The TBS branch of the National Union of Journalists has been recognized with the special award at the 7th Lee Yong-ma Journalism Awards for its ongoing fight against attempts to dismantle public broadcasting in South Korea. The award was announced by the Broadcasting Journalists Association, highlighting the branch's dedication and resilience in the face of severe financial restrictions and legislative changes that threaten the existence and integrity of public broadcasting in the country.

The TBS branch has faced numerous challenges over the past three years, including the abolition of support laws from the Seoul city government and attempts to secure the station's autonomy in the face of budget constraints. These pressures are seen as attempts to undermine press freedom, and the branch's activism has been praised as embodying the spirit of late journalist Lee Yong-ma, who was renowned for his commitment to fair broadcasting and journalistic integrity despite facing governmental oppression.

The Lee Yong-ma Journalism Award, named in memory of the MBC reporter who fought against government media oppression, aims to honor journalists and organizations that exemplify similar values. The special award ceremony will take place at the Korea Broadcasting Center in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, further marking the significance of this recognition in upholding journalistic freedom and the continued advocacy for public broadcasting stability in South Korea.