Thailand is now pushing for an independent broadcast station that will serve and protect public interest. The draft media reform bill is hoped to be enacted in four months. However, others still express concern over its haste.

Thailand's Office of the Prime Minister announced its commitment to draft a media reform bill on public broadcasting. As proposed, either Channel 11, owned and operated by the government's Public Relations Department, or Independent Television (iTV), formerly owned by then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, will be transformed into the new independent television station.

The bill aims to put in place an independent public network free of political intervention and business interests as it caters to the public’s interest.

Under the draft bill, a code of professional ethics will ensure that the new radio and TV stations are responsible and accountable to society. Small producers and local communities will be encouraged to provide content to the stations. The public will be assured of freedom to express themselves politically. The new independent station is proposed to be financed directly by taxpayers, hence, making it less liable to political interference.

The proposed draft media reform bill is expected to be deliberated at the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and enacted into law within four months.

“We need a new mass medium that is a public organisation, which is transparent, socially responsible, and allows for greater people's participation,” said Somkiat Onvimol, NLA member. He added that now is the best time to enact the draft law because this is backed by the prime minister and the NLA is the only law-making body without the Senate.

However, media reformist Supinya Klangnarong raised her concern about the haste and lack of public participation on this proposed bill. “I see the importance of public participation, but others might see it as a shortcut opportunity because there are no real oppositions within the NLA. So how can we balance the two?”  Supinya said.

She then suggested that Channel 11 should begin airing details about the proposed bill as well as  allow the public to air their views to facilitate debates on the issue.

During the military takeover in September 19, 2006, some 300 radio stations and websites have been censored. All the media have also been asked to cooperate with the new government and not behave in a dissident manner.  At present, iTV is the only station in Thailand that is not owned by the government or military.  iTV was once known for its hard-hitting news stories and investigative journalism until the news were replaced by entertainment programmes for profit.

Sources:
“Broadcasting Bill: Swift action urged over public TV” from The Nation, posted on February 28, 2007, <http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/24/national/national_30027768.php>.
“Interim government vows to block launch of satellite television station” from International Freedom of Expression eXchange, posted on March 2, 2007, <http://www.ifex.org/fr/content/view/full/81508/>.
“Thailand: Call for new independent TV station” from AsiaMedia Media News Daily, posted on February 24, 2007, <http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article-southeastasia.asp?parentid=64392>.