The Korean Newspapers, News Editors and associations, and the Journalists Association of Korea celebrated the 46th Newspapers Day at the Korea Press Center, Thursday. Ko Hak-yong, the president of the KNEA, said in an opening address that in 2001, the Korean media experienced severe trials by an all out government attempt to control it. He continued the media, however, maintained its identity and did not kneel before the administration, making its attempt to control newspapers a failure. Ko said the media should not view autonomous reform lightly and should continue its efforts to improve.
President of the KNA, Choi Hak-lae noted the coming local and presidential elections will be a chance for newspapers to regain the people's confidence, and so should take the lead in ensuring regionalism and money do not decide the outcome. He said the financial situation of newspapers was deteriorating and so wisdom and power were necessary in making plans to make them independent of financing concerns.
The slogan adopted at the ceremony was "Fair Reporting, Responsible Newspapers and Credible Journalism."
(Han Hyong-woo, hwhan@chosun.com)
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