[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] The Korea Journalists Association issued a statement on the 9th demanding that SBS management "maintain the appointment consent system and withdraw the termination of the collective agreement" after SBS unilaterally notified the union of the termination of the collective agreement.
SBS management has notified the termination of the collective agreement, citing the union's refusal to accept the deletion of the 'management appointment consent system' clause agreed upon by labor and management.
The Journalists Association pointed out, "The appointment consent system, first introduced by SBS in broadcasting history in 2017, was an appointment consent system for the highest responsible persons in news, programming, and current affairs based on the grand principle of 'separation of ownership and management.' It was evaluated as a minimum device to secure media independence, production autonomy, and fair reporting," adding, "The management also submitted the agreement to the Korea Communications Commission's re-licensing review committee, stating it was a measure to strengthen fairness and independence in broadcasting."
The Journalists Association criticized, "SBS management, who praised the agreement so highly, is now unilaterally demanding its abolition in less than four years and terminated the collective agreement because the union did not accept this," adding, "Such actions are tantamount to abandoning the status and role as a public broadcaster and degenerating into a private company."
They further stated, "Unlike general companies, freedom in reporting and coverage is the lifeblood of the media. Since the introduction of the appointment consent system, SBS-affiliated reporters have enhanced the status of the broadcast with numerous exclusive reports," and warned, "If the appointment consent system for management is abolished and interference from the owner begins, there is no doubt that not only exclusive reports but even the very foundation of the broadcast will be shaken."
The Journalists Association urged, "To dispel these concerns, SBS management should promptly maintain the appointment consent system agreed upon by labor and management in 2017 and withdraw the termination of the collective agreement with the union and actively engage," emphasizing, "This should be remembered as the minimum working environment for members to do their best for SBS and the first step to gaining trust from viewers."
They added, "'We unite and fight against any oppression that infringes on press freedom.' This is one of the five tenets of the Korea Journalists Association," and concluded, "We will fight together so that SBS reporters can fulfill the essence of journalism in a free media environment."
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