Page 4 News' protests suspension

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Sunday the government would host a daily TV show on NBT in prime time to counter attacks made by the antigovernment People's Alliance for Democracy.

Head of the editorial staff Anant Asvanont said the editorial team had hosted the show since April to provide neutral and balanced stories. However, the station cancelled the show on Monday, showing the Public Relations Department did not want such a television programme.

He also cited Articles in the Constitution to support the protection of freedom of the press.

However, Anant said he did not blame the station for yanking the programme as the contract for coproduction gave the station the right to give the TV time to anyone at any time. His team just provided the content of the programme. He issued the statement to declare the team's professional standpoint.

Acting NBT director Suriyong Huntasarn said he had acknowledged and had informed the PRD directorgeneral about Anant's statement but he was not ready to comment.

On Monday, a television show called "Today's Truth", hosted by progovernment figure Veera Musigapong, replaced "Page 4 News".

The deputy government spokesman had previously said the government could not host such a programme as the television station still had a contract with a private company.