NBTC to promote self-rule for broadcasters
In a bid to promote self-regulation in the industry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission plans to introduce guidelines and a code of ethics for broadcasters next month, as well as a revised TV content-control rating standard by the
Supinya Klangnarong, the NBTC member for the subcommittee on broadcasting self-regulation, said yesterday that the draft guidelines and code are expected to be completed this month, followed by a public hearing. The revised draft will then be implemented by the end of next month.
She said the NBTC would also work with media academics, the Culture Ministry and broadcasters on revising the current standard for TVcontent-control rating for broadcasters. A new standard will be announced later this year.
With such a rating system, broadcasters are able to show viewers which TV programmes are deemed suitable only for a limited audience and which are more widely suitable for children or family consumption.
The current standard was designed by the Culture Ministry, but each TV station has its own content-control department to determine a programme’s rating.
With intense competition in the broadcasting industry both from existing players and the entry of digital media operators, some broadcasters might resort to inappropriate tactics, such as some of those used in social media, to attract advertising budgets and boost TV ratings. This might not be suitable for general viewers, she said.
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However, the NBTC also wants to see professional organisations take action in regard those who violate the code of ethics, she added.
On a related matter, the NBTC yesterday held an ethics forum for TV game and reality shows. Media professionals, academics and interested parties attended the event.
The forum followed the recent controversy over a female artist showing her painting skills by using her bare breast in the “Thailand’s Got Talent” TV show last month.
Representatives from television broadcasters, academics and consumer rights groups agreed that media literacy development, consumer protection measures and promotion of a code of ethics were required for self-regulation of media business.
Pramote Chokesirikulchai, president of the Thai Digital Entertainment Content Federation, urged media literacy development among Thais.
Chalidaporn Songsamphan, lecturer in Political Science, Feminism and Politics of Sexuality at Thammasat University, suggested that if a controversy arose similar to the “Thailand’s Got Talent” incident, related parties should discuss the matter openly and educate the public about the problem, rather than sweep it under the carpet.
Time Chuastapanasiri, researcher at the Academic Institute of Public Media of Thai Public Broadcasting Services (ThaiPBS), said that before any TV production house created programming under imported copyright, they must ensure that the format is fit for Thai culture and in accordance with media ethics.
Aruneeprapa Homsethi, president of the Professionals of Broadcasting Council (Thailand), said her organisation would improve its complaint unit to ensure a prompt response service.
