There are many writers who break their installment savings programs or take out loans because of unpaid wages. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Jul. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — A recent survey found that despite being employed, many TV writers fail to receive wages, and because of this, many even apply for loans.
According to a survey of 452 broadcasting writers conducted by the National Union of Media Workers (NUM), less than half of the writers received planning fees during the program planning stage, one of the most important tasks.
The share of screenwriters who received payment accounted for only 46.5 percent.
Some 46 percent of the respondents said they received 50 percent of the manuscript fees, while 16.5 percent received 70 percent.
In particular, the authors argue that the planning stage has a lot of high-intensity tasks such as setting numerous meetings, selecting cast members, investigating data and receiving applications.
The NUM pointed out that the cases of unpaid wages when the show is canceled, a typical negative practice in the broadcasting industry, were even more serious.
As many as 80.8 percent said they received no pay when the program was canceled, while only 8.8 percent said they were paid.
Due to such circumstances, there are many writers who break their installment savings programs or take out loans because of unpaid wages, NUM said.
Another 73.2 percent of the authors cited the system where ‘one receives payment only when the program is aired’ as the biggest reason for not getting paid.
The overwhelming majority of the respondents, 70.4 percent, said that broadcasters and production companies should come up with regulations through consultations with broadcasting writers in order to address the problem.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
