Committee head invokes authority to put media bill to vote

SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- A ruling party legislator invoked his authority as a parliamentary committee chairman Wednesday to put a controversial media ownership bill to a plenary vote, bypassing negotiations with the opposition bloc.

With rival parties apparently failing to reach common ground, Rep. Ko Heung-kil,
chairman of the National Assembly's committee overseeing media affairs, said he
had "no choice but to unilaterally present the bill" to a vote.
The bill has been a major stumbling block and a source of tension during
parliament's extraordinary session this month.
The government is seeking legal revisions to make way for the establishment of
media magnates, allowing one parent to simultaneously own print media and cable
television network.
Critics charge the plan would reorganize the market into just a handful of
financially resourceful companies, undermining diversity and ability to express
critical views of the government.