[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] The Open Democratic Party pledged to reform the system to ensure legal sanctions are imposed, stating that "the malicious and biased broadcasts of comprehensive programming channels are in a serious situation." They also proposed the introduction of punitive damages for malicious false reporting and the enactment of a Misinformation Prevention Act.
On the 1st, the Open Democratic Party stated at the National Assembly Communication Office, "The reality is that our country's media is controlled by a few privileged families. Moreover, they maintain permanent power."
They continued, "These media families broadcast their private interests directly through newspaper pages and TV screens. Although the Moon Jae-in administration was established by the power of the candlelight protests, the media power has not changed at all," emphasizing, "The Open Democratic Party will stop the tyranny of the chaebol media."
Regarding comprehensive programming channels, they said, "The Korea Communications Standards Commission has only imposed light punishments. We will reform the composition and functions of the Korea Communications Standards Commission to ensure that harsh legal sanctions are imposed on malicious and biased broadcasts."
They explained that the punitive damages system imposes compensation far exceeding the actual damage when the media deliberately fabricates the truth. The Open Democratic Party stated, "By imposing high compensation fees, we will change the media culture that enjoys power without taking responsibility."
They also argued that even in cases of serious negligence without malice, appropriate responsibility must be taken for false reports. The Open Democratic Party said, "It is no longer acceptable to be stingy with corrections, issuing only a tiny correction after running a false report as the front page headline or the first broadcast," adding, "Corrections corresponding to the amount of the false report must be made. To enforce such corrections and provide swift and comprehensive relief for media damages, we will establish a Media Consumer Protection Agency (tentative name)."
Currently, the Korea Press Arbitration Commission is composed of judges, former journalists, and media studies professors, which limits its ability to keep pace with new era changes. They also stated that the 'Act on Arbitration and Remedies of Media Disputes' will be abolished and a new 'Misinformation Prevention Act' (tentative name) will be created.
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