• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.66
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• pp.242-272
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• 2014

This study examines why follow-up investigative programs about the sinking of the Cheonan Patrol Combat Corvette(ROKS Cheonan) have not been produced, despite much speculation surrounding the cause of the sinking since November 2010, when KBS investigative program, In-Depth 60 Minutes which had covered the incident was aired. We have uncovered four reasons through a series of in-depth interviews with producers and reporters, as follows. First, Korean military authorities monopolized relevant information, while the producers could not prove or confirm the validity of the findings of the JIG(Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group)'s report because the facts had been revealed partially and selectively by the authorities and the press' scientific investigation were rejected by the authorities. Second, the crew of In-Depth 60 Minutes was subjected to severe disciplinary action by the Korea Communications Commission. This caused a chilling effect, - it broke the producers' resolve to further explore the reason behind the sinking. Furthermore, the screening of the investigative documentary, Project Cheonan Ship was cancelled without prior notice, presumably by the power of the State and markets. Third, the reorganization and shake-up of personnel by broadcasting stations' presidents appointed by the power of the State crushed the spirit of PD Journalism. Finally, the "red purge" factions stigmatized by the political or military, or the mainstream press, caused the producers or broadcasters to engage in self-censorship. The idea has been used in Korea as a smoke screen to deflect public attention. Nevertheless, the producers hope to shed light on the Cheonan sinking incident and to prove reasonable doubts by pursuing follow-up investigations.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.95-104
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• 2018

This study analysed news consumers' perception toward the use of mobile devices and examined their preference on news contents. News audience in the mobile age hoped that news producers make news contents through communication with audience. They showed a negative stance against the attitude that news producers underestimate the audience' intellectual level. Audience preferred novel news formats and services adapted to the mobile environments. In terms of the role of the press, they preferred interpretive and investigative journalism rather than superficial and sensual journalism. Therefore, news companies should consider audience' news consuming attitudes in their producing and delivering news. They also should seek for utilizing the use of the mobile media more aggressively than ever before.

• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.59
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• pp.31-49
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• 2012

This study investigates normative role model of the journalists under the changing environment. Firstly, this article explores what pressure the new media environment gives to the journalists in their routine of news production and distribution. These are stated from the angle of epistemological, professional and interactive pressure. Next, as a reference for the standard journalism in the age of mass media, the idea of Rhee Young-hee, a late journalist who won respects from many Korean journalists, is studied. His firm belief in the pursuit of hard facts, rigorous investigative writing and expertism are spelt out. Then, this study explores how, in real term, this pressure changes the journalistic value, norm and practices in the newsroom. Ten of Koran journalists are interviewed in order to get their idea about the emerging journalistic standards under the digital environment. From this in-depth interviews, it is conclued that the pursuit of hard fact, investigative writing, expertism of Rhee Young-hee are, nonetheless the change of the media technology, still effective and provide good reference points for the enhancement of the standard of journalism in Korea. However, it is also suggested that the methods to fulfil desirable journalism in the digital age should be different from that of the mass communication age. The interviewees make propose that the journalist, as a network node, news curator or coordinator, should actively interact with the audiences facilitating their enhanced potential as a news 'prosumer'(producer and consumer).

• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.29
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• pp.233-269
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• 2005

The purpose of the study is to explore the characteristics of lawsuits against investigative reporting programs of the broadcast media. This study proposed three research questions: (1) what were the characteristics of court derisions on the investigative reporting programs? (2) what were the reasonings on which judges rely in the lawsuits for a right of reply? (3) what were the critical issues and how the libel laws were applied in balancing between the freedom of the press and the protection of individual rights. To answer these questions, the study employed quantitative and qualitative methods analysing 35 related cases. This study revealed that investigative reporting programs must deal with the Issues of 'public figures' and 'matters of public concern' to be protected under the freedom of the press. The study also found that the broadcast media must prove legitimate public interests and the truth of the facts to prevail in a case. In 1999, the Constitutional Court of Korea held that pubic figures in libel cases must be regarded differently from private figures. In accordance with the decision, the Supreme Court has applied differing criteria for public figures in libel cases. However, courts have not set a clear definition of the public figure yet. To advocate the freedom of the press, as the results of this study indicate, TV producers and journalists should behave lawfully in the course of newsgathering and provide the opportunities of reply for their news sources.

• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.39
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• pp.40-68
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• 2007

Despite many efforts to improve water and publicize Arisu, ordinary citizens' distrust in water is still intense. This study aims to analyze how newspapers, television and internet media in Korea covered water-related news, focusing on the type of articles, themes, news sources, and news values. As a result, the mostly mentioned theme in the media was the discussion about suitability of water as a drinking water, followed by impurified water, governmental policy on water, coverage on the water pipe, and result of examination of water quality. Also among newspapers, broadcasting, and the internet, the internet medium showed the most negative tone in covering water. Stories written by journalists with expertise were less than 1% whereas stories by ordinary journalists were mostly found. In conclusion, to cover public issues like water desirably, it is necessary to bring up journalists with expertise in environmental issues, to diversify news sources, and to do investigative reporting rather than reporting appealing to audience's amusement.