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Published on April 17, 2008

Aplus CEO Chorphaka Wiriyanont said the firm had diversified its business from radio into other areas, including producing content for television, public relations (PR) and organising events since the middle of last year.

She has been given the task of producing television shows as the firm's new core business.

Chorphaka said Aplus bought concessions for operating 20 provincial radio stations covering 80 per cent of the country.

Aplus intends to retain its radio business and plans to join the bidding for operating new radio frequencies from MCOT, operator of TV Channel 9.

"The media business today has changed. We decided to expand into TV because we want our business units to support each other. This allows the firm to grow faster," she said.

"I have 18 years of experience in TV. My goal is to expand this business and make it the new flagship of Aplus."

The company now operates one television show and recently won a new deal to produce programmes for the National Science Museum Organisation.

The new show is expected to start shooting next month, she said.

Chorphaka said Aplus is negotiating with a television-programme producer for a merger and co-invest in a big project, which she could not disclose for now.

She expects to conclude the deal this year and said it should boost the company's income significantly.

As for its PR agency, she said Aplus had a few clients, mostly small and medium-sized enterprises like appliance-maker Astina (Thailand), a Chinese restaurant called Lee Family and the garment brand Pao Ying Shub.

Aplus expects to generate revenue of Bt210 million this year, of which Bt110 million will come from its radio business.

Its other divisions, including television, an event organiser and a PR agency will bring in about Bt30 million, Bt50 million and Bt20 million, respectively, she said.

Chorphaka said Aplus planned to go public and list with the Market for Alternative Investment in the fourth quarter or early next year.

It will raise its registered capital from Bt83 million to Bt105 million, to expand its businesses.

Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation