Click VR1 Radio Co will be split into two entities next month, as its shareholders have differing business opinions.
The two companies will be Independent Communications Network, led by media investor Chayen Kumnuan, and VR1 Media Group, owned by Wassanapongsa Wichaiya.
After the separation, VR1 Media will receive the rights to manage the Apple One satellite TV channel and two radio stations _ 101 FM INN news channel and 98 FM Fat radio _ which was moved from 104 FM last October.
Meanwhile, Independent Communications Network will operate three radio stations _ 102.5 Get FM, 103.5 FM One and 104.5 FM. The latter will be soon changed to Love radio to air international music.
VR1 Media will focus on satellite TV after its satellite channel received good feedback from viewers over the past six months. It also plans to launch a new satellite channel next month.
"The media business should run a cross-media platform instead of a single one. TV is the most popular, and consumed media for Thai people and satellite TV offers a big opportunity for content providers to expand their audience bases," Mr Wassanapongsa said.
VR1 Media also has the rights to run a children's programme on Modernine TV, owned by MCOT, while it is working to produce two or three programmes for free TV.
Moreover, the company plans to open an artist management unit for talent to support its radio and TV programmes.
Previously, it held talent competitions and most winners were hired by giant music companies such as GMM Grammy. The new unit will support event marketing.
Although online media and satellite TV have been gaining popularity, the radio sector is estimated to have grown by 5% last year.
Mr Wassanapongsa forecasts the radio business will continue to rise by 5% to 6.3 billion baht this year.
VR1 Media plans to launch a new radio station after its second satellite TV channel is launched.
In recent years, many radio operators were forced to leave the business due mainly to changes in consumer behaviour, but having the right content for the right audience is the best way to succeed, Mr Wassanapongsa said.
He expects VR1 Media to generate 300 million baht in revenue this year _ 60% from radio and 40% from TV.