Major Kantana launches its 2nd free-to-air channel for kids
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DESPITE the sector being squeezed by digital terrestrial channels, Major Kantana Broadcasting has high hopes of growing its satellite-TV broadcasting business, which has led to the launch of a new cartoon channel, Toonami - its third free-to-air satellite
The new service is the second free-to-air satellite children’s channel operated by the company, the other being Boomerang, which was formed in partnership with international media powerhouse Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.
In August 2013, Major Kantana Broadcasting formed a joint-venture company – M-Turner – with Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific to localise the giant’s Boomerang channel for 11 million Thai households in the cable and satellite-TV formats.
“Targeting teenagers above 15 years old, Toonami will be another key piece of the jigsaw puzzle in broadcasting business for our company,” Siamrus Lauhaskkasame, managing director of Major Kantana Broadcasting, said yesterday.
He said Toonami’s unique array of animated series and feature films in the local language would ensure that it becomes a top entertainment destination, and one that is as successful and popular as the Boomerang channel.
Siamrus described Toonami as “an ultimate home of superheroes”, as it would air the most popular action cartoons and films such as “Ben-10”, “Justice League Unlimited”, “Teen Titans”, “Transformers Prime”, “Wolverine and the X-Men”, and “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”.
The channel will also broadcast feature-length movies.
Meanwhile, Boomerang, which targets children aged between four and 14, is considered the premium home of the world’s most iconic cartoons and the best slap-stick comedy and fantasy cartoons, which are parent-approved, he added.
Apart from the two free-to-air satellite channels, Major Kantana Broadcasting also operates its own satellite-TV channel, called M-Channel, targeting the mass audience with locally-made films.
The managing director said that with its range of channels, the company had earmarked between Bt300 million and Bt400 million for operations and content-licensing costs this year.
It expects to generate at least Bt400 million in revenue, against last year’s income of Bt280 million.
Though the free-to-air satellite-TV segment appeared to be affected by the arrival of digital terrestrial TV channels, he said that there was more room to grow for satellite-TV operators that delivered niche and high-quality programmes to specific audiences.
Siamrus said he did not consider digital-TV broadcasters as rivals.
“I would say that they are our potential partners. For example, via M-Turner, we are working with BEC-Multimedia – the operator of the 3 Family digital channel – to co-produce childrens’ programmes,” he added.
The company is also expecting more partners in digital-TV business in the near future.
