Analysis of six major free-TV stations showed reports about Thai Rak Thai appeared most frequently - 369 times - and most news featured caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The results of the survey, by Assumption University's Abac Poll Research Centre from August 1-11, were released yesterday.

Noppadon Kannika, centre director, said 69 per cent of those surveyed believed TV reports would affect how people vote, while 23 per cent said it would have no impact.

The Democrat Party was the subject of 136 reports about its campaign, advertising and policy declarations. Chat Thai appeared 46 times, followed in terms of frequency by the Pracharaj and Mahachon parties.

Noppadon said the survey was the first of five that his centre will conduct before the election on October 15. "We hope our surveys will encourage TV stations to make sure their coverage is balanced," he said.

The TV stations surveyed were Channels 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and iTV.