NBTC, Ch 3 meet on broadcast future today
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Analog channel faces being blocked as country moves into digital era
The broadcasting regulator yesterday agreed to negotiate with Channel 3 over its continued presence on TV platforms after receiving the requested proposal from the station last week.
Because it broadcasts in the old analog format, Channel 3 faces being blocked from cable and satellite carriers as the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission tries to shift the Kingdom towards modern digital television.
The first official round of talks will be held today, Sombat Leetapata, acting deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, told the press, while declining to divulge the venue and time.
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the NBTC’s broadcasting committee, said Bangkok Entertainment Co (BEC), which is the operator of Channel 3, must send a key decision-maker as its representative to the meeting.
“We want to make sure that this dialogue can bring about the best solution in line with protection of the public interest,” Natee said.
However, the results of the discussions should not affect an existing broadcasting concession inked by BEC and MCOT, which expires in March 2020.
BEC’s proposal is to air analog content on one of its digital TV channels.
According to the NBTC, BEC has to pay about Bt200 million in annual concession fees to MCOT to broadcast analog Channel 3 while its affiliate BEC-Multimedia has to pay annual licence fees after winning the rights to three digital terrestrial TV channels.
It also has to pay other fees and costs, including for leasing a digital TV network.
Under its proposal, if BEC agrees to simulcast Channel 3 content on high-definition digital 3HD Channel, operated by its sister company, the NBTC should offer to waive the regulatory fee and relax some rules for BEC-Multimedia.
The broadcasting committee also agreed with a proposal submitted by the TV Pool of Thailand seeking permission for Channel 3 to broadcast live the 17th Incheon Asian Games from South Korea.
The live telecast by Channel 3 will be simulcast on 3HD Channel during the Games.
TV Pool of Thailand sought the permission because Channel 3 is not considered a free TV broadcasting service after the NBTC issued its “must carry” rule early this year, which defines free TV as terrestrial-based digital TV only.
