THAILAND: NBT changes to begin this year

State-owned NBT's transformation into a public broadcaster will take three years with the aim of being uninfluenced by politicians

Bangkok Post
Sunday, May 31, 2009

By Penchan Charoensuthipan

A long-awaited transformation of the state-owned NBT TV station into a public organisation is likely to materialise this year as a committee on media reforms is set to wrap up its study within a month.

Panel member Somkiat Tangkitvanich said the committee has agreed the "partial" revamp of the broadcaster should begin this year before a full transformation three years later.

Under the proposed structure, Mr Somkiat expressed confidence the non-profit seeking station which has been exploited by politicians will operate with transparency and independence.

The station will be run by a nine-member board. Six members will be named by six agencies -- the Press Council of Thailand, the Council of Political Development, the Association of University Rectors, the Consumers Association, the National Human Rights Commission and the Lawyers Council of Thailand. The other three seats will be filled by the Public Relations Department director-general, the Basic Education Office's secretary-general, and the Budget Bureau director.

"With six members being picked by each of those agencies it is believed that the station will be free from interference," he said. The board, which will serve three years and cannot be replaced, is to ensure that the station's operation is transparent and in the best interests of the public. Any of its decisions must be made public to show accountability.

"The station will not be used as a mouthpiece of cabinet ministers or to boost publicity," Mr Somkiat said. Under a three-year transition station staff are allowed to join the new station's operation and can seek transfer to the Public Relations Department if they are not happy, he said. The idea of revamping NBT has been around for years in attempts to free it from political interference. But it is opposed by staffers who fear losing their jobs. According to Mr Somkiat, station staff will be offered competitive salaries to boost their morale.

The committee's proposed new structure was yesterday put up for a public hearing and drew wide opinions and suggestions. Several participants agreed that the civil sector should also have a say in the station's policy and the production of the programmes.

Varakorn Samkoset, the committee chairman, said the suggestions will be analysed and incorporated in the committee's report to be submitted to PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey.

He said that if things go as planned an executive decree can be issued to transform NBT into a public organisation.

Media reform advocate Supinya Klangnarong yesterday doubted that the planned revamp of NBT would take place, saying political divisiveness and mistrust would pose a major threat.

"The political situation can stall the attempt. Several agencies which are eligible to nominate the board members are seen to have political affiliations. It may be used to derail the plan," she said. She suggested that the proposed restructuring should be put through a series of public hearings to ensure it receives comprehensive views.

Meanwhile, Mr Sathit yesterday reiterated a political will to push for media reforms both in the private and public sectors.

He said that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva set up a panel to draft guidelines for protection of the media's rights and freedom.

Date Posted: 5/31/2009