TiTV is biased over Sunday clash : ICT minister

Sitthichai said in the Cabinet meeting yesterday that TiTV news reports benefited the government's opponents after broadcasts of the clash on Sunday night gave the impression that police officers attacked protesters. He said that scenes of mobsters attacking the police were not broadcast.

He added that the news station also reported on former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra officially launching his book, "Thaksin's 24 Hours After the Coup", at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2007.

The minister suggested that PM's Office minister Khunying Dhipawadee Meksawan monitor TiTV's work.

Dhipawadee said that it was difficult for the government to control the station's news content because TiTV is an independent broadcaster.

"If we do anything with the channel, critics will say that the government is attempting to interfere with it," she said.

However, she said she would discuss the case with the directorgeneral of the Public Relations Department.

A TiTV editorial journalist who declined to be named said that if audiences watched the report on Sunday night they could decide for themselves whether TiTV reported only one side's version or not.

by Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation