Channel 11 Should be Made Independent: Researcher

Source: The Nation
January 30, 2004

State-owned Channel 11 should be transformed into an independent public television station to break up media monopolies and better serve the public, a recent study on media reforms recommended.

Dr Somkiat Tangkitwanich of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) said the public station could rely on state and public subsidies instead of advertising revenue, similar to the BBC in Britain.

He said the station would broadcast only "quality" programmes that benefit society, unlike current offerings on commercial TV.

"An alternative is needed urgently," he said yesterday at the unveiling of his research study, funded by the Thailand Research Fund (TRF).

"There are two choices, Channel 11 or a new station, he said. "The first choice is better because less investment would be required and the equipment and network is readily available. Channel 11's initial aim was to be a public channel, before it was used as a government mouthpiece."

Somkiat's research also found that more public radio stations were needed. He said alternative use could be made of some of the 147 stations under the Department of Public Relations (DPR).

"Public broadcasting media would provide viewers with different types of programmes, more diverse content, neutral presentation and access to those individuals who are currently ignored by mainstream commercial media," he said.

It would also help develop democracy and encourage a climate where more attention is paid to programme quality rather than audience numbers, he said.

A committee such as the National Broadcasting Commission could be established to oversee the administration of the new stations and ensure transparency, assessments and regulations.

He suggested that the budget to run the stations could be allocated from a special fund for the development of national telecommunications and broadcasting for public benefit. That fund would generate income from the current concession revenue, he said, which would later be collected in the form of an approval fee after the reform.

But Somkiat said these suggestions were just part of an overall media reform package.

He said proper reform would require the establishment of a community media network, a monitoring mechanism by the civic sector, a monitoring mechanism by the government and media bodies and a fund that would help all mechanisms to work properly.

"A new civic inspection body will be established soon based on a pilot project and sponsored by a European source," he said.

Somkiat's research is the first of its kind on Thai media and possible reforms.

His presentation yesterday, organised by Rangsit University, was well attended by media officials, most of whom supported his conclusions.

"Human resources should be given more priority, as it is the root of all reforms," said Rungmanee Meksophon, a freelance journalist.

"Without proper support for human-resource development, reforms would fail despite the setting up of all other mechanisms."

Thammasat University lecturer Malee Boonsiriphan said the haphazard establishment of public radio stations could lead to them being dominated by the state at local level.

"Without the readiness of local people, the quick push for community radio might also cause undesired impacts," said Walakkamon Jarngkamol, of Prince of Songkla University (Pattani).

Somkiat expressed surprise that his suggestions were welcomed by media owners. "They seemed to be of the opinion that allowing Channel 11 to become a public channel was better than letting it fall into the hands of a competitive business group," he said.