Do media hinder freedom of speech?

Media clearly do not want authorities to edit the news – they want to do it solely by themselves. But is freedom of speech in good hands among the various “free and independent” media outlets?

I have for almost two weeks tried in vain to exercise my right to freedom of speech in one media outlet, but it is acting just like the government, limiting my right to speak out, despite being under no “threat” were it to do so. What I asked this particular media outlet was this: “How come you gave the Suan Dusit Poll such modest space and a discreet place? And why do the results you publish differ so much from those offered in every other media outlet?”

This media outlet interpreted the poll as saying 52 per cent of respondents were satisfied with NCPO rule, whereas every other outlet and the National News Bureau put the number at 91 per cent. The poll actually showed that 52.6 per cent were “quite satisfied” and 39 per cent “very satisfied”, which adds up to 91.6 per cent.

So does “freedom of speech” apply only to the government and other authorities but not the media? And are the “free and independent” media so free and independent that they can handle their freedom without ulterior motives influencing their reports? Or do they use their editing power as it suits them, a right they do not offer others? Serious questions – or just petty criticism from a slighted and huffy letter writer?

A Johnsen

Chon Buri