Cable & satellite TVs told to stop broadcasting Channel 3’analog programmes

[Lite Beer]

Cable & satellite TVs told to stop broadcasting Channel 3’analog programmes

BANGKOK: -- The broadcasting committee of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission decided today to ban all operators of satellite and cable TVs from broadcasting Channel 3’s analog programmes as of 15 days from September 8.

Violation of the broadcasting committee’s order will risk fines and having their licences revoked, said Major Komate Pratheepthong, director of the Office of the Broadcasting Committee.

He said that Channel 3’s right to provide analog broadcasts ended on September 1 and if the station wanted to broadcast on satellite and cable platform it had to seek permit with the broadcasting committee and to comply with the set rules one of which is that the commercial airtime will be limited to six minutes per hour.

It was reported that the broadcasting committee’s meeting today did not go on smoothly and the committee itself was divided on the measure in response to Channel 3’s defiance to carry on with the analog broadcasts instead of digital broadcasts as required.

But instead of imposing its decision directly on Channel 3, the committee by a vote of 3:2 decided to hit at the cable and satellite TV operators which broadcast Channel 3’s analog programmes.

All the three committee members who voted for the tough action to deal with Channel 3 were earlier sued by Channel 3 for alleged malfeasance with the exception of Ms Supinya Klangnarong who faces two more charges of defamation and violation of the Computer Act.

Meanwhile, the broadcasting committee has summoned True Vision, Channel 3 and 24 digital TVs for a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the broadcast of the Asian Games in South Korea.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/cable-satellite-tvs-told-stop-broadcasting-channel-3analog-programmes/

-- Thai PBS 2014-09-08

[SoFarAndNear]

This should be a warning to investors in media, broadcasting and internet services...

[rainman333]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

[webfact]

TELEVISION
Channel 3 faces blackout
USANEE MONGKOLPORN,
WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP
The Nation

Watchdog orders satellite and cable operators to stop analog broadcast soon; BEC still can appeal decision

BANGKOK: -- The conflict between the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's broadcasting committee and the operator of Channel 3 analog programmes has escalated - with legal suits lodged and talk of counter-suits.

It followed the committee's decision yesterday to order cable and satellite TV networks to stop broadcasting Bangkok Entertainment Co's (BEC) programmes within 15 days.

Three out of five broadcasting commissioners - Supinya Klangnarong, Thawatchai Jittrapanun and Peerapong Manakit - voted for the shutdown.

Cable and satellite TV operators said that they must comply with such a decision and would prepare measures to minimise the impact on Channel 3 viewers. But they would prefer that BEC and the committee solve the problem through talks so Channel 3 could still air on their platforms.

One major advertising agency said that the decision would be lead to industry chaos.

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said that the BEC could ask the NBTC's 11-member board to hold a special meeting to look into yesterday's decision by citing that it was unfair.

He said he expects to get the committee's official decision within seven days and then he would forward it to cable and satellite operators.

BEC yesterday filed a criminal suit against Supinya on the grounds of alleged malfeasance, defamation, and a breach of the Computer Crimes Act. It also filed suits against Thawatchai and Peerapong for alleged malfeasance.

The cases are in connection to the commissioners' recent comments on BEC's decision not to simulcast its analog programmes on the digital channels of its sister company, BEC-Multimedia.

BEC's legal team said the filings were an attempt to protect the company's legal rights.

Supinya said that she was consulting with her legal team to consider a counter-suit, as the BEC lawsuit could be regarded as an attempt to stop the committee from ruling against the company. BEC filed the suits before the meeting.

Broadcasting committee chairman Natee Sukonrat said that the committee's decision did not mean the case had reached a conclusion, as a connected case was still under the consideration of the Central Administrative Court.

He said that the committee should also prepare measures to remedy the possible negative impact of its decision.

The committee convened yesterday to consider whether to allow cable and satellite operators to carry Channel 3 analog programmes on their platforms as they are now only allowed to carry free TV channels. According to the committee, digital TV channels are the only free channels.

BEC also informed the committee of its willingness to talk about the latter's plan to have the company simulcast analog content as part of the NBTC's move in the digital TV era and have all operators switch to it.

Cable and satellite operators said that while they would comply with the ruling, the NBTC must communicate and clarify the reasons behind its decision.

Somporn Teerachanapong, chief executive officer of PSI Holdings - the country's largest satellite TV operator - said that the company must comply with the decision as it was just a business operator that obtained a licence from the watchdog.

Somporn acknowledged that this decision could have a huge impact on viewers, who might not understand the situation, particularly in regard to the NBTC's "must carry" rule.

The rule excludes existing analog TV channels as a free service after the start of terrestrial-based digital channels.

Somporn said PSI Holdings would soon discuss the matter with the NBTC commissioners and seek a way to minimise the impact on audiences.

The company was preparing a programme to help its customers understand the key reason behind the decision.

