Charter writers oppose press ‘reform’ attempt
A controversial bill to regulate the media industry proposed by the National Reform Steering Assembly media reform panel could breach the new constitution which supports media self-regulation and independence from state control, a Constitution Drafting Committee member says. Chartchai Na Chiangmai, who is also a CDC spokesman, said the charter writers have laid down principles for the media to regulate themselves and set their own ethical framework. Section 35 of the new constitution clearly states that media professionals have the right to present information, and express opinions in accordance with professional ethics, he said, adding that this right cannot be breached. Censorship is not allowed either, except during wartime, he said. Mr Chartchai insisted that the new charter does not call for any national media profession council to control the media. He said he did not believe the state should meddle with the media.
