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Published on February 16, 2008

They demanded the government halt all interference in news-media freedoms.

Included in their demands is broadcast time for the opposition, as promised by Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair.

They said the state already allowed Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to use Public Relations Department radio stations and Channel 11 to broadcast his weekly show.

In addition, the government must obey new legislation governing the allocation of frequencies.

The government must not interfere or exert influence over TPBS, but support it in the presentation of coverage free from political influence.

The six bodies are the Press Council of Thailand, the Confederation of Thai Journalists, the Thai Journalists Association, the Provincial Journalists Association of Thailand, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and the Thailand Cable Television Association.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Department director-general Pramoj Rathavinij insisted that no minister had ordered Fatima Broadcasting International to remove Chirmsak from the air.

He said the company met with producers about making a programme that promoted conciliation. Chirmsak "showed his spirit by quitting", he said.

He believed it was wrong for the company - which uses the department's stations - to criticise the government. The department's policy is to "present accurate information to the public", he added.

"Language and the News", produced by Sopon Ongkara, will replace Chirmsak on FM105.

The Nation