MCOT told to review axing of election program host

 

 

The Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) today called on the management of the state-owned Mass Communications Organization of Thailand (MCOT) to review its order removing the host of an election program for alleged bias.

 

In a statement, the TBJA said that the action by the operator of Channel 9 in removing Mrs. Orawan Choodee, a co-host with veteran journalist Veera Thirapat of the “Election 62” program,amounted to interference with media freedom in news presentation and a direct threat to the public’s right of access to information.

 

The journalists’ organization said the management’s accusation that Mrs. Orawan was biased against the government is an empty claim, adding “The role of the media in the lead-up to the March 24th election is crucial in arousing public awareness of the need to exercise their voting rights and to scrutinize policies which are beneficial to the public.”

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mcot-told-to-review-axing-of-election-program-host/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2019-03-03

"...The election program in question aired live on February 28th.  Representatives from 10 political parties were invited to join the debate along with about 100 students from 16 institutes from across the country, representing first-time voters.

The students were asked questions by the program hosts without advance knowledge of what would be asked.  However, the questions were apparently interpreted as being “leading” and biased against the government..."

 

This is a terrible and inaccurate summation of the story; I would recommend that members go see the Paper That Cannot Be Named for a better version.

 

Essentially, the host asked the students watching a few questions, and all the students replied with anti-Junta answers. In fact, the replies were roughly 98-2 against the Junta, so the Junta arranged for her to be fired.

 

This story here by Thai PBS World is incredibly misleading and incomplete.

 

Again, go have a look at the Paper That Cannot Be Named for the full story.

 

 

 

Edited March 3, 20197 yr by Samui Bodoh

24 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

The journalists’ organization said the management’s accusation that Mrs. Orawan was biased against the government is an empty claim

Of course it's not an empty claim. MCOT have been told by the government that it isn't, and must respond accordingly.

<end of sarcasm mode>

 

12 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

Again, go have a look at the Paper That Cannot Be Named for the full story.

You mean the Bangkok Post? ????

 

But you're right...the BP article is more detailed.

I read the story in the Voldemort Post - incredible decision by the-powers-that-be in an election year!

Edited March 3, 20197 yr by mikebell
some details omitted + one spelling error.

48 minutes ago, mikebell said:

I read the story in the Voldemort Post - incredible decision by the-powers-that-be in an election year!

Yes it is, they did not get the answers they wanted supporting them so they banned it. Disgusting. 

Hats off for Mrs Orawan. Show some guts and courage to stage that election program knowing that MCOT is state owned and under the Home office of the Prime Minister and the MCOT President is General Chatchalerm. Reflect the mood the people who are just fed up with the junta and throwing caution to the wind. Hope that sentiments remained strong going into the election and the people finally get rid of the obnoxious NCPO especially Prayut and Prawit.