CH 7 operator outlines paths to digital
Bangkok Broadcasting and Television (BBTV), the operator of Channel 7, says it has five key strategies for securing three types of licences to operate commercial digital terrestrial TV channels while continuing its current analog TV service.
Managing director Palakorn Somsuwan said his company’s key strengths were strong content; qualified production teams; strong production; high-definition technology; and its TV scheduling and programming.
Though Palakorn declined to provide figures for the investment in the three new digital terrestrial TV channels – likely to be a variety channel in high definition and standard definition, as well as a kid’s channel – the total bidding cost for the three licences was expected to comprise the popular TV station’s largest investment in 45 years.
However, Palakorn stressed that BBTV is well prepared for new opportunities such as new media and digital terrestrial TV service.
In terms of content, BBTV is focused on creating its own content and acquiring international entertainment and sports programmes in order to lure advertising spending and maintain its viewer base.
For example, last year the company reported that it prepared Bt1 billion to acquire media rights to international sports tournaments, as such content has been one of its key strengths for many years. The company holds rights to many tournaments such as soccer, golf, volleyball, badminton and Thai boxing.
Besides securing the broadcasting rights to Britain’s Football Association Challenge Cup for six seasons starting from 2012, and the DFB-Pokal or DFB Cup, BBTV has also entered into a strategic partnership with music and entertainment firm RS to broadcast selected live matches of Spain’s La Liga soccer league on Channel 7 for the next two seasons.
Regarding its cutting-edge production technology, BBTV has for the last three years invested heavily in advanced technology at Channel 7, such as high-definition technology for TV production and broadcasting systems, as well as news-gathering equipment.
BBTV has run Channel 7 since 1967 under a concession with the Army that expires in 2022. Channel 7 has been the Kingdom’s most popular television channel for many years, according to a TV rating survey by media agency Nielsen Thailand.
During the transition to coming digital terrestrial TV era, governed by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), existing analog terrestrial TV broadcasters including Channel 7 will be given the privilege of being allowed to simulcast their analog TV service in parallel with digital TV service until their concession contracts come to an end.
