The International Federation of Journalists
(IFJ) joins UNI Global Union, and the unions of broadcasters MBCTV, KBSTV and
YTN,in expressing its grave concern over reports of
intimidation of union members and interference in reporting and editing of the
South Korean public broadcaster MBCTV.
On January
25, 170 MBCTV news reporters and cameramen staged a ‘walk out’ demonstration in
the lobby of MBC TV, in response to alleged interference in the broadcaster’s
editorial independence and the intimidation of union members.
Since then,
MBCTV union members have held daily rallies and picketed in the streets to seek
public support for their struggle. Members have reported incidents of
intimidation, directed at those taking part in the demonstrations.
Employees at the public
broadcaster, and their unions, are concerned by government controls on state
media and their diminished independence due to strong ties between high-ranking
government officers and media company managements.
The MBCTV union
previously took strike action to protect freedom of speech at MBCTV in 2010, after which
many union members, including the union president, were dismissed.
“Press freedom cannot be achieved in an environment
where journalists are unable to freely associate and advocate for their rights”,
IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline
Park said.
“The
IFJ calls on MBCTV’s management to investigate all claims of intimidation of
union members, and take action to ensure that all employees are able to enjoy
their right to unionise and take industrial action without fear of reprisal.
The
IFJ also calls on MBCTV’s management to guarantee editorial independence and
press freedom at the broadcaster”.
For further
information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific
on +612 9333 0950
The IFJ
represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries
Find the
IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific
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IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific