Sorayuth: Integrity of journalism at stake

A key reason for his fame is his audience trusts him – we believe he has integrity and therefore the news as he presents it is as impartial as he can make it. But the NAAC’s ruling strikes at the very heart of our belief in him because, if he could cheat his then-employer, he certainly can be bought.

A media personality who’s up for sale and refuses to reveal who’s calling his tune isn’t of much use to an advertiser. His audience won’t know to what extent it can believe him and will abandon him for more credible sources of information. Thus I support Pramon Suthivongs, chairman of the Anti-Corruption Network, in calling for advertisers to review their support for Sorayuth, and for Channel 3 to take a clear stand on the matter.

Since Sorayuth is one of Thailand’s most prominent media personalities, he’s a role model for those in the industry and those aspiring to it. Where there are credible grounds for doubting his integrity, as in this case, he cannot pretend that nothing is awry, and must clear his name before reappearing on the show. “He that loseth his honesty has nothing else to lose,” as John Lyly wrote.

Burin Kantabutra

Bangkok