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Published on January 12, 2008

They reacted to a government committee's decision to make the channel an independent television station, saying that the move was not transparent and in was in violation of several laws.

Acting news director Atcha Suwanpakpraek said the five-member panel, appointed by the Public Relations Department, issued an advanced television broadcast programme without authorisation, violating the right of a government panel to be set up in the future.

He said he was aware that the panel was instrumental in pushing for a condition that would see half of the 800 TITV staff members lose their jobs once TITV became independent

The new broadcast programme will also reduce news time from eight hours a day to only three while the remaining time had been reserved for news programmes to be produced by outside operators.

"This panel will submit its well-prepared plans to the government-appoint committee, making it merely a rubber stamp," he added.

Tuangphonr Assawawilai, the daily news editor, accused the National Legislative Assembly members, mostly media professionals, of setting up post-independence conditions to favour outside or freelance television programme producers.

She said those NLA members had abolished their professionalism and were scurring around trying to get their slices of the annual operation cost of Bt1.7 billion.

Jom Pradabphet, a senior TITV editor, said the post-independence TITV needed to give a 100 per cent assurance to its staff that they would not be affected in terms of both professionalism and employment benefits.

Chatchai Tawantharong, a TITV deputy news director, said he saw no need for the current government to rush the transition process and should wait for the elected government to handle the TITV matter.

The Nation