Relax media restrictions in stages

To fulfil his vow, he should loosen restrictions on the media so that citizens can become educated on the issues of the day as they are discussed on-air. Thus, we can hear from the proponents themselves, and the opposing groups can, through extended give-and-take, work out win-win solutions that all can buy into. As Pericles noted, “Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all.”

However, the media must be more accountable than they have been in the past, when both sides engaged in rabble-rousing, rejected views other than their own and declined to give their targets a fair opportunity to present their side of the issue. The media must learn that with freedom comes responsibility and accountability.

Thus, I would suggest that the junta relax restrictions in stages, dependent on the media proving they are increasingly committed to presenting balanced, impartial reporting, and presenting the station’s own views only in clearly denoted editorials that are based on a balanced weighing of the facts. As a start, universities and professional societies could present debates by both sides, broadcast live, with a strong neutral moderator to keep the discussions on-topic.

In short, allow the media to carry out their vital role, but demand that they balance freedom of expression with accountability.

Burin Kantabutra