'KBS Will Be Fine Even After Firing 300 PDs'
Published on | Source
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Former KBS director Kim In-gyu said that the state-run KBS has a surplus of program directors (PDs) and could operate normally even after laying off about 300 redundant.
His remarks have led to strong protests, not only from within KBS, but also from the nation's PD Association.
Kim is the head of the Korea Digital Media Industry Association and assisted President Lee Myung-bak's election campaign last year. He also unsuccessfully ran for the post of KBS president last year.
In an interview with the alumni bulletin of Seoul National University, Kim claimed the directors should be the main targets of broadcasting reform in Korea.
"KBS has 1,000 directors and 600 reporters nationwide. Compared with broadcasting firms in other countries, we have too many directors. Sometimes, eight directors work together on one program", Kim said. "KBS will have no problem at all even after dismissing 300 PDs".
He also said directors should not take charge of the role of journalism. "PD journalism are words that only exist in Korea", he said. "There are even director-correspondents".
The Korean Producers and Directors Association refuted Kim's remarks. "Kim should apologize to all directors for his ignominious speech, and leave the field of media", it said in a statement.
Staff Reporter
Former KBS director Kim In-gyu said that the state-run KBS has a surplus of program directors (PDs) and could operate normally even after laying off about 300 redundant.
His remarks have led to strong protests, not only from within KBS, but also from the nation's PD Association.
Kim is the head of the Korea Digital Media Industry Association and assisted President Lee Myung-bak's election campaign last year. He also unsuccessfully ran for the post of KBS president last year.
In an interview with the alumni bulletin of Seoul National University, Kim claimed the directors should be the main targets of broadcasting reform in Korea.
"KBS has 1,000 directors and 600 reporters nationwide. Compared with broadcasting firms in other countries, we have too many directors. Sometimes, eight directors work together on one program", Kim said. "KBS will have no problem at all even after dismissing 300 PDs".
He also said directors should not take charge of the role of journalism. "PD journalism are words that only exist in Korea", he said. "There are even director-correspondents".
The Korean Producers and Directors Association refuted Kim's remarks. "Kim should apologize to all directors for his ignominious speech, and leave the field of media", it said in a statement.
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