Communication Parasites in the 9 Nightly News Program by Thai News Agency

Abstract

     The research aimed to study characteristics and functions of Communication Parasites in the 9 Nightly News Program by Thai News Agency. A qualitative method was used; data from broadcast materials, supplementary documents and individuals were collected and analysed. Findings of the research indicated 3 levels of communication parasites station, program, and texts. Each parasite had has different functions, depending on conditions or factors in the production process. Established policies, specified program format, requirements from sponsors, and audience’s needs caused the communication parasites. The television was a changing and dynamic medium; the parasite status at a certain period of time, which a researcher observed, might change due to the program change.