MTV plans return to Kingdom, Viacom says
After two years of absence from the country for commercial reasons, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia plans to resume its MTV Thailand channel and introduce some of its Nickelodeon's programmes on Modernine TV via its strategic alliance wit
MCOT hopes that this partnership will help it make TV programmes for new commercial digital TV channels if it can secure those TV licences.
MTV Thailand will be available next month via C-band and KU-band satellite, which would be reached via all satellite TV platforms.
Apple Tool, a local entertainment provider and subsidiary of VR1 Media Group, would collaborate on production, licensing, distribution and live events for the MTV Thailand channel.
Under this licensing agreement, MTV Thailand plans to have its own local production, on-ground events and enhanced range of programmes specially catering for the Thai youth market, including an “MTV VJ Hunt” for Thailand.
Meanwhile, MCOT has also announced a licensing agreement with VR1 Media Group to offer Nickelodeon-branded programming on MCOT’s Modernine TV, which will be launched in June 22. VR1 Media Group is influential in producing music popular among Thai teenagers and operates Fat Radio station and Apple One, a satellite TV channel.
“Thailand remains one of fastest-growing markets and offers huge potential for the company,” Indra Suharjono, executive vice president and managing director at Viacom International Media Networks, said yesterday.
In line with the Kingdom’s changing media landscape, the company plans to introduce new TV channels into the country from its six current channels. She declined to disclose the names of the new channels.
Additionally, MCOT president Anek Permvongseni said his company wished to operate three digital terrestrial TV channels for variety, news and kid’s programming. But current TV programme production is likely not sufficient to cater to those channels, so MCOT is seeking content producers to fulfil this commitment. Viacom is one of those strategic partners.
