RS Plc, Thailand's second-largest entertainment group, expects revenue growth of 40% to 4 billion baht this year on the strength of its satellite TV business.
From left, Mr Surachai, Ms Pornpan and chief financial officer Darm Nana show their optimism over RS’s business prospects in 2013. THANARAK KHOONTON
Chief executive Surachai Chetchotisak said 48% will come from media operations including its five satellite TV channels and two radio stations, 21% from music, 20% from live acts and 11% from other businesses.
For its media business, the firm will rename its RS Sport La Liga Channel to the Sun Channel.
A budget of 50 million baht for this year will be used to enhance its content for various audiences, but especially men since it mainly broadcasts La Liga football matches.
The Sun Channel will also change from pay-TV to semi-free-to-air, so households receiving broadcast signals from RS's Sunbox set-top boxes can view the channel.
RS received the broadcast rights for the La Liga football league for three seasons till 2015 and audiences wishing to watch the matches have to install Sunbox set-top boxes.
"This year, we expect to generate 300 million baht from the monthly 100-baht fee and advertising revenue for La Liga," said Mr Surachai.
The pay-TV service will officially launch in August for the second season of La Liga football, and RS projects 400,000 new subscribers this year for a total of 700,000.
Last year's 300,000 set-top boxes sold missed the target of 500,000.
RS this year has raised its TV advertising rates for Channel 8 and Sabaidee TV to between 7,000 and 7,500 baht a minute from 3,500 baht.
Pornpan Techarungchaikul, chief operating officer, estimates 58% of local households will receive satellite TV this year, up from 46% last year.
RS is also eager to bid for Thai Premier League broadcast rights at a reasonable price.
"In recent years, we've changed from being a content provider to a media owner, a move that has already paid off. We'll continue to focus on our media business for sustainable growth," said Mr Surachai.
RS's radio operations including Cool 93 and Sabaidee Radio, remains strong, and the company expects 25% revenue growth from this business to 540 million baht this year.
RS shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 7.10 baht, up 45 satang, in trade worth 84.6 million baht.