Plans in Place for Return of MTV Thailand

SINGAPORE: Ahead of the May 1 relaunch of MTV Thailand, MCOT, appleTool and Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia have entered into a partnership to collaborate on the production, licensing, distribution and live events for the localized channel.

MTV Thailand officially makes its return on May 1, with a reach of more than 10 million households. It will be distributed on C-band satellite and on Ku-band satellite. The plans for the network include local productions, on-the-ground events and an enhanced range of programs that will be tailored to the Thai youth market. Kicking things off is an "MTV VJ Hunt" for Thailand, the winners of which will become the extension of the brand’s personality in the country. They will also be presenting MTV Thailand’s original productions and introducing viewers to local and international audiences.

Separately, MCOT signed a licensing agreement with VR1 Media Group to offer a Nickelodeon branded block on its Modernine that will launch on June 22.

“I am delighted we are joining hands with appleTool, a strong local content producer, who will be responsible for the localization of MTV Thailand,” said Dr. Anek Permvongseni, the president of MCOT Public Company Limited. “This is a ground-breaking alliance that has not been done in the Thai media industry and will really bring us to the forefront of local content production. Look out for more to come, including a move towards digitization. VIMN brings expertise in creating youth-oriented programming, brand strength and production expertise into the mix. Furthermore, we will be bringing Nickelodeon to Modernine. I am confident of the success of this strategic alliance that really strengthens our channels’ lineup for our audiences.”
 
“This strategic alliance will give our content a presence that no other non-Thai channel has today. We will be the widest distributed international channel in Thailand as we will be across all major platforms, including True Visions, PSI C-band and DTV,” added Indra Suharjono, VIMN Asia’s executive VP and managing director. “MCOT’s over 60-year history and dominance in the Thai media market makes them a logical and strong partner and we have certainly fulfilled our ongoing strategy to extend the coverage of both MTV and Nickelodeon brands across Asia, especially in a fast-growing market like Thailand. We are just as thrilled that we can bring the Nickelodeon experience onto Modernine, where Thai kids can now undoubtedly connect with their beloved characters on Nickelodeon.”
 
“We look to build an exceptional platform for the creation and delivery of great music and entertainment for the Thai youth,” commented Byrd Kulpong Bunnag, the CEO of VR1 Media Group. “Our collaboration with such an iconic youth entertainment brand like MTV represents an opportunity for local talents and youths to engage each other as we create a channel that features some of the very best of MTV for Thai millennials.”