Media must be free and accountable

I fully agree with PM Prayut that our media badly needs reforming, as shown by their total failure to respect the privacy of late actor Trisadee “Por” Sahawong’s family.
Also, in covering the turmoil leading up to the latest military coup, the media, regardless of colour, often poured oil on the fire – rather than seeking to be impartial in coverage, with clearly-labelled opinions that sought to spread light and not heat.
The media must accept that with freedom comes accountability. For example, you and I have freedom of speech – but if we shout “fire!” in a crowded movie theatre, we must suffer the consequences.
Presently, Thai media professional organisations have no teeth to ensure that their members heed their code of conduct.
Professional NGOs should have codes clearly and explicitly stating what behaviour is not acceptable, together with impartial, transparent judicial processes for deviant members to be disciplined by their peers, including suspension/expulsion – with the government enforcing these sanctions.
Thus, it would be illegal to hire a photographer or reporter suspended by his professional association, and everyone engaged in a particular profession must be a member in good standing of that group.
Let’s have a media that’s both accountable and free, as that is key to our development.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok