Seoul City Councilor Gyeong Man-seon: "Mayor Oh Se-hoon Should Approach TBS with a Proper View of the Media Based on the Constitution and Broadcasting Act"

Mayor Oh Se-hoon Criticizes Biased Media Views... Requests Halt to Overreach of Broadcasting Programming Authority under Broadcasting Act

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seoul Metropolitan Council member Kyung Man-seon (Democratic Party, Gangseo 3) requested Mayor Oh Se-hoon on the 1st, during the 301st regular session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, to implement policies that secure a proper view of the media and further ensure the independence and autonomy of the media foundation TBS.

Before the question, Council member Kyung emphasized to Mayor Oh the importance of bipartisan cooperation for the development of Seoul, stating, "The harsh criticism of TBS during the candidacy period can be somewhat understood."

However, in response to Kyung's question, "What do you think about the biased expressions toward the media after becoming mayor?" Mayor Oh Se-hoon revealed a still biased view of the media, saying, "It is a kind of silent message. All work processes should be handled based on common sense. I do not view TBS politically fairly."

In response, Council member Kyung warned, "Article 4, Paragraph 2 of the Broadcasting Act clearly states that no one other than the law can impose any regulation or interference. Whether it is a silent message or action, if it takes the form of regulation or interference, it violates the Broadcasting Act. You should be careful with your remarks, knowing this yourself."

He also asserted, "TBS was designated as a 'responsible operating institution' by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in December 2008 during Mayor Oh Se-hoon's tenure, allowing it to operate independently. With its foundation status, its 'independence' has now reached a completion stage. Guaranteeing the independence of Media Foundation TBS depends on the mayor’s proper view of the media and increased funding."

There was also a remark encouraging Mayor Oh to appear on TBS. Council member Kyung praised, "TBS ranked 2nd among 162 radio channels in Korea as evaluated by the Korea Communications Commission. It has achieved remarkable growth in a short period of 30 years."

He then pointed out that Mayor Oh has not yet received a TBS work report, questioning, "Isn't it common sense to appear on TBS, which many Seoul citizens listen to, and explain the city administration?"

Mayor Oh agreed, saying, "That is common sense," but then reversed his statement by adding, "Self-purification must precede."

In response, Council member Kyung said, "TBS listeners are Seoul citizens," and criticized, "It is hard to accept the explanation that maintaining objectivity is difficult if TBS interviews Mayor Oh." He especially urged Mayor Oh to appear on TBS soon to mark his 100th day in office and to explain his administrative direction and current status in detail to Seoul citizens. He emphasized, "I hope Mayor Oh Se-hoon treats TBS with a proper view of the media based on our country's constitution and the Broadcasting Act."

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