Ex-MBC head questioned over alleged media control

By Lee Kyung-min

The prosecution questioned Kim Jae-chul, a former head of MBC, Monday, over his suspected involvement in a government-led scheme to control the public broadcaster under the Lee Myung-bak administration.

The former journalist who headed MBC from 2010 to 2013 allegedly received a document from a National Intelligence Service official and carried out Lee’s orders to shut down documentaries and popular programs produced or hosted by figures critical of the conservative administration.

He is also alleged to have posted employees in remote rural areas including journalists and news producers for producing and airing content critical of the government.

He said on his way into the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office that he had never met with any spies.

“MBC is not an organization that can be controlled, nor can anyone control it. I put my life on the line saying this. I want prosecutors to thoroughly question me.”

MBC, during his term, shut down its signature social commentary program called “PD Notebook,” followed by dismissal and unwanted relocation of news producers and staffers.

The prosecution is considering seeking an arrest warrant for him for conspiring with former spy chief Won Sei-hoon to interfere with the management and operation of the media.