언론이 ‘물’로 보는 자율규제, 더는 안 된다 [저널리즘책무실]

The Korean press, like many print newspapers, features a publication index on its back page, often overlooked by readers. This index, legally required, states, "This newspaper, in accordance with the Korean Press Ethics Committee's pledge, complies with the Press Ethics Code." The Press Ethics Committee, an autonomous oversight body of three national media organizations (the Korean Press Association, Korean Broadcasting and Publication Editorial Association, and Korean Journalists Association), adopts and reviews the Press Ethics Code for daily newspapers, weeklies, and online publications.

Currently, 282 media entities, including online newspapers, participate in this voluntary system. This code covers a broad spectrum of journalistic norms, including bans on discrimination, defamation, distortion of facts, and ensuring rebuttal rights. The committee reviews hundreds of articles from its members monthly, issuing warnings or corrections, but rarely imposes severe punishments.

Despite the code's prominence since 1957, its effectiveness remains questionable, as few readers or journalists seem to take it seriously. Recent events, such as the 12·3 incident, where journalists were unfairly targeted, have only highlighted the shortcomings of this system. One wonders if the news industry finally realizes the need for stronger regulation.

However, this self-regulation has proven ineffective, as most issues stem from selective reporting and distortion of facts. The proposed "All-Media Media Law" aimed to create a more effective self-regulatory mechanism, but was delayed by political shifts. The real challenge lies in addressing selective reporting, which devastates public trust.