STAR Aligns with New Partners for Channel [V] Thailand

HONG KONG/BANGKOK, November 9: STAR, Thai pay-TV operator
TrueVisions and multimedia group GMM Media have entered into a three-way joint
venture for the music and youth entertainment network Channel [V] Thailand.

STAR will hold a 49-percent stake in the joint venture while
TrueVisions and GMM Media will hold 26 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
The new partnership follows the channel’s previous partner, Live Incorporation
Public Company, divesting its share in the service.

Hosted by a team of VJs, Channel [V] Thailand showcases the
latest Thai music videos, interviews with local and international artists,
youth lifestyle and entertainment shows. Signature programs airing on the
channel include I am Siam, [V] Flava, Siam Top 40 and Hei-Beat. The channel produces various shows in formats and concepts and
organizes multi-faceted programming initiatives that include The VJ
Search Project, The Extreme
Street Challenge, on Campus, The Music [V] DO Contest for Amateurs, and The Channel [V] Thailand Music Video
Awards.

Anthony Day, the executive VP of strategy and development at
STAR, commented: “It’s terrific to have TrueVisions and GMM Media onboard.
Vibrant locally produced programming has maintained an enthusiastic following
making the channel Thailand's first and last destination for music and youth
culture for some years now. Certainly the reach and commitment of our new
partners will enable our driving Channel [V] Thailand to fresh successes.”

Attaphon Na Bangxang, the chief program and content officer
of TrueVisions, said: “We have been distributing Channel [V] Thailand for more
than a decade, watching it blossom into a top-rated music channel on our
platform. We see tremendous growth potential for the brand and are excited
about playing a part in its future development.”

Saithip Montrikul Na Audhaya, the CEO of GMM Media, added:
“Channel [V] Thailand is the place to be for budding and established artists to
showcase their music talent and interact with their fans. The music industry is
experiencing a renaissance here in Thailand and as partner in Channel [V], we
have high hopes that the channel will play a key role in further growing the
country’s music scene.”

—By Irene Lew