KCSC Issues 'Caution' to MBC's '2 O'Clock Date'
"Host Who Used Profanity on Air Received Two-Year Suspension"
The Korea Communications Standards Commission has decided on a severe disciplinary action against MBC FM's '2 O'Clock Date with An Young-mi' for the host's use of profanity during a live broadcast.
On the 31st, the Commission held a full meeting and announced that it had decided on a legal sanction of 'caution' against MBC FM's '2 O'Clock Date with An Young-mi.'
Last October, the radio host An Young-mi caused controversy by uttering profanity during the segment 'An Young-mi's Gandan-gandan.'
The MBC side stated regarding the host's profanity, "It was a clear mistake, and we have reminded the host that one should not make mistakes while excessively pursuing entertainment, and we have obtained a pledge to prevent recurrence." They added, "We are also considering measures such as segment cancellation or adjustment if similar incidents occur."
Chairman Ryu Hee-rim pointed out, "The production team must have heard the profanity during the live broadcast, but there was no apology at the end of the program; only an apology message aired the next day, and no apology statement was posted." Commissioner Kim Jung-soo also noted, "There was insufficient appropriate follow-up action. The show host who used profanity on air received a two-year suspension, so this is a lenient measure."
The Commission also decided on a legal sanction of caution regarding SBS FM's 'Escape at 2 O'Clock Cultwo Show,' following complaints that in May last year, the program introduced a story involving a man's testicles and repeatedly used vulgar language. Commissioner Kang Kyung-pil pointed out, "The broadcast content was chosen from the posts, and it was not an accidental remark by the host, yet inappropriate content was aired." Chairman Ryu also demanded careful selection of radio stories and special language education for hosts.
In response, SBS stated, "We deeply reflect on our somewhat careless attitude that failed to consider listeners' perspectives and will strive to prevent recurrence."
The Commission decided on an administrative guidance recommendation for JTBC's 'Incident Commander' for broadcasting a mosaic-censored photo of a woman urinating outdoors. It also issued an administrative guidance recommendation to KBS for airing news that included an interview with a hospital director prosecuted for violating medical laws, who claimed that local stem cell therapy is effective for all degenerative arthritis.
Meanwhile, the Commission decided on a legal sanction of caution against SK Stoa for exaggerated advertising by selling the 'Interpark Phu Quoc 5-day' product, falsely implying that all products included a limited daily 10-seat round-trip direct flight with Korean Air. Chairman Ryu said, "It is seriously deceptive to make all consumers believe they can travel by national carrier and then induce sales of travel products including other flights by claiming the limited seats are sold out and there is no choice."
The Commission's decisions are categorized as 'No problem,' administrative guidance stages of 'Opinion Presentation' and 'Recommendation,' and legal sanctions including 'Caution,' 'Warning,' 'Program correction/modification/suspension or personnel disciplinary action,' and 'Fines.' Legal sanctions are applied as demerit factors during broadcasters' license renewal or reapproval and are regarded as severe disciplinary actions.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
