Leading radio producer moving into satellite TV
Click VR1 Radio, the leading producer of radio programmes in Bangkok, is earmarking Bt300 million to diversify into satellite television operations and to focus on holding concerts and other events next year.
With this move, the firm expects to more than double its revenues to Bt1 billion in the coming year from Bt400 million projected for this year.
Managing director Wassanapong Wichaiya said yesterday that the new service had been operating on a trial basis since October and would be fully launched in February.
This development will allow the company to expand it audience base to more than 10 million households via C-band satellite sets across the country.
That is on top of its 10 million listeners to its four radio stations in Bangkok – FM 101 Radio Report One, GET 102.5, 103.5 F.M.One and 104.5 FAT Radio.
The Apple Channel satellite TV station will need about Bt60 million to Bt70 million for production, a studio and essential equipment.
The channel will offer an array of contents including travel, lifestyle, music, news and family shows.
The firm expects to hit the break-even point in two years.
Organising local and international concerts is also among the key priorities in the coming year. About Bt200 million is budgeted for concerts and marketing events.
The firm has decided to terminate its joint development of programmes for the FM 94.5 station, which is held by the Army.
This radio station, which started up two years ago, will broadcast country music and variety talk shows until the end of this year. FM 94.5 suffered about Bt50 million in losses while the other stations enjoyed healthy profits, so the firm decided to end its contract at this radio station.
However, the firm’s employees at FM 94.5 will work with other radio stations to produce programmes for the new satellite channel.
“Having Apple Channel, the firm will be able to do cross-marketing between radio and satellite TV to drive its revenue,” Wassanapong said.
