TV BROADCASTING GUIDELINES EASED

This also covers digital TV stations, cable/satellite TV operators and Internet protocol TV providers.
This greater freedom came out of yesterday’s meeting of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s broadcasting committee and terrestrial-based digital TV stations to discuss relaxing some restrictions imposed by the committee last week on all entertainment-related shows and advertising. 
Such content had to be postponed or cancelled.
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the broadcasting committee, said TV programmes must not contain improper scenes such as dancing, or frivolous and violent acts.
“Dramas, variety shows and documentaries should feature Thai history and culture or give an inspiration to the viewer,” he said. 
TV commercials must show respect and offer condolences to the late King or contain inspirational messages. 
All broadcasters should consult with the broadcasting panel before airing such programmes.
They must immediately switch to simulcasts from the Television Pool of Thailand when special programmes are televised concerning funeral rites for His Majesty the King. 

NETWORK TERMINATIONS ALLOWED

Providers of transmission networks for digital television are now allowed to terminate leases with broadcasters if they can demonstrate the necessity for the cancellation and present a well-planned set of remedies to minimise possible damage to broadcasters and viewers.
Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s broadcasting committee, said yesterday that his panel had agreed in principle to requests from some digital-TV transmission-network providers for a way out of leases if they could reach an agreement with their clients. 
However, such changes will affect local viewers one way or another, so to win the approval of the panel, network providers must notify their clients at least 30 days in advance of their intention to end the lease early and help the clients to transfer to a new transmission provider.
However, network providers must prepare appropriate measures to prevent disruption of services to viewers.

KIATNAKIN NET JUMPS IN Q3

Kiatnakin Bank yesterday reported an increase of 83.1 per cent year on year to Bt1.7 billion in consolidated net profit for the third quarter of, thanks to the capital-market business operated by Phatra Capital.
In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the bank showed a net profit of Bt4.09 billion for the first nine months, up from Bt2.33 billion in the same period last year.
The bank saw an upturn in lending in the third quarter of 0.2 per cent after its loan portfolio continued contracting since the beginning of the year. 
As a result, loans in the first nine months dropped only slightly by 1.4 per cent.
Non-performing loans fell to 5.9 per cent in the third quarter from 6.1 per cent in the second quarter.

CIMBT QUARTERLY PROFIT DOWN

CIMB Thai Bank yesterday reported a drop in third-quarter net profit to Bt431.07 million from Bt498.37 million in the same quarter last year. 
Its net profit for the first nine months reached Bt798.30 million, short of the Bt846.54 million booked in the same period last year.