NBTC TO tighten ad rules on cable, satellite TV

"Cable and satellite TV operators must comply with the NBTC’s regulations on content and TV commercials after getting an operating licence," Supinya Klangnarong, who sits on the watchdog’s subcommittee for consumer protection, said |yesterday.

As the NBTC has received a number of complaints about false advertising, particularly related to pharmaceutical products, aired on cable and satellite TV channels, Supinya said the commission would work more closely with the Food and Drug Administration and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to reinforce health regulations.

Currently there are about 1,000 cable and satellite TV operators nationwide. Existing operators must file licence applications by tomorrow, while there is no deadline for newcomers.

Unlicensed operators face five years’ imprisonment or a Bt5-million fine, or both, plus a Bt50,000 daily fine until they comply with the regulations.

Meanwhile, the NBTC will also oversee and control the advertising content on existing analog terrestrial television broadcasters.

Supinya added that early next year, the NBTC planned to meet with advertising agencies and related parties on measures and guidelines on a product-placement ban in programmes on cable, satellite and terrestrial TV channels.

"Because of the lack of direct regulations to control advertising agencies, the NBTC will be a facilitator for advertising firms to promote self-regulation," she said, adding the watchdog might initiate a fund or incentive scheme to support self-regulation for this industry.

To promote self-regulation and consumer-rights protection, the NBTC yesterday held a workshop on "Broadcasting Regulation in the Digital Era: Consumer Protection and Public Interest".

At the seminar, Professor Wolfgang Schulz, head of Hans-Bredow-Institut in Germany, suggested that in the self-regulation process, all related parties must stress social responsibility and transparency, while private broadcasters must accept this system.