‘대주주 외손자 설악산행’ 떡하니 뉴스로…G1방송 ‘보도 사유화’ 논란

G1 Broadcasting, a privately-owned media outlet in Gangwon region, has found itself in hot water over its recent main news report featuring the grandson of a company chairman. The controversy, dubbed 'documentary sensationalism,' has sparked a debate on fairness and transparency in journalism. The report, titled "特别的国籍体验公龟能踏," narrated the story of a teenager from the United States who trekked Mount Seorak, deemed the "best climbing route in Korea."

This news piece was aired on January 26th, 2024, and was reported by G1 Broadcasting's news division. The source of this story was the chairman's granddaughter, who happens to be a distant cousin to the company's main shareholder, Jo Chang-jin, the CEO of SG Engineering.

This incident is not an isolated case. The G1 Broadcasting union recently raised concerns in the National Union of Journalists' meeting regarding similar reports featuring Jo Chang-jin's son and nephew in previous years. In August and December of the previous year, the broadcasting network aired interviews with the chairman's son and his nephew, respectively.

It was also reported that the grandson of Jo Chang-jin's son participated in a charity golf tournament organized by 'Bella45,' a golf club and resort company owned by the Jo family. Bella45 is a subsidiary of Esge Engineering, the company where Jo Chang-jin serves as an executive.

The Broadcasting Media Communication Review Board (Broadcasting Comm. Review Board) has stepped in to investigate these allegations of biased reporting. The union argued that G1 Broadcasting was aware of the familial ties between the company's chairman and the individuals featured in these reports but failed to disclose this information to the Broadcasting Comm.

Review Board. This situation raises questions about the broadcasting network's autonomy in reporting and the adherence to broadcasting laws and regulations. Additionally, G1 Broadcasting was granted a 'conditional license renewal' by the Broadcasting Comm. Review Board in 2024, requiring them to submit monthly reports on their coverage of stories involving the chairman and his relations.

The Broadcasting Comm. Review Board only stated that they are seeking factual clarification and cannot provide specific details at this time.