New KBS chief blockaded from office by unionists

By Shin Hae-in
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- Unionized workers at South Korea's largest broadcaster
KBS on Tuesday launched an office blockade against their newly appointed chief,
whom they accuse of being a political appointee parachuted in by the government.
President Lee Myung-bak appointed Kim In-kyu, his media adviser during the 2007
presidential election, as new chief of the public broadcaster ostensibly after
Kim's nomination by the KBS board last Thursday, sparking objection from
employees who suspect the administration of attempting to tame TV networks.
Kim, who was scheduled to officially begin his duties Tuesday, failed to enter
KBS building, facing some 250 union members barring his entrance. Kim's inaugural
ceremony was delayed without further notice.
"The Lee Myung-bak administration is attempting to castrate the independence of
public broadcasting by appointing a presidential adviser to the top position,"
the KBS union said in an earlier press release.
The union said it will go on an indefinite strike from Dec. 3 after holding an
all-members' vote Nov. 26-30 on the issue.
Kim's appointment comes amid lingering confrontation between Lee and the public
TV station over his market-oriented media reforms and an alleged attempt to
increase control of media by filling its top positions with those favorable to
the conservative government.
Employees at KBS have launched several strikes over the past year, protesting
against the appointment of Lee Byung-soon who took office after Jung Yun-joo, a
well-known dissenter to the incumbent administration's media policy, was
dismissed by the government.
Jung's dismissal came last summer when President Lee saw his young presidency
rattled by critical reports from domestic broadcasting firms on his policies
including the decision to resume imports of U.S. beef.
While the government held Jung responsible for up to US$150 million in losses
during his five years in office, critics berated the measure as a scheme to
replace a supporter of the former government.
Critics see the issue as closely related to President Lee's media reforms under
which large firms and major newspapers will be allowed to own television
networks.
The previous law prohibited the cross-ownership of print media and television
stations to prevent monopoly in the media industry.
Supporters of new KBS head Kim say the nomination was rightfully made as the
broadcaster is in need of an experienced man to tackle various pending issues,
including an increase in the TV subscription fee and successfully transitioning
to a digital broadcasting system by 2013.
South Korea's broadcasting law stipulates the president's right to appoint the
chief of a state-run television firm.
hayney@yna.co.kr
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