Academic conference focuses on media freedom and the burying of news unfavorable to the government

Bangkok PostSaturday, June 25, 2005
By Mongkol Bangprapa

The country has entered an era of commercial politics when media is “blinded, deafened and gagged” by the government’s ability to dictate the news agenda, according to an academic conference.
The conference entitled “Deaf, Blind, Mute: Rights and Media Freedom in the Hands of Commercial Politics,” held by Chulalongkorn University’s communication arts faculty and Unesco’s Chair in Freedom of Expression programme, examined the state of media freedom in Thailand.
Books discussed at the forum touched on hot issues of the day including suspension of broadcasts by community radio stations critical of the government.
The conference said the government had resorted to three main approaches to divert public attention from negative coverage of its activities.
Mr Ruj said two years of research revealed that 13 headline newspaper stories were created by the government or Mr Thaksin that were sensational enough to “bury” news unfavourable to the government.
Citing examples, Mr Ruj said reports of Mr Thksin’s son, Panthongthae, allegedly carrying notes into a university exam room were followed soon afterwards by news of Mr Panthongthae transferring 367 million shares of the family company to his sister.
The intense security woes in the Deep South were countered by news of Mr Thaksin taking children from southern provinces on a tour of Bangkok.
Public interest in the build-up to last year’s censure debate was also diluted by reports of plans to buy into Liverpool football team, a deal which did not materialise.
Mr Ruj said another diversionary tactic employed by the government was appeals to emotion and public sympathy. At the height of the entrance exam leak last year, Mr Thaksin asked for fairness for his daughter. Eyes moist, Mr Thaksin said: “Is she the daughter of a crook that you have to keep bullying her?”
The government inhibited the flow of news by banning state officials from interviews and lessening public pressure on doubtful government undertakings by appointing inquiries although the investigations were often led by unpopular figures.
Supinya Klangnarong, secretary-general of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, said proposed privatisation of many government-run media outlets would eventually end up in private hands which could lead to dominance. Often, news was subject of mockery which was worse than interference.
Somkwan Promthong, of the Assembly of the Poor, said community radio broadcasts were one the few remaining outlets for free speech.
Date Posted: 6/25/2005