Regulator must stand up to rogue Channel 3: Thai editorial

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Regulator must stand up to rogue Channel 3
The Nation

Transition to era of digital TV is in the national interest

BANGKOK: -- The broadcasting regulator is facing a significant test of its authority from a defiant Channel 3. This is not the first challenge the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has faced, but it could be its biggest so far. Previous tests included its auctioning of slots for the 3G network and the struggle to implement its "must carry" ruling that World Cup games had to be shown on Free TV. Now, with the regulator facing a shortfall of digital set-top boxes, the transition to the era of digital TV has placed another obstacle in its path. Unlike previous challenges, this one could have far-reaching ramifications that affect the liberalisation of TV broadcasting.

Established with the aim of ending the dominance over media enjoyed by politicians and industry heavyweights, the NBTC has an obligation to ensure it serves the public interest in regulating frequencies that are considered national resources. From day one the regulator has had to flex its muscles to deal with the industry's many powerful stakeholders. The vested interests of the "big guys" have to be balanced with the many demands being made by the public. NBTC officials work under extreme pressure, in a thankless job.

The arrival of the regulator was good news for the public, but not welcomed by the established powers in the broadcasting industry. The NBTC has had to guard against being manipulated and unduly influenced by parties keen to maintain their power. The only way to succeed in its mission is to figure out how to serve the public as best it can. Effective protection of the public interest can only be achieved by working transparently, honestly and with integrity.

Channel 3 analog's defiance was not unexpected. The regulator should have seen it coming. With the NBTC trying to facilitate the transition from analog to digital TV, it is telling broadcasters to forget about the current division of the annual Bt70-billion-plus in advertising revenue.

So far, all are onboard the transition, except Channel 3. The station lost its free-TV status on September 1, which means it can no longer air programmes on cable and satellite platforms under the "must carry" rule. Yet its programmes are still going out. The NBCT on Monday ordered cable and satellite TV networks to stop broadcasting within 15 days the programmes of Bangkok Entertainment Co, which operates Channel 3 analog. The penalties for failing to do so range from fines to licence suspension or even cancellation.

The conflict between the regulator and Channel 3 is escalating, but the NBCT must not forget its responsibility to operators of the new free-TV channels. The digital-TV operators are looking forward to full implementation of the new era. Meanwhile viewers are confused and demanding action from the NBCT. The case could also test whether it can regulate satellite and cable operators, let alone a heavyweight like Channel 3.

Pressure has been mounting, since a "blackout" of Channel 3 analog could also create chaos in the advertising industry. That should be the least of the regulator's concerns. It must not forget its central mission. Any misstep now could be a failure for the whole country. The NBTC is here to serve us and the constitutional will and prevent undue influence on the media from politics or business. It has been given the authority, but if it doesn't use it, we could all suffer.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Regulator-must-stand-up-to-rogue-Channel-3-30242918.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-10

[chainarong]

The regulator has to abide by the rules , channel 3 has to abide by the rules , instead of being the school yard bully, grow up and comply with the regulator or face being closed down , no ifs or buts, do what you are told , channel 3 lives in the past, the government controls the air waves not rich tycoons and we can see by example why.

[thhMan]

Anything that minimizes "soapies" is a good thing....

[DaddyWarbucks]

Anything that minimizes "soapies" is a good thing....

Good for whom?

Not the millions of people who enjoy watching them, or the tens of thousands who make their living in the production of them.

[Suradit69]

Anything that minimizes "soapies" is a good thing....

Good for whom?

Not the millions of people who enjoy watching them, or the tens of thousands who make their living in the production of them.

"Not the millions of people who enjoy watching them ..."

Some Thai Visa posters believe life in Thailand should only be for the enjoyment of mentally constipated old farangs.

[IsaanUSA]

They need to be shut down immediately

[thhMan]

Anything that minimizes "soapies" is a good thing....

Good for whom?

Not the millions of people who enjoy watching them, or the tens of thousands who make their living in the production of them.

"and get their life and social skills from them" ?

[axact]

They need to be shut down immediately

Who, the constipated old farangs ? here here

[IsaanUSA]

They need to be shut down immediately

Who, the constipated old farangs ? here here

lol, no. Channel 3.

[chotthee]

Anything that minimizes "soapies" is a good thing....

Good for whom?

Not the millions of people who enjoy watching them, or the tens of thousands who make their living in the production of them.

"Not the millions of people who enjoy watching them ..."

Some Thai Visa posters believe life in Thailand should only be for the enjoyment of mentally constipated old farangs.

Please don't cut the soap.

That is the only time my wife didn't nag at me.

[SinCityGr8One]

Yes, Please leave the "Soaps" alone. After the evening news and the interviews on Channel 3, the house is rather quiet with everyone's eyes glued to the "Silly Soaps" on the telly.

[thhMan]

Yes, Please leave the "Soaps" alone. After the evening news and the interviews on Channel 3, the house is rather quiet with everyone's eyes glued to the "Silly Soaps" on the telly.

Lol... yeah, they seem to go into a trance state...

Since I banned it from home, the house is cleaner and my kids watch docos on telly and finding the world a bigger place than just Thailand.

[JAG]

They need to be shut down immediately

why? You can always watch another channel.

[JAG]

Yes, Please leave the "Soaps" alone. After the evening news and the interviews on Channel 3, the house is rather quiet with everyone's eyes glued to the "Silly Soaps" on the telly.

Lol... yeah, they seem to go into a trance state...

Since I banned it from home, the house is cleaner and my kids watch docos on telly and finding the world a bigger place than just Thailand.

Must be a bundle of laughs chez vous!

[IsaanUSA]

They need to be shut down immediately

why? You can always watch another channel.

They have no right to be broadcasting the signal. They need to switch to digital like everybody else. NCPO needs to step in and cut the electricity to their towers.