arbitration proposal allows journalists to meet or make a phone call with working-level and high-ranking officials for their work, on the condition of prior appointment. In addition, the proposal enables journalists to meet government officials in their offices, as well as to cover government agencies without registration. As for guidelines on off-the-record briefings and other restricted situations, the proposal requires government agencies to consult with journalists first before putting such regulations into place.

Taking into account the situation for reporters at the prosecution, the proposal requires the government to set up a briefing room at the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office and a 100-seat computer room in downtown Seoul for journalists' use, as well.