Search Entertainment cashing in on digital TV business
Search Entertainment, a leading TV production house, is planning to increase its production of content for public digital terrestrial TV operators, as well as for Bangkok Entertainment Company (BEC)'s new commercial TV channels, with a goal of 20-per-cen
Its main target for business would be the new commercial digital TV channels of BEC once digital TV broadcasting is launched next year, Search Entertainment chief executive officer Viboon Leerattanakajohn said.
Viboon said that with Thailand entering the new era of digital terrestrial TV broadcasting, there would be more opportunities for the company to branch out into different areas of the entertainment business.
Search Entertainment has a strong relationship with BEC, the operator of Channel 3. The 20-year-old company played a key part in developing and branding news programmes for the broadcaster. The brand is now known as “Kob Kua Khao” (News Family). The firm also produces several entertainment programmes for Channel 3, and organises TV events for BEC.
In addition to doing business with Thailand’s second-largest free-TV broadcaster, Search Entertainment also owns and operates Speed Channel, an automotive-oriented cable and satellite TV channel broadcast through the True Visions network.
However, Viboon said he was always keeping an eye open for new opportunities. A decision whether to join the upcoming spectrum auction of commercial digital terrestrial TV channels was one of them, he said.
“If my company can find the right business partner, it might be possible,” said Viboon.
However, its strategic partner BEC plans to secure two licences for commercial digital TV, providing it with more variety in high definition.
If BEC can achieve its goal, it could also generate more business opportunities for other content providers, including Search Entertainment. Its subsidiary, All Star Entertainment, has already announced plans to produce four TV dramas for BEC next year – up from two this year.
Viboon said that the company was well prepared for industry changes with a qualified and professional staff, locally produced and imported content and a carefully planned sales-and-marketing strategy.
Apart from producing entertainment TV programmes and organising supporting events for Channel 3, Search Entertainment also focuses on producing content for public digital TV broadcasters who will launch their services next year.
Last year, the company saw 10- to 15-per-cent growth, or about Bt500 million in revenue.
