We Want NBT to capitalise on its strengths : Minister Satit

Q : At what stage is the plan to reform the National Broadcasting of Thailand (NBT)?

A : We are implementing the plan. I have studied information and discussed with the Public Relations Department about the operation of its radio, television and other [units].

After discussions with the PRD director-general, we agreed that the news should be for unity, not contain content that would cause rifts in society. It should present balanced and rounded stories.

The overall programmes should comprise the state's public relations programmes and the public's space in the same ratio (50:50). This doesn't mean it is public television - as public TV would need laws to support it and it must be independent. Thai PBS is public television.

After a month of planning discussion, the joint producer of NBT's news programming (Digital Media Holding) sent a letter to end the contract.

Q : What will you do next with news programming?

A : There are two phases. The company will stop producing news for the channel from March 1. But we have announced April 1 as the day to revamp NBT's programmes. So from March 1 to April 1, we have to let the PRD's staff produce the news programme. But a problem is that the PRD has been very weak in the past nine years. Private companies had a greater role.

From now on, NBT doesn't have to provide [the same] news other channels. We have strengths that state television is loaded with - [like] direct information from the government. People want to hear information directly from the government. So in over nine hours of news programme each day, why don't we provide news programmes produced professionally, reliably with less provoking colours? But the shows must not be dull.

Q : What about other programmes?

A : From April 1, we have cancelled all contracts with joint producers. All producers of programmes must submit their proposals and demonstrations. If they are approved, the programmes, which might be the same as being on air now, can go on air.

Q : Could you give some programme examples?

A : The programmes must be suitable for [current] situations -about jobs, health or social issues. An economic programme, we may provide information about the government's policies, what affected people think and other facts. We will change from focusing on political news to more useful [topics]. The programmes might seem to be heavy, but we can provide them as we don't have to compete with other commercial televisions.

Q : What reactions do you expect?

A : I realise high expectation from society. But I don't expect great rating as I know we have limited time to change and the department's potential is limited. We have to allow private companies to be joint producers but the process must be transparent. It might be hard, but we need a first step.

 Q : What would you do with the NBT's earnings?

A : The agency needs to survive by itself in terms of earnings. But NBT in the past carried the burden itself. For example, many government agencies claimed they lacked a public relations budget and requested free broadcasting or paid just half the costs. Costs for NBT's air-time are less than other channels already.

We have to revise and change the regulations for air-time fee.

 Q : Do you have a plan to support the employees of Digital Media and its sub-contract companies when the contract ends?

A : The contract cancellation was requested by the company. If the company's employees want to sue, they must sue the company. After the company left, we found out NBT has only about 10 news anchors from the PRD. The PRD has been really weak.

Q : When you said there was no extra budget for the revamp, how would you make the programmes better?

A : I see a potential for better using the provincial public relations agencies that the PRD has in every province. If they are effective, we should be the most influential station in the country. NBT will have time reserved for locally-produced programmes for 3-4 hours a day. So the local TV will be real local TV.

Q : What opportunities do you see from the NBT revamp?

A : We can stop political influence from plaguing the station. And we can open opportunities for young-blood producers to grow. If they are capable, this is a chance for them to show their talents.They can also benefit from the broadcasting affairs development funds in the hands of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.