Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 18:11:51 +0700
From: Sacha Jotisalikorn <sacha@forumasia.org>
Subject: [communication 921] Fwd: Stations fighting to remain independent
To: communication@wsisasia.org
Message-Id: <B9C7E9B4-F26D-11D7-BA07-000393DB8C92@forumasia.org>
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Begin forwarded message:

> From: Sacha Jotisalikorn <sacha@forumasia.org>
> Date: Mon Sep 29, 2003  14:14:42 Asia/Bangkok
> To: foe-foi-news@forumasia.org
> Subject: Stations fighting to remain independent
>
> The Bangkok Post
> 16 September 2003
>
>
> COMMUNITY RADIO
> Stations fighting to remain independent
>
> Politicians, traders `seek personal gain'
>
> Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
>
> Community radio operators in 150 localities are banding together to 
> ward off politicians and businessmen interested in using the networks 
> for personal gain.
>
> Montri Im-aem, a member of Chiang Mai's San Patong district community 
> radio committee, yesterday said radio programmes broadcast by local 
> communities were being eyed by politicians and businessmen who wanted 
> to reap benefits by providing sponsorship and advertisements.
>
> ``It is against our philosophy to accept any form of advertisement or 
> sponsorship that is of benefit to any individual or business. We 
> operate community radios for the benefit of our community,'' Mr Montri 
> told a press conference on the link between health and media reform.
>
> Chatichai Luangjaroen, manager of Rayong's Ban Jamrung district 
> community radio, said the popularity of community radio had increased 
> immensely and was now one of the most important modes of communication 
> for local communities.
>
> Despite operating for about two hours a day, it helped raise health 
> awareness, and campaigns had succeeded in cutting alcohol consumption 
> and reducing the use of pesticides on farms, he said.
>
> Manyat Pongpaibul, a researcher at the Health Systems Reform Office 
> (HSRO) who has been studying the use of community radios, said it had 
> become very popular among community residents.
>
> She cited a programme organised by a 72-year-old man in Sakol Nakhon, 
> which has become very popular among the elderly because his programme 
> dealt with concerns of people his age.
>
> Euajit Virojtrairat, of the National Human Rights Commission, said the 
> main purpose in encouraging the establishment of community radio was 
> for local communities to communicate among themselves on issues of 
> relevance to them.
>
> Amphon Jindawathana, director of the HSRO, said he hoped other 
> communities would also make use of this new mode of communication.
>
> The World Health Organisation had expressed full support in providing 
> information beneficial to public health.
>
>
>


	
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