Factors Influencing Freedom of the Press in South Korea: - A Survey of Print Journalists’ Opinions -

Abstract

Many factors directly or indirectly influence press freedom in a democratic society. There are three types of factors influencing freedom of the press: external, internal and media related laws, policies and ethics. The findings show that of the three key factors: 'advertisers' were seen as the most influential external factor; 'media owners' were seen as the largest internal factor; and 'the legal proceedings of libel or complaints,' the largest media laws, policies and ethics related factor. These three factors significantly influence freedom of the press in South Korea (hereafter Korea).