Joo Jin-woo: "Cutting off the Livelihood is the Worst Form of Press Oppression"

TBS Radio Program Hosts Step Down One After Another
'Anin Bamjung-e Joo Jin-woo Imnida', 'Shin Jang-sik's Shin Jang Opening', 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory'

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Reporter Joo Jin-woo, who hosts the TBS radio program 'Anin Bamjung-e Joo Jin-woo Imnida,' will step down from the program at the end of the year. The program 'Shin Jang-sik-ui Shin Jang Ga-eop' will also be discontinued. Earlier, Kim Eo-jun, head of Ddanzi Ilbo and host of 'Kim Eo-jun-ui News Factory,' also announced his departure.

On the 12th, lawyer Shin Jang-sik and reporter Joo announced their departure on air and expressed criticism. Early in the broadcast, reporter Joo stated, "(I) have made my clear and precise position known," hinting that he would resign alongside Kim and lawyer Shin.

Reporter Joo said, "It is not important how long or when this happens. Cutting off the livelihood of an organization just because they dislike a certain person or program is the worst form of media suppression. Mayor Oh Se-hoon will be remembered for media oppression." He added, "(The departure) could be tomorrow or the day after; no one knows. It is sad, but I will plant apple trees every day."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lawyer Shin said on the afternoon broadcast, "(The departure) is a choice to save the hostages in the current hostage situation where TBS workers' right to livelihood is being held hostage."

Earlier that morning, broadcaster Kim also said on air, "I will continue to host News Factory for three more weeks," and "I will put down the microphone after the 30th."

'Kim Eo-jun-ui News Factory' has been on air since September 26, 2016, 'Shin Jang-sik-ui Shin Jang Ga-eop' since August 23, 2021, and 'Anin Bamjung-e Joo Jin-woo Imnida' since September 30, 2019. These three programs have been criticized for being left-leaning broadcasts due to the hosts' tendencies.

Following the local elections where the People Power Party became the majority in the Seoul Metropolitan Council, controversies surrounding the departure of Kim and others continued. In this regard, on the 15th of last month, the Seoul Metropolitan Council passed an ordinance to suspend Seoul city funding support to TBS starting early 2024.

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