YTN Apologizes for Broadcasting Picketing Live During News Program
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Cable news channel YTN apologized Wednesday for showing placards denouncing the company's president as the background for an anchor during an afternoon live news program the previous day.
Unionized workers of YTN staged a rally against their new president Koo Bon-hong and rallied behind an anchor during a live broadcast. It is the first time a picketing scene has been aired in the background while an anchor commented on other news.
A dozen members of the union held placards criticizing the appointment of Koo. They appeared in the background for about 17 minutes from 1 p.m. during the afternoon news.
They have opposed President Lee Myung-bak's appointment of Koo, who helped Lee during his presidential campaign, claiming the news channel's political neutrality will be significantly compromised. The placards read: ``Out paratrooper'' and ``Keep fair news.''
Unionized reporters began to wear badges for ``fair news,'' Wednesday, as a step prior to a walkout, the schedule of which has yet to be decided. Management said the broadcasting authorities may order a correction for the badge wearing and in that case, those in question will be punished.
Management is also seeking punitive measures against 24 workers who refused to accept recent job transfers. Union members claimed the changes were in retaliation for their opposition to Koo.