MBC 'Infinity Challenge' to possibly return + KBS unionists tentatively agree to end strike

[gloomyclock.livejournal.com]

For the past 19 weeks, MBC‘s headline variety program ‘Infinity Challenge‘ has been conspicuously missing. Its absence has served as, perhaps, the most significant reminder of  the ongoing labor strike by MBC workers against the broadcast station’s top brass, its CEO Kim Jae Chul, and the lack of journalistic freedom and integrity.

However, if recent rumors are to be believed, the gaping hole in MBC’s Saturday evening lineup could possibly be filled in the weeks to come. Unconfirmed reports state that the labor union and MBC are sitting down to discuss a solution, led by MBC’s variety department, which has been the biggest loser of the whole ordeal with ratings dropping and viewers leaving for competing networks.

In the case of another MBC variety, ‘We Got Married‘, it has recently confirmed that viewers can expect to see a new episode on June 16th due to the efforts of temporary crew members. This leaves only ‘Infinity Challenge’ as the lone variety program still maintaining its off-air status.

The cast and crew of ‘Infinity Challenge’ have also been reported to have picked up press passes for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics in London and working on clearing out their other schedules, further fueling the speculation about a possible return.

Source: Newsen via Nate, (2) + akp

KBS unionists tentatively agree to end strike

By Kim Bo-eun

The management and union of state-run broadcaster KBS have reached a tentative agreement to stop a strike which has lasted for over three months.

The two sides said Wednesday that they have agreed on such issues as the establishment of an independent broadcasting commission, the revival of its investigative reporting team and the abolition of the President’s radio speech.

If the unionists return to work, KBS is likely to resume normal operations next week.

There are concerns that if KBS staff go back to work it is bound to weaken the solidarity of the joint strike with fellow broadcasters MBC, YTN and the Yonhap News Agency.

However, Lee Kang-taek, chairman of the National Union of Media Workers thinks it could be positive, saying “If KBS unionists return to work and report on media dominance it will be a great help to the other media companies on strike.”

KBS joined the combined strike on March 6, which was initiated to demand the government allow broadcasters to conduct fair and unbiased reporting free from government influence.

Workers at KBS have also been pressing for the resignation of Kim In-kyu, head of KBS, who used to be a media advisor to President Lee.

Under the tentative agreement, the unionists agreed to drop their demand that Kim to step down.

 Source: Korea Times

Very skeptical about the mbc stuff, if it's actually true then hopefully any agreement will be strongly in their favor.

Comments

[aleexnews.livejournal.com]

I really want Infinity Challenge back on air but I hope they're not just being pressured into coming back for the dropping rates bc then all of this was pointless. I hope they get a good deal.

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

I don't honestly understand LMB and his government's need to meddle with media in every area, even what comes to kpop lyrics.