I BC television went off the air for five days because of its reporting on the failed coup according to a Thai language newspaper in Bangkok.

But the allegations were denied by IBC general manager Dr Prommin Lertsuridej who said IBC shut down between July 30-August 4 due to technical problems.

Sao Heourn, an IBC journalist in an interview with the Post confirmed that during the failed coup IBC broadcasted nothing about the affair except for official government statements released to the TV station.

IBC, a Thai-owned-TV station, began broadcasting in Phnom Penh in early May 1993 and has become the most popular TV station in the city with over 70 percent of people watching the broadcasts, according to Heourn.

He said IBC had received hundreds of inquiring calls from viewers during the period it went off air.

IBC broadcasts programs from 11 am to 12 pm everyday including CNN International News, Khmer news, and cultural, sporting and entertainment programs.