MCOT aims to boost shows' quality in January

“Many programmes that should be offered to audiences are inspirational, not entertainment like singing contests. The content should be intelligent, or a reality show that finds geniuses. As the operator of free TV, we should have programmes that emphasise enhancing educational content,” president Anek Permwongseni said yesterday.
Programmes that run at a loss will be pulled from the schedule. Some shows such as beauty pageants will have to be modified to be more captivating to the audience and advertising agencies.
Anek said he had informally discussed the direction of news reporting with the ex-boss of TV 3, Pravit Maleenont. It should be constructive and not stir up conflicts or be gloomy.
The company will focus on digital TV. A trial run will be conducted over the next three months in Greater Bangkok to show that Modernine TV can be a digital TV operator under the Asean framework that is converting TV transmissions from analog to digital within 10 years.
MCOT will coordinate networks and equipment with the Thai Public Broadcasting Service and the Public Relations Department to ensure resources are used more efficiently.
“Some news has high production costs, such as helicopter leasing, which costs Bt70,000 per hour. We think we can use military’s choppers to save money,” Anek said.
MCOT plans to organise more events for state agencies, which should bring in additional revenue of Bt200 million per year, he added.