For the digital TV industry to survive over the long run, quality content should take priority over boosting audience ratings, says Thai media analyst and Nation Media Group founder Suthichai Yoon.
Suthichai: Channels must adapt to change
Speaking at his resignation party recently, Mr Suthichai said digital TV operators including journalists and reporters must focus on creating quality programming because many digital TV channels have the same content, meaning nothing stands out.
There are fewer investigative reports on digital TV new programmes than in the past, a development he put down to an obsession with ratings, with channels sometimes rebroadcasting video material from social networks.
Mr Suthichai said he was concerned that media ethics and pride will be wiped out in the next 3-5 years if digital TV operators prioritise ratings over quality content.
"We have to adapt ourselves to a changing world before the changing world disrupts us," said Mr Suthichai.
The way people consume media has totally altered, with the new approach entailing blending news coverage with technological platforms to tap younger generations, he said.
Following his resignation from NMG, Mr Suthichai said he will make his own channel to communicate with audiences and create content through the use of social networks.
The farewell party, led by outgoing chairman Thepachai Yong, saw employees past and present pay their respects to Mr Suthichai as he decided to leave the helm of NMG after it was announced that News Network Corporation (NEWS) would acquire a stake in NMG, and new executives, including Apivut Thongkam and Somchai Meesen, would join NMG's board of directors.
Mr Suthichai and Mr Thepchai said their decision to resign from NMG was not about a conflict with the new management, but rather an issue of workflow.
They intend to let the new executives from NEWS handle operations going forward.
Mr Suthichai said he will continue working at Nation Media Group as director until March 5, while Mr Thepachai decided to step down in April.
