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Thousands of Korean media workers went on strike on 26 December to protest against the proposed new media laws, which threaten the independen of the media and pluralism.



The Koren union of media workers, NUMW called the strike to step up its fight against a series of proposed new media laws, which would allow the big companies to own the shares of broadcasting companies up to 30%, and allow cross-ownership between print and audiovisual media.



UNI-MEI shares the concerns of its Korean colleagues that the new media laws will weaken media pluralism. The new regulatory framework will allow big players to dominate the media industry and public opinion. Market dominance will not only prevent that all voices get on the screen but it will also increase commercial pressure on programming and undermine the social values of broadcasting leading to a less diverse media landscape. The new laws will also lead to restructuring within media companies and a decrease of employment.In a statement release today UNI and its media sector UNI-MEI called on the Korean government and Grand National Party to withdraw the new media law.







Today thousands of media workers were joined by other civil society groups in a big rally in Seoul to put pressure on the government. The strike has also received support from politicians and many anchors at the different TV station left the newsroom to join colleagues in the street. NUMW and UNI urged the Korean government to act now.