SATELLITE TV
Eight channels sign MoU to provide impartial news
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Executives from eight satellite TV channels signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday, promising to cover news impartially and responsibly, with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. This allows them to get an operating licence.

The channels are required to comply with conditions by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and not air content that threatens national security or creates a political division.

The channels include ASTV, which has changed its name to News 1; Blue Sky, now called Fah Wan Mai (New Day Sky); PTV renamed People Channel; FM TV renamed Boon Niyom (In Favour of Merit), UDD renamed Peace TV; MV changed to Five TV; P&P renamed P channel; and DNN now called DNC TV.

Four other satellite TV channels, however, have yet to sign the MoU. They are Four Channel, Hot TV, Rescue TV, Student and People's Network for Reforming Thailand Channel.

The NBTC will call a special board meeting today to approve a one-year operating licence for the eight channels. Once the NBTC board gives the nod, the new channels with new licence can go on air immediately.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Eight-channels-sign-MoU-to-provide-impartial-news-30241871.html


-- The Nation 2014-08-27

Some may have the notion that the inpartial reporting of news is not exactly an option under the current political circumstances.

Another step closer to North Korea.

Will the new ' impartial ' news have to be approved first ?

Impartial news, as long as it favours the NCPO.

Welcome to the new Oxymoron Channel.

That's great what about australian channel I can't get that on satellite true visions boy I miss the AFL

I am something of a neophyte when it comes to reading and watching Thai news. Can someone explain the philosophy of news journalism in Thailand?

To me, the words "impartially and responsibly" are entirely open to interpretation; so who gets to define those words? I'm assuming it's the government.

Do Thais object to this? Is there any room for opinion, issue advocacy, criticism of government policies, or controversy? Is investigative journalism off limits or just avoided due to laziness or the triumph of "face"?

Look at the article above. It's typical. It raises more questions than it answers. Is this the standard?

Another step closer to North Korea.

How's that then?

Some may have the notion that the inpartial reporting of news is not exactly an option under the current political circumstances.

That is a very polite way to put it.