'Impose ratings in 30 days'

Face-painted children yesterday come out in support of the government’s plan to introduce a TV-programme rating system.

The groups backing the plan include the Family Network, Youth Network, Tonkla Organisation, Friends of Women Foundation and Mirror Foundation.

Representatives argue that most people agree with the system and say the government should impose it within 30 days. "Please stop protecting the business of some groups at the cost of society," one representative said.

They visited Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont at Government House and staged a pantomime depicting how children exposed to TV violence are affected.

They added that the government had obligations under the Children's Protection Act and United Nations conventions to protect children from TV violence.

Surayud was asked to tell television companies to provide wholesome and educational programmes for younger viewers. The groups want to see the Public Relations Department act swiftly on recent Cabinet resolutions on ratings and air-time restrictions. The groups are demanding participation in writing a TV-programme rating manual.

In a related development, National Institute for Child and Family Development member Ithipol Pretiprasong said the department should be able to declare air-time restrictions with immediate effect in line with the Broadcasting Act.

"This is not about restricting freedom but the protection of children," he said, adding that air-time restrictions and a rating manual are separate issues.

"The manual is not law. It's guidelines," he said. He believes television executives have become blindsided by the proposal to have a manual.

Ithipol said the manual was necessary because some programmes were improperly rated.

Prime Minister's Office Minister Khunying Dhipava-dee Meksawan said the manual was necessary because the state no longer censored what went on air.

"We have allowed self-regulatory practices," she said, adding that she believes the hours between 4pm and 8pm are a time for children's television.

Family Network for Media Watch member Anya-orn Panicheungrat called on Surayud to make children's rights a priority.

"The hours between 4pm and 8pm should be for children. Television programmes should be designed to benefit children. The programmes should not contain violence or rude language," she said.