Kantana eyes digital bonanza 17 Jan 2014 at 00:00 Kantana Group Plc, the country's leading media and entertainment company, aims to generate revenue of 1.7 billion baht this year, up from 1.2 billion last year. As a leading content provider, the group will benefit greatly from the emergence of digital TV, starting some time in April. Content providers are broadcasting stakeholders who receive the highest benefits from the 24 digital channels approved by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, said Jaruek Kaljaruek, executive chairman of Kantana. The group has been preparing for digital TV by building up content for more than two years to support different channels, including local content, international content and satellite TV channels. Kantana has acquired the media rights for many international TV programmes including game shows and series such as Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty, The Face, Don't Lose The Money, The Taste and American Idol. They will be localised to Thai versions. It believes an international format is the fastest way to produce content that ensures viewers will be attracted. The acquired programmes have been successful in many countries. Kantana spent about 200 million baht on acquisitions. For local content, Kantana is equipped with creative and production teams for content that can be tailor-made for each TV station, such as The Weirdos of Thailand, Millionaire Pretty Queen and many other shows airing on Kantana's satellite TV channels. "We are negotiating with six digital TV stations to air our programmes on their channels, including Channel 3, Channel 7 and Thairath TV," said Mr Jaruek. To produce and supply TV programmes, it has invested about 500 million baht on new studios and it has increased staff by 30% to double production capacity to 40 TV programmes. Sasikorn Chansate, chief executive of Kantana's TV arm, said digitisation is not just a revolution in technical terms but is also a change to Thailand's media landscape in terms of business models, partnerships and regulation. The diversified communication platform requires tonnes of creative talent. Additionally, to strengthen the company's position as a leading content provider, it has organised the Thailand Format Challenge 2014 to open space for those with a passion for content production to submit their entries in a show-reel format to win a prize of 1 million baht. Submissions for the competition will be accepted from Feb 1. The project will not only drive awareness of Kantana but also help Thai talent to achieve global recognition. Copyright © 1996 - 2015 The Post Publishing PLC.