Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to study the news presentation by six major Thai Language newspapers in relation to political parties and the September 13, 1992 general election. This study analyzed all kinds of election-related news by checking the frequencies of the headlines, contents of the news as well as the space used in these newspapers sold in Bangkok during the period of 27 July - 13 September 1992. The study found that newspapers which had good relation with particular politicians tended to present the news in such a way that it supported them in terms of news and news directions. It also helped counter charges levied against them. Comparing between politician-owned or politician influenced newspapers with those without political advocates, it was found that the former, not the latter, were highly biased in presenting the news. They overwhelmingly presented positive aspects of the candidates they supported and tended to present as little as possible any unfavourable matters. In addition, it was also found that more newspaper space was used to counter charges against the politician they supported, but very little space was given for criticizing their own political party.