iTV saga a crowd favourite
Nation Group editor Thepchai Yong speaks at the launch of his book ‘The End of iTV’ at the 35th Bangkok International Book Fair at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
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A veteran newsman's book on the end of iTV generated a media frenzy at the Bangkok International Book Fair yesterday.
Thepchai Yong's "Awasan iTV" (The End of iTV) proved to be the hottest buy as former iTV rebels came together to discuss the station's achievements and the prospects for independent television in Thailand. Nearly a hundred book lovers were seen clamouring for the author's autograph. "The day I walked out of iTV, I felt the station would never be the same again. It was a pity,'' said Thepchai, who is Nation Group group editor. The book explores iTV's memorable past when Thepchai and his news team could freely report on controversial issues like the irregularities within Thai politics. The group of reporters, known as rebels for their discontent with the state of the station's editorial policy after Shin Corp's takeover, joined Thepchai onstage. They included Karuna Bua-khamsri, Pattaraphorn Sang-puangthong and Prajak Mawong-sa. They said the spirit of investigative journalism in the Thai broadcast media had all but evaporated. "We still don't have the kind of independent television with quality programming that can educate the public. "What we have now are stations offering soap operas to the Thai public. How will that advance our understanding of society?'' Thepchai said.
Manote Tripathi The Nation
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