NBTC to explain payment

NBTC to explain payment

The Central Administrative Court will invite the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to explain the payment for the third instalment of auction fees by digital TV channels.

At the court hearing yesterday, eight channels except Spring News came to explain why they wanted to delay the payment.

Suksawat Watewai, a lawyer for the channels, said they would not pay the third instalment if the court did not rule on the matter.

Kematat Paladesh, president of PPTV channel, hoped the court would understand the media business, saying it is hard to manage due to its reliance on TV ratings and adverting revenue.

The eight digital TV channels filed an injunction request to delay the auction fee payment. The combined auction fees owed by the channels are worth 3 billion baht for the third instalment.

They have blamed the NBTC for failing to facilitate a smooth transition for digital TV.

Among the eight, five channels -- One, GMM, PPTV, Thairath TV and Bright TV -- failed to pay the third instalment of auction fees that were due on Monday.

Three of the eight -- Nation, Now and Spring News -- made their payments but have reserved their rights if the court rules in their favour.

The NBTC will gather documents related to the case and pass them on to the broadcasting panel to find a solution.

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