Terrestrial digital TV set to be RS's main revenue

“Our future now is in terrestrial-based digital TV, satellite TV and the radio business,” Surachai Chetchotisak, chief executive officer, said yesterday.

Channel 8 – a digital variety TV channel – is the spearhead of the company’s new direction. 

After relaunching on the digital terrestrial platform last April, Channel 8 is now among the top five national TV broadcasters.

“We set our clear vision that Chan-|nel 8 must be No 3 in the TV broad-|casting industry this year, in terms |of TV audience rating and revenue, after the Channel 7 and Channel 3 duopoly,” he said.

However, competition in the Bt70-|billion TV broadcasting industry will unavoidably intensify this year as lead-|ing players have prepared well-|equipped strategies to lure the same viewers, he said.

Chief financial officer Dam Nana said that this year, the company’s media business would play a key role and contribute Bt3.75 billion, or 82 per cent of total revenue, followed by Bt500 million from the event business and Bt350 million from music. 

RS also expects to see profit increase by 15 per cent to Bt700 million.

Of total revenue, Channel 8 is expected to contribute 40 per cent.

Chief operating officer Pornpan Techarungchaikul said Channel 8 would be RS’s flagship TV station while col-|laborating with satellite channels |– Channel 2, U Channel and Sabaidee |TV – and two radio stations – Cool 93 |and Sabaidee – to support the media business.

To strengthen its position in the |media market, RS has set aside Bt1.3 |billion for TV production, content |development and broadcasting equip-ment this year. 

The company has budgeted Bt1 |billion for Channel 8 and satellite TV |channels, with Channel 8 getting the |lion’s share of that investment at Bt800 million. The rest will go to broadcasting systems. The company has also lined up more drama, music, sports and game shows to entertain its viewers and improve its audience ratings.