A-time Media, a radio subsidiary of GMM Grammy Plc, is shifting its focus to satellite television this year as the sector has more revenue growth potential.
Saithip Montrikul na Ayudhaya, chief executive of A-time Media (left), and Vorarit ‘S’ Vaijiaranai, executive of A-time Traveller Co, attend a media briefing yesterday. SOMCHAI POOMLARD
Saithip Montrikul na Ayudhaya, CEO of A-time Media, said advertisers are more interested in satellite TV channels than radio. In addition, teenagers prefer social media and the internet to listening to the radio.
Last year, satellite TV contributed only 10% of the company's total revenue of 1.2 billion baht. This year, its revenue is projected to increase to 1.3 billion.
"We want to improve our TV content this year and will produce a sitcom series about disc jockeys in an attempt to play off the fact we're known for radio and DJs," she said.
The company's DJs will act in the sitcom called DJ Atime.
Radio faces problems with young listeners moving online and roadblocks in techniques and devices to be used the next few years, she added. The regulator's guidelines have not been clear enough to encourage the company to invest in new know-how, she said.
A-time closed its Hotwave radio station (FM 91.5) at the beginning of this year. However, radio still generates 70% of the company's revenues.
"Radio may not be suitable for teenagers, but that doesn't mean Hotwave is gone forever. It may come back on other platforms such as internet radio," said Ms Saithip.
She believes Thais still consume information by listening to the radio. She is waiting for clarification about a digital radio road map from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.
"A-time is ready to invest for the future once it is clarified," she added.
The firm plans to stage nine concerts this year: six in Bangkok and three upcountry in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Chon Buri.