Fluctuating Media in the 1980s

Abstract

Along with changes in Korean society in 1980, the media sector also experienced dramatic events, such as coercive reshuffling and the enactment of the Framework Act on Media. In the 1980s, neoliberalism emerged globally, and the conservative right-wing government of South Korea, led by the military, also followed this trend towards neoliberalism and conservatism. On the one hand, restrictive media control, including a media reshuffle, report guidelines, and the Framework Act on Media, were implemented by the authoritarian government. The military government forcefully reorganized the media system via massive layoffs of journalists and the merging of the press. It also established public media institutions, including the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation (KOBACO), to establish a monopoly on media representative. On the other hand, the media industry had grown due to limited competition, as initiated by the government. Civil society has begun playing a role after a long silence.