NHRC to consider Peace TV licence revocation
Play
RED-SHIRT co-leader Weng Tojirakarn along with Peace TV news anchors filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday to fight the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)'s decision to revoke its broadcast
NHRC Commissioner Niran Pitakwatchara accepted the petition, saying the commission has the right to check if the NBTC had violated the freedom of press, which is guaranteed by the interim charter.
Ready to listen to all sides
Ready to listen to all sides
He added that the NHRC would also look into facts to see if Peace TV did indeed broadcast programmes that might be deemed as inciting division in society.
Moreover, the rights commission will also invite NBTC member Supinya Klangnarong – the only person who opposed the licence revocation – to explain the watchdog’s decision.
The NHRC will then call red-shirt co-leader and Peace TV news anchor Jatuporn Prompan, who is believed to be behind the contentious programme, to give an account.
On May 20, the commission will hold a meeting to examine the process under which the licence was cancelled and see if Peace TV was given a fair opportunity to defend itself.
Niran said the NBTC could only block a controversial programme from being broadcast, but not shut down the station because it would affect the staff.
“If today we are not able to listen to different opinions, then it will be difficult to achieve our aim of moving toward democracy, to build reform and [fulfil] expectations that a new constitution will lead to reconciliation among all parties,” he pointed out.
