MCOT aims to increase revenue with PR spots for govt agencies
For next year, MCOT aims to lure at least Bt800 million from government bodies and state enterprises placing their public relations spots on its radio and television channels as well as to organise events to drive growth by 30 per cent.
President Anek Permvongseni said yesterday that after the company had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government Savings Bank, it would also partner with the National Housing Authority, Thailand Post, the National Police, the Public Health Ministry and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation to help promote their activities throughout the year.
MCOT will also produce programmes for its Modernine TV and satellite TV channels to support each public sponsor’s policies and organise events with its nationwide radio network to back their corporate-responsibility projects.
By fully exploiting its multi-|media platform, MCOT could enjoy sustainable growth amid fierce competition among free and cable/satellite TV.
The company plans to raise its billing rates by 5 per cent from the current offered rate, after the revamp of its TV programming for the first six months of next year.
News programmes at Modernine TV will be improved to raise its audience rating. For example, its in-house programmes will be increased to 51 per cent of total airtime from 47 per cent now.
A Bt5.8-billion budget has been earmarked for the conversion from analog to digital radio and terrestrial television broadcasting, which is expected to begin next year.
The budget includes Bt2.5 billion for bidding on four licences to operate commercial digital TV channels – three for 24-hour news, travel and leisure, and sports, and one for high-definition content.
The company also needs a licence to run a digital terrestrial TV channel for public service, which will present children’s and family programmes.
About Bt400 million to Bt500 million will soon be used for upgrading its nationwide radio network to digital services, Anek said.
