The JUNTA will be asked to make the final decision on whether Channel 3's analog programmes can be carried by cable and satellite TV, as its previous edict on the matter clashes with the broadcast regulator's "must carry" rule.
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the broadcasting committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission(NBTC), said yesterday that the NBTC would seek the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s advice and clarification. On May 24, two days after it seized power from the elected government, the NCPO had issued "Announcement 27", allowing cable/sat TV operators to continue carrying analog free TV channels along with the new digital ones.
A special meeting of the broadcasting committee was held to discuss how to authorise cable/sat operators to continue broadcasting Channel 3's analog programmes.
This legal conflict has created confusion among key players in the industry because all terrestrial-based analog TV channels including Channel 3 are no longer considered free TV broadcasting services under the NBTC's must-carry rule.
Only digital terrestrial TV channels can be carried by cable/sat TV.
After Announcement No 27 was released, Bangkok Entertainment Co, which runs Channel 3, appealed to the NCPO to allow cable/sat TV to continue carrying its analog programmes after a 100-day grace period extended by the NBTC ended on Monday, September 1.
The process might take time, Natee said.
This afternoon the NBTC will meet with all 24 digital terrestrial TV operators and Channel 3 to hammer out a solution to this problem.
"However, at this time, Channel 3 analog TV content can be broadcast either via conventional antenna or local cable and satellite TV platforms as usual," Natee said.