In the meantime, Somporn said PSI, along with other leading cable and satellite operators and on behalf of the Association of National Cable and Satellite TV Platform Operators, would jointly organise a press conference to tackle the issue before Channel 3 was removed.

A source from a major advertising agency acknowledged that both advertising agencies and advertisers would be hit hard if Channel 3 abruptly discontinued showing programmes on cable and satellite, which represent 70 per cent of 23 million households nationwide.

The source said the unplanned shutdown of Channel 3, which was one of the most popular stations for advertisers, would be chaotic because her agency worked on deals with the station's clients one-month in advance.

The source added that selling and buying advertising this month and next month would still progress as normal. But if there was an unexpected change, it would be hard to imagine how the agency would cope with the number of planned deals with clients.

However, she said it had prepared several solutions to the possible problem; first was refunding money. The second measure involved recommending clients allocate the money for other media channels.

In a separate matter, the committee is yet to grant the Television Pool of Thailand's request for Channel 3 to be allowed to simultaneously televise the 17th Asian Games on both its analog channel and the Channel 33 digital (standard) channels operated by BEC-Multimedia.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Channel-3-faces-blackout-30242847.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-09

[whybother]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

The difference is the extra expense that is needed to set up broadcasting of digital channels.

[Bluespunk]

I still do not see why they cannot broadcast in analog if they want to.

[Bluespunk]

"All the three committee members who voted for the tough action to deal with Channel 3 were earlier sued by Channel 3 for alleged malfeasance with the exception of Ms Supinya Klangnarong who faces two more charges of defamation and violation of the Computer Act."

So, no conflict of interest at all there then.

Edited September 9, 2014 by Bluespunk

[whybother]

I still do not see why they cannot broadcast in analog if they want to.

They want to move everything over to digital and then sell off the analog spectrum for other uses.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

I still do not see why they cannot broadcast in analog if they want to.

You can broadcast 5 digital channels in the space 1 analogue channel takes.

Which would you like to sell, 1 licence for analogue or 5 for digital.

[AlphMichaels]

Resistance is futile. We will assimilate you.

[Emster23]

Ah... the computer crime act and defamation.... don't watch Channel 3 often. What'd they do? Broadcast truth? The fools. 6 minutes per hour? These charges along with that fruit suit once more remind us from countries with a functioning press of the need to eliminate those laws in Thailand. There was old saying "Freedom of the press belongs to those who own presses" but here the government is taking away presses (tv licenses). Probably won't hear about it in the papers or broadcast news I reckon....

[whybother]

Ah... the computer crime act and defamation.... don't watch Channel 3 often. What'd they do? Broadcast truth? The fools. 6 minutes per hour? These charges along with that fruit suit once more remind us from countries with a functioning press of the need to eliminate those laws in Thailand. There was old saying "Freedom of the press belongs to those who own presses" but here the government is taking away presses (tv licenses). Probably won't hear about it in the papers or broadcast news I reckon....

No one is stopping them from broadcasting. They just have to do it on a digital channel so the existing analog spectrum can be used for other purposes.

[wilcopops]

is this political?

[Upset]

Oh Hell....simply stop broadcasting all made in thai contents...period.....then maybe the intellectual levels of the locals will improve.

[whybother]

is this political?

I'm sure someone could find some political aspects to it, but the move to digital has been going on for a while, and everyone else had moved over.

[rametindallas]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

I don't know but my guess is they don't want to spend the money to upgrade to digital equipment.

[rametindallas]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

I don't know but my guess is they don't want to spend the money to upgrade to digital equipment.

[kimamey]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

I don't know but my guess is they don't want to spend the money to upgrade to digital equipment.

What makes this so complicated for me apart from the fact I don't watch Thai TV is all the different committees, bodies associations and regulators who are involved.

I know they want to free up some of the spectrum although I don't know what for. In the UK I think it was for 4G which is why it was delayed. They could always get rid of the army channels or let the other broadcasters have tanks and subs. It certainly wouldn't be any more ridiculous.

Isn't Channel 3 a pretty major channel? Do they broadcast in digital anyway. If they can't use analogue will they be off the air altogether?

See I told you I didn't understand it.

[lostmebike]

Does this mean I won't have to listen to that fat Chinese <deleted> in the morning now? Hooray!

[sawadee1947]

..better to stop the trash channel for ever...!

