Channel A "No Directive from News Headquarters on Violation of Reporting Ethics"

KCC "A Fact-Finding Committee Including External Members Must Be Formed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] Comprehensive programming channel Channel A expressed regret regarding recent allegations of collusion between its affiliated reporter and the prosecution. On the 9th, Kim Jae-ho and Kim Cha-soo, co-CEOs, stated at the Korea Communications Commission’s “Hearing on Channel A’s Reauthorization” held at the Government Complex Gwacheon, “We violated journalistic ethics through inappropriate behavior during the reporting process.” They said, “In pursuit of interviews, we promised to facilitate favorable treatment if the prosecution expanded investigations or provided article tips,” and added, “We sincerely apologize for actions that contravened the code of ethics.”

The two CEOs admitted that a reporter sent a letter to Lee Cheol, former CEO of the investment group VIK previously involved with SillaJen, and persuaded a source known as Lee Cheol’s representative by mentioning the possibility of prosecution investigations into the family, arguing that providing tips could lead to leniency in the prosecution’s investigation. They denied allegations that executives in the news division ordered or condoned the reporting. They explained, “News division executives were unable to verify the inappropriate reporting process in advance.”

Earlier, Channel A formed a fact-finding committee centered on six executives from the news division and the review office. On this day, the Korea Communications Commission insisted that the fact-finding committee should include external personnel. Channel A responded, “We will review this.” They added, “Since there will be future prosecution investigations, we will conduct the inquiry as thoroughly as possible to prevent distortion of facts.” They further stated, “It is difficult to specify the end date of the internal fact-finding committee, but it is unlikely that results will be available before the 21st,” and “The investigation results will be announced publicly.”

The two CEOs revealed, “The fact-finding committee is investigating after confiscating the reporter’s mobile phone. The laptop obtained from the reporter has been sent for external examination.” They also added, “The transcript is summarized on half an A4 page, but since some content differs from MBC’s report, we are investigating.”

Meanwhile, the two CEOs said, “It is difficult to identify whether the prosecution official mentioned in the transcript is the chief prosecutor who appeared in the media.” They explained, “The reporter stated in another investigation that the transcript content was heard from multiple legal professionals.” In response, the Korea Communications Commission reiterated, “Despite ten days having passed since Channel A formed the fact-finding committee, the investigation is insufficient. To ensure objectivity and reliability of the inquiry, external experts must be included in the fact-finding committee.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.