PR Dept blasted over canned TV show

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Sunday said the government would host a daily primetime  show on NBT to counter attacks made by the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy.

Anant Asvanont, head of the editorial staff, said the team had hosted the show since April and provided neutral and balanced stories. However, the station canned the show on Monday, saying the Public Relations Department might not want "that type" of show.

He also referred to articles in the Constitution that supported press freedom. Anant told The Nation he did not blame the station for the suspension, as a co-production contract gave it the right to award slots to anyone at any time. His team only provided content for the show. He issued a statement making public his team's professional position on the matter.

Acting NBT director Suriyong Hunthasan said he had informed the department's director-general about Anant's statement, but was not ready to comment.

On Monday, "Today's Truth", hosted by pro-government activist Veera Musigapong, replaced "Page 4 News".

Meanwhile, the Democrats blasted the government for media interference after the pro-government programme went on air.

Democrat assistant secretary-general Thepthai Senpong said the format and content of "Today's Truth" was similar to PTV's programme.

As they are defendants in a court case involving a rally last year at the home of Privy Council Prem Tinsulanonda, letting them go on air was improper, he said.

Democrat executive Sathit Pitutecha called on the government to comply with laws protecting press freedom and take responsibility for its actions. He said the government must have been behind the former leaders of the pro-government Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship, including Veera, who is hosting the new show.

Sathit said there was a link between the government, the pro-government supporters at Sanam Luang and the hosts of the new television programme.