Updated Dec.4,2005 23:01 KST

MBC Reporters' Tactics Spark Fresh Outcry

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Top scientists, academics and Internet users were united in anger after revelations on the YTN news channel that MBC's "PD Diary" crew used threats and hidden cameras in their quest to dig up dirt on Prof. Hwang Woo-suk's research.

Kim Woo-ryong, a professor of journalism at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies said, "In the process of gathering information, if MBC used coercive techniques or in any way camouflaged their identity, this would be a serious breach of press ethics.¡± He went on to say," If in their investigation, MBC threatened to discredit the team or claimed that Hwang would be arrested or misrepresented the facts, it could legally constitute defamation.¡±

Lee Young-soon, of Seoul National University¡¯s College of Veterinary Medicine, said, "MBC was making threats during its investigation of the science in the matter when it was never qualified to investigate it in the first place.¡± Lee added, "If 'PD Diary' with absolutely no scientific background, tried to verify the scientific research, it would become laughing stock of the scientific world. With 'PD Diary' completely discredited, it would now be desirable for national agencies to step in.¡±

Gyeongsang University president Cho Moo-je said, ¡°It is deplorable that a third-party broadcaster is trying to determine the truth concerning the results of scientific research, a feat difficult even for a group of experts.¡± He added, ¡°The outcome of scientific study has a natural tendency towards self-correction due to other scientists¡¯ individual verification work in the field.¡±

Thousands of replies were posted to related news reports on portal sites. An appeal to close down MBC posted on a website had found 13,000 supporters as of 6 p.m. on Sunday.

An Internet user wrote, ¡°I feel like I'm watching a comedy if MBC, which completely disregards the ethics of the press, judges Hwang by his ethics.¡± Another said, ¡°MBC should beg forgiveness on its knees from the entire people including Prof. Hwang. When a broadcaster loses its credibility, it has lost the right to exist.¡±

(englishnews@chosun.com )




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