THAILAND: Anger after panel rules in favour of iTV

The opposition and civic groups yesterday poured scorn on the government for "throwing in the towel" by submitting to iTV's demands for prime-time programme changes, in breach of its contractual agreement

Bangkok Post
Thursday, April 1, 2004

The opposition and civic groups yesterday poured scorn on the government for ``throwing in the towel'' by submitting to iTV's demands for prime-time programme changes, in breach of its contractual agreement.

Democrat deputy leader Abhisit Vejajjiva pointed out the contract was non-negotiable, saying the government was in no position to make any concessions in favour of the broadcaster's commercial interests.

Mr Abhisit said the government should instead ensure iTV remained an independent news station, as intended when it was established in the aftermath of the 1992 Black May tragedy.

Allowing game shows and soap operas to make considerable inroads into iTV's prime-time programming was a violation of its contract with the PM's Office, he said.

As a concessionaire, the station was required to dedicate 70% of its prime-time content to news, with the remaining 30% alloted to entertainment.

However, from today, its prime-time slot would be expanded from 7-9.30pm, to 6-11pm. News programmes had been rescheduled to run from 6pm-8pm, with the remainder of the time filled by game shows and soap operas.

The move was widely perceived as an attempt to snatch viewing figures from rival channels.

The panel established to oversee the dispute, overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Visanu Krua-ngam, this week gave iTV the green light to stretch its prime-time slot, saying leeway in a Nov-4 cabinet resolution allowed it to do so.

The Campaign for Popular Democracy slammed the government for playing into iTV's hands.

The broadcaster had sought to extend its prime-time slot solely for the sake of profit, it said.

Calling the contractual change a conspiracy between iTV and the government, the NGO said civic groups were planning legal action against the PM's Office.

The major shareholder of iTV was Shin Corp, which was controlled by the family of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

A source at the Attorney-General's Office said the Visanu panel had overstepped the mark by passing the ruling in favour of iTV.

The source said the decision should be considered illegitimate.

Mr Visanu attempted to defend his panel's actions, saying iTV's contract would be amended accordingly.

In addition, the changes to iTV's contract would allow state-run television channels to carry commercials, he said.

iTV demanded the adjustment to its prime-time slot after Channel 11 aired advertisements during a live football broadcast.

Consumer Protection Foundation secretary-general Sari Ongsomwang said stretching iTV's prime-time slot protected the interests of the broadcaster, rather than those of its viewers.

"Consumers gained nothing from the prime-time extension, apart from being able to watch dramas at peak periods, while documentary and news programmes will be aired at times that are either too early or too late for most people to watch," she said.

Ms Sari said the PM's Office should have awaited a verdict on the matter from the Administrative Court before agreeing to begin its negotiation with iTV.

Date Posted: 4/1/2004