Satellite-based PTV, founded by former top members of the Thai Rak Thai Party, yesterday broadcast its first programmes on Star Channel MV1, only to be blocked several hours later.

PTV, or People's Television, promised it would serve the people and provided accurate reports.

Two weeks after battling with the government over its intended broadcasts, PTV yesterday found its way onto the air waves. Star Channel is among 18 satellite broadcasters.

The station marked its debut with the Royal anthem followed by a statement read by its president, Veera Musigapong.

The first programme, called "People's Station", was co-hosted by station vice president Chatuporn Prompan and station director Natthawut Sai-kue.

The station was, however,  blocked since 5pm, 10 hours after its first broadcast.

Chatuporn told The Nation the signal had been cut in the middle of a programme. He suspected intervention and was consulting lawyers. Representatives were talking with World Entertainment Network. A news conference has been scheduled for today.

Chatuporn explained Star Channel MV1 had been considered earlier as a way out for PTV in its dispute with the government. PTV executives decided last month to sign a contract with World Entertain-ment Network. This allowed PTV to go to air on the MV1 channel as a "co-producer", Chatuporn said.

"We had to go this way because the government intentionally discriminated against us and the people's right to information.

"The contract is legal. If the government continues to prevent PTV being on the air it will be considered unjustified, and we will fight back," he said.

On its website, ptvthai.com, the company said subscribers to satellite-based ASTV and Wat Dhammakaya dmc.tv could access PTV.

Meanwhile, Council for National Security (CNS) chairman General Sondhi Boonyaratglin said PTV could broadcast.

CNS spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd added the CNS would take no action against PTV as long as it did not violate the law. He added the people would make a choice as to what information to consume.

He believed people paid little attention to PTV.

Following the blackout, the station received many telephone calls of support.

Chatuporn said the broadcaster would use Sanam Laung to voice its opinions if the blackout continued.

Campaign for Popular Media Reform president Associate Professor Ubonrat Siriyuwasak said PTV had as much right to broadcast as other television channels. She believed content provided by competing stations would provide a balance of information.

Society should not be concerned about PTV and prevent its broadcasting if it was genuine about news-media freedom, she said.

"If PTV creates problems for society it will be criticised and monitored by society," Ubonrat said.

Anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngam-anong said PTV still had to prove itself as a professional news-media organisation. He had no problem with the pro-Thaksin credentials of the station because it would balance information from pro-junta news media.

September 19 Network Against the Coup coordinator Chanakan Phundeamwong said the government allowed ASTV to broadcast as a "government mouthpiece" so it should permit PTV operate.

"However, the people must be selective. People shouldn't only have a choice between pro-Thaksin and pro-military media. It's time the people tried to decide their future by themselves and not depend on just two sides," she said.

Public Relations Department director-general Pramoj Rathavinij refused to comment on the broadcast, saying he needed to study details.

Satellite television PTV failed to launch on March 1 as planned owing to the lack of a satellite slot.

State-owned CAT Telecom and TOT, which control Thailand's Internet gateways, declined to give PTV Internet access.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan,

Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation