Thai Channel 3 gets ultimatum - Analog controversy

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ANALOG CONTROVERSY

Ch 3 gets ultimatum

Wachiranont Thongtep

The Nation

NBTC wants in 15 days roadmap on simulcast of analog broadcast on digital platform

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL broadcasting regulator yesterday gave Channel 3 no more than 15 days to map out a strategy for simulcasting its analog programmes on the digital platform, or it will be barred from broadcasting via satellite and cable, according to an official.

The broadcasting committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) called a special meeting with TV station operators and Bangkok Entertainment Company (BEC), the operator of Channel 3, to seek a solution to a stalemate over the fate of the popular analog broadcaster in the new digital era.

Channel 3 has been in a dispute with the regulator as it refused to broadcast its original content on the digital platform, but continued analog broadcasts on satellite and cable networks. By law, it has the right to broadcast its original content only on a platform accessible by old-fashioned antennas.

Some 70 per cent of the nation's 23 million households continued watching Channel 3 via cable and satellite after the NBTC ruled that it did not fit the definition free-to-air television. That privilege is only available to digital TV. Channel 3 insisted it had the right to broadcast via cable and satellite under the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s Announcement No 27. NBTC member Supinya Klangnarong suggested that the regulator's board advise satellite and cable operators in writing to stop airing Channel 3.

Natee Sukonrat, chairman of NBTC's broadcasting committee, said his panel had ensured that all viewers would get access to Channel 3 programmes amid the transition to the digital terrestrial TV era. His panel would be a mediator for MCOT and BEC to adjust some details in their concession contract to pave the way for BEC to simulcast its analog TV programme via digital platform.

However, General Paiboon Koomchaya, the NCPO's chief of judicial affairs and the justice minister, said: "The NBTC must solve the problem under its authorisation and regulation. It needs to discuss directly with the related parties."

Previously, the NBTC had said it would seek advice on this matter from the NCPO.

Pravit Maleenont, executive director at BEC World, the parent company of Channel 3 operator, and Sorayuth Suthassanachinda, the channel's famous presenter, were expected to attend yesterday's meeting but they did not show up. The channel was only represented by its legal team.

After a two-hour meeting, BEC legal adviser Paiboon Amornpinyokeat declined to comment on the ideas floated during the discussion. He said he would bring some ideas, such as simulcasts of analog programmes on digital channels operated by BEC-Multimedia, which is a sister company of Channel 3, to his management for a decision. For such a simulcast to take place, Channel 3 would need to talk with MCOT, which granted a broadcasting concession to BEC.

MCOT executive vice president Pholchai Vinichaikul said his agency was ready to discuss this issue with BEC to help the transition to digital-TV era go smoothly as well as help keep Channel 3 on air, although BEC had never talked with MCOT about this issue before.

"If BEC wants to simulcast its analog TV programmes on its own digital channels, it has to get advice, because BEC is not a direct holder of digital TV licenses," Pholchai said.

The concession between BEC and MCOT expires in March 2020. Under this concession, BEC must pay an annual fee of about Bt200 million, adjusted for inflation. At last year's auction of digital TV licences held by NBTC, BEC-Multimedia obtained three 15-year licences to run terrestrial-based digital channels: a high-definition variety channel, a standard-definition variety channel and a children and family channel.

The Channel 3 management yesterday issued a statement on its morning prime-time news programme.

After analog Channel 3 was no longer considered a free-TV service since Monday, it asked if it was possible for cable and satellite operators to carry its analog programmes.

The channel agreed with the NCPO's Announcement No 27 because this edict was issued to protect public interest, particularly accessibility of free TV service via both analog and digital terrestrial broadcasting.

The company said it supported the transition to the digital era and that is the reason BEC-Multimedia had invested more than Bt6 billion to acquire three digital TV licences.

As BEC is a subsidiary of BEC World, which is a listed firm, any decision made must protect the rights of the station and stakeholders, the company said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Ch-3-gets-ultimatum-30242498.html

-- The Nation 2014-09-04

[Bluespunk]

This is a genuine question, I may seem dumb asking it, but.....

What is channel 3 doing wrong?

(Not a question about the quality of its content, I've seen that)

[ChrisY1]

Have to admit that I have no idea what's going on with channel 3....and really couldn't give a fig......but it seems that the NBTC and NCPO don't have clear solutions either...both asking each other what to do....which is quite normal!

[trogers]

Have to admit that I have no idea what's going on with channel 3....and really couldn't give a fig......but it seems that the NBTC and NCPO don't have clear solutions either...both asking each other what to do....which is quite normal!

What to do? Withdraw their license to air over both media.

[monk213]

and I don't even drink coffee. The television is not something that belongs in my house so... IDGAF

[NCFC]

Can anyone explain the background story to this? Wazzup?