Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the broadcasting committee at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NTBC), yesterday told the media and representatives from both free-to-air analog and digital TV operators that the required transition period would run from November 13 to 18.
Natee’s remarks were in response to Monday’s resolution by the broadcasting committee to implement the move.
Despite obtaining permission from the government to recommence entertainment-related activities nationwide from November 14, the broadcasting watchdog suggested that TV programmes must not contain inappropriate content such as humour, violence, sexual explicitness and disrespectful words.
Natee suggested that general TV programmes such as soap operas, foreign series, variety shows, game shows, music competitions, live sports and commercials could be returned to normalcy with full colour. During the 100 days of the national mourning period, only content that is restricted for those aged below 18 years and specific programmes will remain barred.
TV hosts, presenters and news announcers should continue to wear appropriate attire throughout the 100-day mourning period, which will come to an end on January 21.
NBT channel, commonly known as Channel 11, which is run by the government’s Public Relations Department, will act as the official host broadcaster of the King’s funeral religious rites while all free-to-air TV stations must link to live signals from NBT for the ceremonies, Natee added.
Apart from those free-to-air TV stations, this guideline will also be implemented at other broadcasting services such as radio, cable/satellite TV and Internet protocol TV.
Those media outlets had been forced to lower their tone and broadcast documentaries about His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his royal duties after his passing was announced on October 13.
According to a source in the advertising-media industry, local agencies and advertisers said they truly understood the situation and were committed to adjusting to meet proper standards during the national mourning period.