Political news reports from Channel 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and iTV were presented in the government's favour, judging by news relating to the anti-Thaksin rallies on February 4, 11 and 26, the watchdog said.

In terms of time allocation, every station increased its news coverage of the February 26 rally in comparison to the two previous rallies, but the increased reports accounted for a smaller proportion of coverage compared to other political news dominated by the government.

Channels 3 and 5 had the least time allocated for political news, while iTV had the most coverage.

For objectivity, no station inserted opinions into news reports. Even though certain TV reporters appeared to have certain opinions, these did not reach a level of impeding objective reporting.

With regard to balanced reporting, every station aired the views of rival parties and those of neutral figures - but failed to give equal time for each side.

Every station fell short on fairness conveyed via images, voices and content of news clippings. Television news gave government figures more prominent coverage than their opponents.

Although news reports after February 26 allowed a greater coverage of anti-Thaksin campaigners, government figures still dominated television news.

Chulalongkorn University lecturer Wisalinee Pipitkul said every station provided extensive coverage of the pro-government rally on Friday and featured Thaksin's speech in the reports. The anti-Thaksin rallies did not receive the same treatment, she said.