Nation Group to invest Bt500m in satellite TV businesses

Nation Group has unveiled a three-year, Bt500-million plan to expand its satellite TV business.

The group plans to launch at least two more stations - Krungthep Turakij and Yaowachon Channel - taking the total number of its stations to seven.

It aims to capture audiences in all segments and expects to boost broadcasting advertising to 40 per cent of total ad revenue.

Discussing the group's business direction for the next three to five years, Thanachai Theerapattanavong, executive chairman of Nation Multimedia Group (NMG), said Wednesday that its print businesses still shows strong growth. The group is also committed to entering new businesses, especially in television, which accounts for as much as 60 per cent of the country's Bt100billion advertising market.

"The TV business is also undergoing a period of transformation with lots of opportunities," he said, adding that there are now some 200 satellite TV channels. Meanwhile, satellite TV has become increasingly popular with a number of audiences amid intense competition. Therefore, those who are capable of producing content have a competitive edge. Nation Group, a leading media organisation that produces a vast amount of its own content, will strive to boost its TV business this year, he said.

"We are ready to produce content for all TV formats, including free TV, satellite TV and Internet TV. This year, Nation Group will open at least two more TV channels which will be under the operation of its two subsidiaries - Krungthep Turakij and Nation Edutainment Plc," Thanachai said.

The Nation