Euro 2012 Controversy: Views From A Nation University Classroom

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Views from a Nation University classroom

Kwanriam Kaewsuwan

The Nation

Nation Multimedia Group chairman Suthichai Yoon, right, and Nation Broadcasting Corporation president Adisak Limprungpatanakij teach a class of students at the Nation University

BANGKOK: -- The country's current hottest issue - the controversy over the broadcasting of Euro 2012 football matches - was put up for discussion at a Nation University classroom yesterday.

Nation Multimedia Group (NMG) chairman Suthichai Yoon raised the issue for debate by first providing an overview of the row between GMM Grammy and cable television provider TrueVisions, which has dominated news reports over the past few weeks.

GMM Grammy, the sole holder of the tournament's broadcasting rights in Thailand, has to date allowed the matches to be broadcast on free-to-air channels only. TrueVisions has been fighting fiercely to be allowed to relay the matches via its satellite signal too.

"Why has this problem occurred? Who's at fault? What's your opinion?" Suthichai asked his students.

In line with Nation University's philosophy, professionals are conducting classes to equip the students with professional skills and viewpoints.

Suthichai led this discussion alongside Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) president Adisak Limprungpatanakij.

Thanyapisit Lertbamrungchai, a second-year student at the university's Faculty of Mass Communication, said that though he was not in a position to comment on who was wrong, he felt the problem should be brought to an end. "This problem has hurt many consumers," he said.

Thanyapisit is managing editor of the Nation UMG project.

Another student stood up to express her opinions. "GMM Grammy has paid a lot for the broadcasting rights. I understand that it will want to protect its business interest in this case," second-year student Rungroj Suksusas said.

Suthichai reminded the students that expressing one's opinions was a good thing, but one should understand that no single opinion is either absolutely right or absolutely wrong.

"The point here is that we need to look at an issue from all aspects," he explained. "No matter which field of study you are in, you have to have a comprehensive viewpoint."

On the GMM Grammy/TrueVisions quarrel, Suthichai believes the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) should play a greater role. However, he conceded that the NBTC could not have complete authority over the case because both these companies had been set up before the television watchdog was created.

Adisak, meanwhile, encouraged students to gain as much information as they can on the NBTC because this agency will play a much greater role in the field of media.

"The NBTC has 11 members, whose appointments were given royal endorsement last year," Adisak said.

-- The Nation 2012-06-16

[joecos]

Wharever the rights & wrongs the soccer mad public of Thailand are missing some great games.

Just seen the terrific header by big Andy from Stevies cross on you tube.

Hopefully, very soon we get to see the remainder of Euro 2012 on satellite.

[theblether]

'No opinion is absolutely right or absolutely wrong'

That is pathetic garbage. They are dealing with International business law.

No wonder the GMM execs effed this up if that's what they're being taught at Uni.

[SuneeTH]

Sexy legs. Now, where was I?

No wonder Farang lecturers having a hard time teaching in Thai university.

[MEL1]

"However, he conceded that the NBTC could not have complete authority over the case because both these companies had been set up before the television watchdog was created."

What a load of old tat!

What he's indicating is that both companies don't come under the jurisdiction of the watchdog because they were set up before it came into existence. Incredible statement!

Watchdogs are set up precisely to ensure that existing conglomerates do not flout the laws, and act accordingly in the best interests of their customers - be they new or previously existing companies.

Good lecturing matey, NOT!

-mel.

Edited June 16, 2012 by MEL1

[JoeLing]

"However, he conceded that the NBTC could not have complete authority over the case because both these companies had been set up before the television watchdog was created."

I came to Thailand well before any of today's politicians where on power, there where different rules and laws in this country. So, according to Mr. Suthichai philosophy, today's government should not have complete authority to impose their new immigration law or whatever new law is in force on me, since I got to the LOS well before any of this laws where written. I'm exempt .....

Well, suppose it's just wishful thinking

Edited June 16, 2012 by JoeLing

[thaihome]

Wharever the rights & wrongs the soccer mad public of Thailand are missing some great games.

Just seen the terrific header by big Andy from Stevies cross on you tube.

Hopefully, very soon we get to see the remainder of Euro 2012 on satellite.

Probably 99% of the Thai public is watching the matches since they are on 3 of the over the air channels every night. True has about a million subscribers and very likely over half of those can just switch to a local antenna or condo provided cable to get those channels.

TH

[somchaismith]

Sexy legs. Now, where was I?

No wonder Farang lecturers having a hard time teaching in Thai university.

You obviously like katoeys?

[Narratio]

"In line with Nation University's philosophy, professionals are conducting classes to equip the students with professional skills and viewpoints."

And these professional viewpoints are what exactly? A burning desire for a 3 Martini lunch? A believe that expense accounts should just be paid without accountants checking them? That if you don't shoot the engineers the product will never leave the design office?

I rather dislike puff pieces like this.

[osiboy]

'No opinion is absolutely right or absolutely wrong'

That is pathetic garbage. They are dealing with International business law.

No wonder the GMM execs effed this up if that's what they're being taught at Uni.

well, if its the the guy on the left of the photo,.....he's not gonna stick his neck out either way is he ???? , can he ?

[Jingthing]

Euro 2012? Sweden won, innit?