Reform controversy: some background

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Reform controversy: some background
By The Nation

 

File Photo

 

WHAT’S IS THE MEDIA REGULATION ABOUT? HOW IS THE REFORM BODY DEALING WITH IT?

 

The National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) will deliberate on the “Protection of Media Rights and Freedom, and Promotion of Ethics and Professional Standards” bill today. The bill is a part of efforts to reform the media.

 

The NRSA’s media reform committee has stated that there are issues with the media’s social responsibility, and self-regulation has not been effective. So the media regulatory bill is needed in order to rectify the failing media. 

 

The rectification, according to the draft bill, will set a code of ethics and professional standards and institute a licensing system.

 

HOW IS THE MEDIA RESPONDING TO THE REFORM?

 

The media agree on the need for reform, but strongly oppose regulation by a professional council under a licensing system. They reject the licensing system completely as it stipulates a heavy penalty of up to Bt60,000 fine and up to three years in jail if journalists don’t have licences.

 

The media views the professional council, which would include two permanent secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Culture, as opening the way for state interference in media affairs. They argue that the council would undermine the media’s role in scrutinising the state, as it held the power to revoke professional licences.

 

Ultimately, when press freedom is limited, people’s rights to access information is undermined, too, they say.

 

They insist that self-regulation and social sanctions are sufficient mechanisms to regulate the media.

 

WHAT IS THE PUBLIC OPINION ON THE ISSUE?

 

As seen from comments on social media, many members of the public have expressed disappointment over the quality of media coverage and agree that it should be regulated by the law.

 

Some people point out that some media have been politically partisan. They also complain that the media often report inappropriate news such as the broadcast of live suicides.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30313853

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-01

[Thaiwrath]

A poor attempt at copying the 'Gangnam Style' video ?

[Jonmarleesco]

'... will set a code of ethics and professional standards ...' That would be rich, being initiated by a group to whom both are moving themes.

 

'The media ... reject the licensing system completely as it stipulates a heavy penalty of up to Bt60,000 fine and up to three years in jail if journalists don’t have licences.' I'm sure they do, but objecting to the penalties is no reason to reject the idea of licencing. The media is ever first in the queue to push for licencing in many other industries; they're hardly in a position to quibble, never mind object, to licencing for their own, albeit with more considered penalties.

 

'The media views the professional council, which would include two permanent secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Culture, as opening the way for state interference in media affairs.' I don't think governments see themselves as needing council representation in order to interfere in media affairs. Then, I don't agree with civil servants being on such councils, either; though, unless they hold deciding votes, it hardly matters.

 

'They insist that self-regulation and social sanctions are sufficient mechanisms to regulate the media.' Have never yet proven sufficient; and again, the media are first in line to push for legislation to control other industries, so are in no position to argue.

 

'Some people ... complain that the media often report inappropriate news such as the broadcast of live suicides.' That is much more a function of the Thais' love affair with all things gruesome than the media's reporting standards, questionable though they are.