Competition in the digital-television market is expected to intensify this year.

Nielsen’s survey of average viewers per minute found that NOW26 had moved from 18th place at the end of December to 15th place as of the end of January, after moving up three places in the previous month.

This significant rating improvement – six places in the past two months – was attributed to NOW26’s analysis of market tastes and preferences and focus on delivering a wide variety of content (including news, documentaries and foreign series) that meets the interest of a broad segment of viewers, Duangkamol said.

For this year, NOW26 has scheduled two reality shows showcasing Thai boxing – “The Champ” and the “FAT Fighter” – which have been well received by viewers. NOW26 has also established alliances with producers of variety, reality and game shows, which will come on air soon.

Duangkamol said NOW26 strove to offer quality news content produced by Krungthep Turakij and the Nation Group and world-renowned TV content producers such as National Geographic and China Central Television to cater to a broad segment of viewers.

Some international sporting events such as the Paris-Dakar off-road car rally and the Tour de France bicycle race, as well as Kom Chud Luek Thai boxing matches, can also be seen on NOW26 this year.