Broadcasters want viewers educated on digital TV system
Move must accompany NBTC distribution of vouchers for purchase of receivers
Broadcasters and a media association have called for a nationwide promotional campaign on the transition to the digital TV era along with the broadcasting regulator’s distribution of discount coupons for the purchase of digital receivers.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will begin sending out 4.6 million of the vouchers next week. Jamnan Siritan Nunbhakdi, president of the Radio-Television Broadcasting Professional Federation, said a national campaign was also needed to help people understand the benefits of the new terrestrial-based digital system and why they should migrate from the old analog system.
Jamnan raised this issue after a meeting between two members of the NBTC’s broadcasting committee yesterday and representatives of 24 commercial terrestrial digital TV stations. The key topics were about the supportive incentives and events provided by the NBTC to speed up the transition to digital.
“The watchdog should allocate some of its budget to support a national campaign to promote this new service to give people a better understanding about how to access digital TV programmes via set-top boxes after receiving their Bt690 vouchers from the NBTC,” she said.
This promotional campaign must be done under a well-planned strategy by a professional public relations company and supported by all parties in the industry, she said.
The federation and broadcasters also want the watchdog to establish a joint committee to monitor and follow up on the expansion of digital-network coverage and the installation of digital receivers at each household. This committee should consist of technicians both from the broadcasting regulator and digital-TV operators.
Jamnan said broadcasters wanted to make sure that the penetration of digital terrestrial TV grew smoothly and soundly.
Next Friday, the NBTC will convene a meeting with 24 commercial digital terrestrial TV operators about a public relations campaign, but it appears this meeting will focus on raising awareness about digital TV broadcasting service areas and the process of giving away the discount vouchers.
One key topic at that meeting will involve how to use the coupons to purchase a digital set-top box from dealers qualified by the NBTC. Another topic is about how to promote and build awareness of digital TV broadcasting service, which will change people’s viewing behaviour.
