MEDIA

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has threatened to revoke the licences of six satellite TV channels if they are found guilty of broadcasting exaggerated ads about drugs and food supplements.

After the regulator issued 172 licences to satellite TV channels last week, six channels were accused by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of violating its rules by broadcasting exaggerated ads for drugs and food supplements.

"If they really did break the law, we will consider revoking their broadcast licences," said Supinya Klangnarong, a NBTC commissioner.

Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC's broadcasting committee, said it approved 20 new licences for the non-frequency broadcast network yesterday, bringing the total to 331. There are 49 applications still awaiting approval.

The committee also issued 98 licences for non-frequency channels (satellite and cable TV mostly in the provinces).

Ms Supinya said broadcast licences could be automatically terminated if a broadcaster is found to violate FDA laws by a court.

Col Natee added that 143 trial broadcast licences were approved for community radio stations, of which 93 were for commercial purposes, 20 for community service and 30 for public service. There were 7,000 total applications from radio stations.

The one-year trial started on Jan 16, 2013, and will be extended until community radio problems are eliminated, he said.

Moreover, the NBTC will conduct a focus group on the proper framework and guidelines for digital TV on Feb 1, in order to determine a minimum licence fee.

Concerning the digital TV coupon subsidy for households, the broadcasting committee will consult with the Universal Service Obligation (USO) committee on Feb 13 to figure out the coupon value before proposing it to the NBTC for consideration next month.