RS is off to a head start in the digital TV industry by introducing Channel 8, a 24-hour variety channel which ranks first in terms of rating among satellite TV channels. The channel will be broadcast on digital free TV platform in standard definition (SD), making it the most complete digital TV channel in Thailand. The channel is expected to launch in April 2014, and 300 million baht has been set aside for Channel 8. The strategies will focus on three pillars – soap operas, variety shows and news programs. The well-rounded content will win the heart of the audience in every group, bringing the rating up and generating profits within the first year without increasing the capital due to the company’s solid financial background.
Ladphrao – Mr. Surachai Chetchotisak, Chief Executive Officer of RS Public Company Limited, said that RS Television Co Ltd, a subsidiary of RS, has won the digital TV auction in the SD category, ranking fifth in the bidding at 2,265 million baht. Mr Surachai added that the company is now ready to introduce Channel 8, a 24-hour variety channel, as a digital free TV channel within April 2014.
The reason behind choosing Channel 8 to air on SD digital TV platform is that the company is highly confident in the potential of Channel 8, which has continued to rank first among satellite TV channels, with great feedback from the audience nationwide. Channel 8 stands out for its high-quality entertainment content, such as talk-of-the-town soap operas, variety programs, news programs and local and international movies. The channel also features RS’s top talents who come to deliver the fun to the audience around the clock. Meanwhile, RS has also improved its broadcasting system to enable HD viewing for added flavor.
RS has set aside 300 million baht to strengthen Channel 8, promoting it as Thailand’s most complete digital free TV channel in SD. At present, show time is being adjusted to meet the lifestyle of the audience. The company will focus on three core areas which will attract the audience from all ages, namely soap operas, variety shows and news programs.
Initially, there will be two soap operas per week, increased from just one at the moment. The flavors are still all there, from drama and action to horror. Additionally, the channel will revamp its variety shows to appeal to the male audience and children, since at present the majority of its viewers are female. As for the news, the channel will feature all kinds of news, such as politics, economy, entertainment, social issues, sports and others. The hours set aside for news will also increase by 50%, or to 6-7 hours per day, broken down into morning news, mid-day news, evening news, late night news and short news at the beginning of every hour.
RS is assured that Channel 8, as a digital free TV channel, will be successful in terms of rating – as witnessed now by being ranked as the satellite channel with the most viewers, and in terms of revenue. This year, Channel 8 is expected to generate 850 million baht following long-term contracts with clients. Clients who sign contracts with Channel 8 from the beginning of the year will enjoy fixed advertising rates, while new clients will have to pay different prizes based on the situation. With that goal in mind, RS is certain that Channel 8 will generate profit in the first year after its launch as a digital free TV channel.
Mr.Surachai added that the company has no plan to increase its capital as it embarks on the digital free TV business, because RS has a solid financial background and has carefully planned its spending. It does not have a problem paying the offered amount to NBTC.
“From our potential to our readiness, we are confident that Channel 8 will be a great success since it has all the qualities of a good digital free TV channel. We have a great team who are all experienced professionals, and our content is very diverse. Our financial status is also very strong. Therefore, we are confident that Channel 8 will be an instant success as a digital free TV channel, with great ratings and revenue as planned,” he commented.