[NativeSon360]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

I do not know the technological details, as well as my granddaughter does, but the advantage of broadcasting, via the radio wave (analog) platform, prevents the government/law enforcement officials from utilizing the (microscopic) digital surveillance camera (factory installed in all television sets,world-wide) from spying on people, either in the privacy of their homes, business offices, and/or public gathering facilities, e.g., shopping malls, or airports. Anyone, on this forum wishing to debate this (Big Brother is watching) fact, is welcome to debate their issue, even with their turned-off, but cable connected TV monitor. Capiche,

Edited September 9, 2014 by NativeSon360

[whybother]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

I do not know the technological details, as well as my granddaughter does, but the advantage of broadcasting, via the radio wave (analog) platform, prevents the government/law enforcement officials from utilizing the (microscopic) digital surveillance camera (factory installed in all television sets,world-wide) from spying on people, either in the privacy of their homes, business offices, and/or public gathering facilities, e.g., shopping malls, or airports. Anyone, on this forum wishing to debate this (Big Brother is watching) fact, is welcome to debate their issue, even with their turned-off, but cable connected TV monitor. Capiche,

I'm just wondering how all the TV's that receive the digital channels through aerials and satellites transmit their video back to 'big brother'?

[NativeSon360]

Resistance is futile. We will assimilate you.

A real comic, but realistic, global tragedy, predicted in 1939 ~ The readers of the world know the name of that publication,.........right?

Edited September 9, 2014 by NativeSon360

[NativeSon360]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

I do not know the technological details, as well as my granddaughter does, but the advantage of broadcasting, via the radio wave (analog) platform, prevents the government/law enforcement officials from utilizing the (microscopic) digital surveillance camera (factory installed in all television sets,world-wide) from spying on people, either in the privacy of their homes, business offices, and/or public gathering facilities, e.g., shopping malls, or airports. Anyone, on this forum wishing to debate this (Big Brother is watching) fact, is welcome to debate their issue, even with their turned-off, but cable connected TV monitor. Capiche,

I'm just wondering how all the TV's that receive the digital channels through aerials and satellites transmit their video back to 'big brother'?

Big Brother gets it first (to screen), then re-transmits to the public forum. Ever notice the "call-redirected" notice you receive (on your phone screen), when making a cell-phone call?

[NativeSon360]

what is the advantage of broadcasting in analog as opposed to broadcasting in digital?

I do not know the technological details, as well as my granddaughter does, but the advantage of broadcasting, via the radio wave (analog) platform, prevents the government/law enforcement officials from utilizing the (microscopic) digital surveillance camera (factory installed in all television sets,world-wide) from spying on people, either in the privacy of their homes, business offices, and/or public gathering facilities, e.g., shopping malls, or airports. Anyone, on this forum wishing to debate this (Big Brother is watching) fact, is welcome to debate their issue, even with their turned-off, but cable connected TV monitor. Capiche,

I'm just wondering how all the TV's that receive the digital channels through aerials and satellites transmit their video back to 'big brother'?

Big Brother gets it first (to screen), then re-transmits to the public forum. Ever notice the "call-redirected" notice you receive (on your phone screen), when making a cell-phone call?

Also, have you ever heard your own voice "echoed" on your cell phone? Hmm? It is not new technology, either! Only new to Thailand! Channel 3 will lose their broadcasting license, if they do not begin to comply, with the new regulations.

Edited September 9, 2014 by NativeSon360

[whybother]

I'm just wondering how all the TV's that receive the digital channels through aerials and satellites transmit their video back to 'big brother'?

Big Brother gets it first (to screen), then re-transmits to the public forum. Ever notice the "call-redirected" notice you receive (on your phone screen), when making a cell-phone call?

Also, have you ever heard your own voice "echoed" on your cell phone? Hmm? It is not new technology, either! Only new to Thailand!

I'll have to remember to put my phone in another room while I'm watching TV.

[Bluespunk]

I still do not see why they cannot broadcast in analog if they want to.

You can broadcast 5 digital channels in the space 1 analogue channel takes.

Which would you like to sell, 1 licence for analogue or 5 for digital.

And is there a shortage of broadcasting space for channels to use[genuine question]?

[NativeSon360]

I'm just wondering how all the TV's that receive the digital channels through aerials and satellites transmit their video back to 'big brother'?

Big Brother gets it first (to screen), then re-transmits to the public forum. Ever notice the "call-redirected" notice you receive (on your phone screen), when making a cell-phone call?

Also, have you ever heard your own voice "echoed" on your cell phone? Hmm? It is not new technology, either! Only new to Thailand!

I'll have to remember to put my phone in another room while I'm watching TV.

Resistance is futile, sayeth the Borg,

[Thai at Heart]

is this political?

Isn't channel 3 Maleenont? I think he was pretty strong mates with the dark lord.

[whybother]

I still do not see why they cannot broadcast in analog if they want to.

You can broadcast 5 digital channels in the space 1 analogue channel takes.

Which would you like to sell, 1 licence for analogue or 5 for digital.

And is there a shortage of broadcasting space for channels to use[genuine question]?

According to this (http://www.digitag.org/WebLetters/2013/External-Dec2013.html) there were 24 licences auctioned and BEC Media (Channel 3) got 3 of them.

So they have the licence for digital broadcasting, but for some reason aren't using it.