Writers refuse to write for MBC programs

Writers who were fired by MBC last Wednesday hold a press conference to denounce the company for their dismissal in front of MBC headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

By Yun Suh-young

Writers who work on current affairs programs declared a boycott Monday of "PD Notebook", a program broadcast on MBC, after the company fired a group of writers formerly employed to contribute to the show.

The 778 writers from four major broadcasting stations _ KBS, MBC, SBS, and EBS _ as well as freelance subcontract writers said the boycott will be maintained until the six fired writers are rehired.

Writers leading the action held a press conference Monday morning in front of MBC headquarters located in Yeouido, central Seoul, demanding that the company rehire the writers. They claimed the writers were fired unjustly and without reasonable cause.

Almost all writers who work on current events programs participated in the rally to call for the boycott.

"The firing of all the writers for PD Notebook is childish revenge against the writers who have fought to save their conscience from the physical and mental oppression they faced. It is also a warning against incoming writers telling them how not to behave", the writers said in a statement.

"If you think we are people who write as company presidents and higher officials tell us to, you're mistaken. That is an insult to all current affairs writers out there. We will fight for their rights until all of them are returned back to their positions".

MBC abruptly fired the group of six last Wednesday without explaining their decision to do so.

The fired writers had participated in a strike against MBC over the past three months. The company confirmed it will no longer employ the writers.

Immediately following news of the layoff, the writers protested against the move saying it was against the labor laws to fire people without giving them advance notice of one or two months. They claimed the fired writers were laid off without prior notice.

Popular writers also denounced the company's move and offered their support to the fired writers.

Writers of popular TV dramas such as "A Gentleman's Dignity" and "Sign" aired on SBS said, "The firing of writers is against common sense. The one who should really be fired is the MBC president himself".

Other writers from KBS and MBC also supported the boycott saying "Your fight will bring back the fairness of broadcasting and broken common sense. We support you".