30 media organizations demand change of reform panel chief
The 30 media organizations stepped up their measure against the media regulatory bill, submitting an open letter to the National Reform Steering Assembly to replace media reform chief.
In the open letter submitted via former journalist and current political reformer Alongkorn Ponlaboot, the media organizations voiced that Kanit Suwannet, head of the media reform panel, be replaced by someone whose expertise was in journalism.
The organizations said Kanit is not suitable for the post as he himself had conceded he was not familiar with the area.
In addition, Kanit in his recent interview cited that he had met with media representatives who had acknowledged of the contentious draft bill as well as saying the draft bill was backed by an academic research, the open letter read.
The media organizations said that the claim was inconsistent with the truth and so they called on the NRSA to remove Kanit from the media reform panel.
Insisting they were willing to help with the reform plans if press reform is not limited, the organizations also called for the NRSA to put off deliberation of the draft bill. Also, they voiced for the reformers to review the law to ensure it was consistent with the referendum-backed constitution which they said promoted self-regulation and not the state-dominant professional council as proposed by the current bill.
Alongkorn expressed understanding and promised to take the matter to related agents in the NRSA.
The open letter, endorsed by 30 media organizations nationwide, was presented Thursday by top figures in national press associations such as Wanchai Wongmeechai, Thepchai Yong, and Chavarong Limpattamapanee.
