Academics and journalists have called for a compromise in the row over allegations of content changes at the Mass Communication Organisation of Thailand (MCOT).

They want a cease-fire over allegations of political meddling before the formerly public broadcasting agency's image is tarnished here and internationally.

Broadcast journalist Pichien Amnajworaprasert told a seminar the quarrelling parties should strike a compromise. The seminar was titled "Who's hurting MCOT?".

Over the past week organisation employees - led by newswoman Orawan Krimwiratkul - have protested against president Pongsak Payakvichien and its new board of directors.

There have been allegations the new management wanted to change content at the company's Modernine television and radio stations.

Darunee Hiranruk, dean at the Thai Chamber of Commerce University mass-communications department, said management and staff were in conflict as the result of a breakdown in communication.

Pichien said the new board appeared to have good intentions for post-coup reform but had exhibited poor execution.

"In the past, we could say the organisation had not done enough to serve the public interest because it was strongly influenced by the policies of the previous government.

"However, the post-coup board of directors appears to have made its move for programming changes too rapidly. So there was strong opposition," Pichien said.

He said reforms should be made first to serve the public and then to ensure profitability. MCOT is now publicly listed.

Radio-programme manager Pirun Chatvanichkul said the man overseeing the broadcaster, Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan, blundered by failing to publicly explain the government's news-media policies ahead of making changes at the organisation.

Meanwhile, Orawan claimed she had been unfairly treated in news coverage of the MCOT dispute.