South Korea abolishing press clubs

[dArKeR]

NEW YORK TIMESNEWS SERVICE , SEOUL
Monday, Jun 14, 2004,Page 5

As a vigorous, debate-filled democracy becomes entrenched here, South Korea is rapidly dismantling the press club system, an enduring symbol of the collusive relationship between the government and the news media.

Starting a year ago at the presidential offices, known as the Blue House, press clubs -- in which reporters from major media outlets excluded other journalists and decided what to report, sometimes in conjunction with government officials -- have been eliminated in one government office after another. Where they survive, as in Seoul's Police Department, they are expected to go soon.

Instead, shiny new briefing rooms have been built, their doors flung open to all. Although journalists and government officials are still groping for a new balance in their relationship, most believe that the changes will lead to the emergence of something rare in East Asia: A fiercely independent press.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/06/14/2003175013

[chenGOD]

1. This is good news....

But I'm not sure how much will change, in terms of the mainstream press.

The Chosun Ilbo, Dong-Ah Ilbo and Joong Ang Ilbo will all be full of conservative talking points, and will soundly criticise Presidnet Roh no matter what he does. The Hankyoreh will continue to be slightly left of center. It might afford the journalists/editors new ammunition with which to spin conservative policies.

This might make a difference in terms of internet news sites though. Ohmynews.com has an especially large following amongst "web-savvy consumers" (oooh I got to use a buzzword, it's like I'm in upper management), and played a large role in getting out the vote in the presidential election of 2002. This is most likely where one will see the biggest change, in my opinion.

[berry]

2. very encouraging news!

I wonder--are the WH and Pentagon press corps "press clubs"?

The article says "the press club system (in Korea is) an enduring symbol of the collusive relationship between the government and the news media," and I think the clubs' membership was restricted by the very agencies they covered. Unruly reporters got their credentials yanked.

So how is this different from the US? Eg., how many foreign reporters are credentialed to the WH? And if foreign reporters in greater numbers were asking questions wouldn't the American reporters be shamed (or even encouraged to ask tough ones themselves)? The US could learn a lot from other democracies around the world (if it bothered to look at them).

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. any chance we could try that in America

and get some journalists covering politicians who don't double as golfing buddies to the people they cover?

[Baltimoreboy]

4. If people associate together long enough

They will become friends. Having some friends much be important covering some of these topics. I doubt you can find out any at DOD without friends.

[JohnLocke]

5. This is great!