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Published on July 24, 2007

It's no surprise then that among those making the loudest protestations over the Public Relations Department's plan to limit violence and foul language in dramas and soap operas during evening prime-time viewing hours are the same people who have been saying that they are all for children's programmes. But what they actually mean is that they take children's programming to heart only when it doesn't hurt their business.

Those who are familiar with Thai television have been more than irritated by its prime-time programmes, which are dominated by dramas catering largely to the masses. The usual top-rated dramas are those about crime, sex and violence, and are naturally off-limits for children. There are hardly any programmes that the whole family can watch together.

The recently introduced ratings system meant to shield young viewers from violence-prone soaps have practically failed to serve their purpose. Programmes classified as "Nor", for instance, which require parental guidance, are still being shown during the hours when most children are sitting in front of the TV. Worse still, one usually finds soap operas classified as "Chor", which are specifically for adult viewers during prime-time hours.

Dismayed by the discrepancy, Social Development and Human Security Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham and a network of socially conscious parents have successfully pushed the Surayud government into adopting the new measure aimed at limiting content considered to be harmful to young audiences during prime-time viewing hours. The measure has already been endorsed by Cabinet and is awaiting feedback from both its proponents and opponents.

The measure requires programmes classified as "Nor" to be shown after 8pm while those classified as "Chor" will be allowed after 10pm during weekdays. Most soap operas and dramas being shown on TV will be affected by the new measure. The evening Thai soaps are generally known for their tendency to be violent and containing inappropriate language.

Parents have generally welcomed the new airtime restrictions, which they believe should protect their children from the negative influence of unsuitable TV programmes. A recent survey found that young viewers are also in favour of having programming that is more suitable to their ages and tastes in the evening.

And as expected, people in the TV industry have come out in full force to oppose the measure, which they claim will kill their business. Their main argument is that television is a form of art that reflects social realities. Besides, television programmes are not meant to serve young viewers only - especially during evening prime-time hours when people should be free to be entertained by their favourite programmes after a hard day's work. The proposed restrictions, they argue, would only infringe upon viewers' rights.

Among those opposing the new measure are the owners of television stations, programme producers and people in show business. They have in recent weeks rallied to pressure the PM's Office, which oversees the Public Relations Department, to step back from introducing the restrictions which they charged were thought up by people "who know nothing about television".

They claimed that the existing rating system does enough to ensure that children and young viewers are not exposed to indecent programmes. Parents, they said, also have the responsibility to provide their children with guidance when they watch TV together.

On the surface, their arguments may sound logical. Since all TV programmes are rated based on their content, it's the job of parents to make sure that their children only watch programmes suitable for them. In other words, people in show business are not responsible if children are watching the wrong programmes.

But what they have neglected to say is that scenes depicting violence and sex always ensure high ratings. And that's why most commercial TV stations have been competing to come up with dramas and soaps that highlight crime, violence and adultery. The use of provocative and foul language and scenes of jealousy-crazed members going at one another are among the main draws of these shows. The current structure of the TV industry ensures that smaller production houses with greater creativity are denied the best time slots.

Even with the best supervision, children cannot totally escape from the influence of such programmes. Survey upon survey has shown that young viewers more often than not comprise their unintended audience. And there is no need to stress that violence on television has a bad influence on children.

What Minister Paiboon and the parents network are demanding is not a ban on prime-time dramas. What they are asking for is a new mindset among those in the television industry.

Even apart from the consideration of children, good TV programmes don't need to be violent or contain foul language to be successful. People in show business have had it easy for too long with their formula of success - producing serials based on the same old plots of violence and jealousy.

They are protesting because they fear having to work outside their comfort zone. One wonders if those television producers know how to do things differently and creatively, and whether what they are saying is that the new air-time restrictions are not only a threat to their businesses, but also a direct challenge to their professional creativity.

Thepchai Yong

The Nation