100-day extension for Channel 3 analog TV
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The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission today approved the 100-day extension for the broadcasting of Channel 3 analog TV channel through the pay-TV platform.
Natee Sakunrat, a commissioner who chairs the broadcasting committee, said that the decision is based on public interest - to allow wide access to news reporting.
He announced the decision after the special meeting session of the broadcasting committee.
Under the NBTC's previous decision, the analog channel airing on the pay-TV platform was to be axed after May 25.
Under the "Must Carry" rules, pay-TV operators are allowed to carry only free digital TV channels. If Channel 3 analog is to be on the platform, the operator needs to get a pay-TV licence from NBTC.
Moreover, the analog channel, aired under a MCOT concession, can contain up to 12 minutes of advertisements per hour, against six minutes allowed for the pay-TV platform. The analog channel can be viewed through a conventional antenna, pay-TV cable networks, pay satellites and a free-to-air satellite platform.
Out of 25 million households nationwide, 36 per cent use an antenna to watch TV while the rest have non-subscription and subsription-based services from satellite and cable TV networks.
The NBTC order covers True Visions, a cable TV operator that serves 2.4 million subscribers, who constitute a major portion of viewers of the analog channel.
