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Published on March 24, 2008

Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy (CPD), said yesterday the group had received petitions from some Channel 11 officials pointing to suspected irregularity at the television station.

Private companies run by a few media heavyweights close to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra were expected to be awarded a contract to supply programmes for Channel 11 as part of the reform, Suriyasai quoted the petition as saying.

"They also are trying to take over operation of radio stations run by the Public Relations Department", which controls Channel 11, he said.

Suriyasai called on the Cabinet members in charge of state media to explain.

"The CPD is not against the reforming of Channel 11. But the goals must be clear-cut and the relevant laws must be respected. The procedures must not be compromised for the business interests of your associates," he said.

"The CPD will closely follow changes in Channel 11 to prevent it from being turned into private property or a tool for government propaganda," he said.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday the new programmes at Channel 11 would start broadcasting on April 1.

He said the programmes under the reform plan could have straightforward reports and could criticise the government. "There's no need to flatter the government," he said.

The premier said certain programmes from TITV, which was closed by the previous administration, would be revived at Channel 11 and hosted by the same anchormen.

"These are the people to help develop Channel 11," he said.

The Nation