The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is again going after unfair trade practices in the newspaper industry, commencing on a massive series of site investigations of neighborhood newspaper distribution centers. It invokes a mixed set of emotions to see a situation where the illegal practices of newspaper companies are contradicting market logic and as a result are the subject of outside punishment. The mission of the press is supposed to be about being on the lookout and straightening out irrationalities of the times.
Newspaper companies need to be the first to change their thinking. The so-called "luxury gifts" and "free papers" are rooted in the "law of the jungle," totally out of step with capitalist market principles. The spirit of that law is anti-capitalist, since the idea is to dominate the market by using the strength of capital to plunder the market knock out one's competitor. Such intentions tend not to work out. Overheated competition leads to a "loss of blood." And how do they intend to make up for that profound problem of a loss in public confidence in the printed news? Newspaper companies need to decide to put an end to the activities that only hurt themselves.
Starting in April, the FTC plans to give rewards to people who report illegalities How serious it would have to be for the agency to use the "last means" available to it! According to a study by the Citizens Coalition for Democratic Media, most neighborhood distribution centers are thoroughly disregarding the "newspaper directives." The illegality is getting even more out of hand ahead of the implementation of new regulations. We again emphasize that it is time for the media, which lives on its ethical standing, to quit the hypocrisy.
It must be remembered that one of the reasons illegalities committed on the part of newspaper companies have not been uprooted is because government authorities have fought the problem with a cotton baton. It is time to break the habit of deciding the fate of powerless companies for their unfair practices while becoming a gentle lamb in the face of the powerful media. The FTC needs to be determined now more than ever before. It might be worth reflecting on the common truth that it is mature civic consciousness that fosters the growth of a genuine media. How can you exchange bicycles, mobile phones, and gift certificates for the truth?
The Hankyoreh, 9 March 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Newspapers Must Stop Hurting Themselves |
