RS Plc, the country's second-largest entertainment company, plans to invest 200 million baht to try to push its Channel 2 to become the top satellite TV channel by mid-2015.
RS chief operating officer Pornpan Techarungchaikul (left) and Channel 2 executive vicepresident for TV business Pattira Palawatvichai present the new slogan.
The SET-listed entertainment company still sees potential in the satellite TV business even after it transformed its Channel 8 into a digital TV channel. Channel 2 will therefore be boosted to become the No.1 satellite channel, replacing Channel 8, said chief operating officer Pornpan Techarungchaikul.
"Thailand is moving forward with digital TV and competition is getting increasingly intense. Each channel is trying to deliver high-quality content to attract more viewers. However, satellite TV still has a lot of potential for growth. The more advanced digital TV becomes, the more satellite TV improves to meet the need of audiences in a bid to survive," she said.
Channel 2 has been successful because of its unique strength — bringing together stars and celebrities from all companies under RS — and this is well received by audiences. The entertainment content is also fun and relaxing, available around the clock. This results in a strong fan base, high ratings and significant growth.
RS will invest 200 million baht to improve its content, production facilities and broadcasting system to be high definition. Recently, it introduced a new slogan — "Full-Flavoured Entertainment for You" — to reaffirm the channel's strength with a variety of entertainment programmes.
"We want Channel 2 to be the top satellite TV channel by mid-2015. At present, it tops the ratings among variety channels. Revenue this year is expected to double last year's figures," Mrs Pornpan said.
Pattira Palawatvichai, Channel 2's executive vice-president for the TV business, said satellite and cable now reached 45 million viewers or 70% of the population.
According to AC Nielsen, Channel 2 has 20 million viewers a month, and the number is growing constantly due to its attractive programming. The channel plans to invite more stars and celebrities to join next year.
Its variety content falls into three groups.
The first includes the latest variety shows such as Sod Mai Thailand, Kon Dung Nung Clear, Show Tak Fong and Dara Variety Poll.
The second includes game shows such as Game Dara Shalala and Show Muan Duan Mai.
The third includes travel shows such as Star Road Trip, Dara Talad Tak and Krua Lan Tung.
RS shares closed yesterday on the SET at 7.85 baht, down 35 satang, in trade worth 34.1 million baht.
