MCOT staff have agreed to end their two-week "black shirt" protest after a meeting was arranged to convey their concerns about interference in television programming.

All 44 MCOT departments, which represent 1,200 staff, yesterday summarised the faults they see in the media organisation as well as suggestions for improvement.

These issues will be discussed with acting president Pongsak Payakvichien and the company's board of directors as soon as possible, said staff representative Orawan Krimwiratkul.

"We also would like to hear all future policies and [planned] directions for MCOT from the board," said Orawan, adding that the level of understanding between Pongsak and MCOT staff needs to be improved.

She said staff also doubted whether Pongsak, as acting president, had the right to change the media organisation's policies and direction.

MCOT's board announced on Tuesday that all prime-time programming would be maintained until June next year in order to avoid harming revenue streams. However, programming changes will be undertaken in non-prime-time slots.

The company's staff started their protest against the new board on November 7, following the announcement of new policies that led to a sharp fall in share prices and were blamed for undermining investor confidence.

"MCOT used to be the state media agency, under which staff had no opportunity to raise

their voice but followed all

policies and directions announced by the board. We were looked down on by other people as having low social cost," said Orawan.

"But this time we've made history ... by raising our concerns and protecting MCOT from interference. We have also created unity among MCOT staff," she said.

"We, as employees, would like MCOT to be a strong and efficient organisation where people would like to work. We would

like to raise MCOT's credibility and reputation, so that it can ensure stability of life for all employees."

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation