Bangkok: The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is urged to quickly clarify its roadmap and regulations for OTT services before the media industry faces a crisis. The Digital Television Association held a forum to highlight the lack of clarity in the digital TV roadmap, after broadcasters have been waiting for a response from the NBTC for over a year. They warned that further delays could negatively impact the media business, employment, and the advertising system.
According to Thai News Agency, the Digital Television Association (Thailand) organized a forum to gather opinions on the topic of "The Impact of Delays in the Digital TV Roadmap and OTT Regulation on Media Operators and Professionals" to reflect on the problems and exchange perspectives on the future of the Thai media industry amidst the uncertainty of regulatory guidelines from the NBTC. Media operators, academics, and representatives from various sectors participated in the forum, held in Seminar Room 3, 3rd Floor, Building D, Thai PBS Television Station.
Mr. Supap Khlikhachai, President of the Digital Television Association (Thailand), opened the forum by stating that digital TV operators have been waiting for clarity on the roadmap after their licenses expire in April 2029 for over a year. In particular, they are awaiting crucial answers regarding what will happen after the licenses expire, including matters related to new auctions, the setting of conditions, and the industry's transition guidelines.
Mr. Suphap stated that although the NBTC had signaled its intention to consider the matter, the decision had been postponed several times. This has left operators in a state of uncertainty, impacting their business planning, investments, and the confidence of personnel within media organizations. The association submitted a letter detailing the damages to the NBTC office earlier this week, demanding a response by June 30th. The letter noted that the delay has a wide-ranging impact on television stations, industry employees, and the rating system, a crucial mechanism for the advertising market.
Mr. Suphap stated that many businesses are currently unable to decide on renewing their rating contracts because they are uncertain about the future direction. Without a supporting rating system, it would negatively impact advertising sales and the overall media economy.
Mr. Suphap also reflected that part of the problem stems from differing opinions within the NBTC committee, making it difficult to reach easy resolutions on many issues. This results in continued uncertainty for broadcasters. He called on all parties to work together to find solutions to determine the future of the Thai television industry and ensure its sustainable progress.
Mr. Suphap stated that initially, he wanted the problem to be resolved through the mechanisms of independent organizations and did not want to involve politics. However, as the situation escalated, it may be necessary to bring the issue to the attention of the government, highlighting that if numerous television channels were to collapse at this time, even if it wasn't directly the government's fault, it would become a major problem for society. Following a brainstorming session, many parties agreed that a meeting with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul would be necessary soon.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nanthasit Nitmetha, President of the Online News Producers Association, commented at the seminar that regulating OTT platforms and online media should be a priority policy that the government should seriously promote. Any regulations or measures must be carefully considered to avoid repeating the problems that occurred during the digital TV era. Following the auction, many parties faced burdensome costs and business impacts. Therefore, he believes that a new roadmap must take into account the rapidly changing market conditions and consumer behavior.
Mr. Nanthasit also stated that currently, people have access to the internet and online platforms through all channels, which has changed the competition in content from what it used to be. Therefore, the roadmap for digital TV should proceed in parallel with the regulation of OTT services in the same direction, in order to create fair competition and not create burdens for operators or the public.