Is MBC TV President Ohm's Resignation Political Gambit?
Published on | Source
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Network broadcaster MBC President Ohm Ki-young, a former popular news anchorman, offered to resign with seven of his executives Wednesday. Chances are, however, that Ohm is the only one whose resignation will not be accepted.
The state-controlled Foundation for Broadcast Culture, MBC's largest shareholder with a 70-percent stake, will make a decision regarding his future Thursday. But insiders strongly suggest that the Lee Myung-bak administration "does not dislike" Ohm and his resignation will not be accepted.
Ohm's announcement was made days after the foundation rated his MBC reform plan as "poor" on Nov. 30. Ohm's restructuring plan, which included restrictions to be slapped on its union, didn't fare well with board members, insiders say..
He was under constant pressure from the foundation - which is headed by Kim U-ryong, a former media advisor to President Lee and the governing Grand National Party (GNP) - to take responsibility for what they call a social rift and confusion caused by MBCPD Notebook news magazine.
The government blames the program for causing months of protests involving more than 2 million participants last year against the resumption of U.S. beef imports. President Lee Myung-bak's approval rating dropped below 10 percent, the lowest ever for an administrative leader during the first year of his term.
The TV network has since suffered from a deficit with many companies withdrawing advertising. Those responsible for the production of PD Notebook were indicted, triggering questions about many other programs over their level of political neutrality.
There were reports that Ohm attempted to send his envoys to high ranking officials and the President's office to bury the hatchet but was rebuffed.
Some speculate that he could be a victim of the changing political trend of what critics argue is the government's effort to bring the mass media, especially TV stations, under its control.
Last year, Jung Yun-joo, president of the state-run KBS, was sacked by the government-appointed board, citing "management inefficiency". He was later cleared of this charge, but there appears to be no chance for his reinstatement.
Lee Byung-soon and Kim In-kyu, KBS' former and incumbent presidents, respectively, were both from the Lee Myung-bak camp. However, media critics assumed that Ohm won't face dismissal. Yonhap quoted an industry insider as saying that Ohm had shared an "understanding" with the government and will be spared.
It is also speculated that he may have been promised a better position elsewhere, if his resignation is accepted.
Ohm started his career as a reporter in 1974. He gained rock star status while anchoring the station's primetime news program, "News Desk". He was selected president last year, and has two more years to go.
Staff Reporter
Network broadcaster MBC President Ohm Ki-young, a former popular news anchorman, offered to resign with seven of his executives Wednesday. Chances are, however, that Ohm is the only one whose resignation will not be accepted.
The state-controlled Foundation for Broadcast Culture, MBC's largest shareholder with a 70-percent stake, will make a decision regarding his future Thursday. But insiders strongly suggest that the Lee Myung-bak administration "does not dislike" Ohm and his resignation will not be accepted.
Ohm's announcement was made days after the foundation rated his MBC reform plan as "poor" on Nov. 30. Ohm's restructuring plan, which included restrictions to be slapped on its union, didn't fare well with board members, insiders say..
He was under constant pressure from the foundation - which is headed by Kim U-ryong, a former media advisor to President Lee and the governing Grand National Party (GNP) - to take responsibility for what they call a social rift and confusion caused by MBCPD Notebook news magazine.
The government blames the program for causing months of protests involving more than 2 million participants last year against the resumption of U.S. beef imports. President Lee Myung-bak's approval rating dropped below 10 percent, the lowest ever for an administrative leader during the first year of his term.
The TV network has since suffered from a deficit with many companies withdrawing advertising. Those responsible for the production of PD Notebook were indicted, triggering questions about many other programs over their level of political neutrality.
There were reports that Ohm attempted to send his envoys to high ranking officials and the President's office to bury the hatchet but was rebuffed.
Some speculate that he could be a victim of the changing political trend of what critics argue is the government's effort to bring the mass media, especially TV stations, under its control.
Last year, Jung Yun-joo, president of the state-run KBS, was sacked by the government-appointed board, citing "management inefficiency". He was later cleared of this charge, but there appears to be no chance for his reinstatement.
Lee Byung-soon and Kim In-kyu, KBS' former and incumbent presidents, respectively, were both from the Lee Myung-bak camp. However, media critics assumed that Ohm won't face dismissal. Yonhap quoted an industry insider as saying that Ohm had shared an "understanding" with the government and will be spared.
It is also speculated that he may have been promised a better position elsewhere, if his resignation is accepted.
Ohm started his career as a reporter in 1974. He gained rock star status while anchoring the station's primetime news program, "News Desk". He was selected president last year, and has two more years to go.
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