Formation and Transition of Patani Media, 2012-2014: from Radio Broadcasting to Online Communication

Abstract

This article examines the formation and transition of “Patani media” or “three southernmost provinces [of Thailand] local media” from 2012 until the 2014 coup, by focusing on two self-proclaimed Patani media organizations: Media Selatan radio station and internet-based media organization Wartani. Core data of this article is gathered from interviews and discussions with director of Media Selatan and editors of Wartani. The article proposes that, for Patani media, objectivity and impartiality, which are often regarded as descriptors of professionalism of media organization, play a crucial part in combining the roles of media organization and social movement activism.