“In 2016, NMG will be investing in content for news channel Nation TV and variety channel NOW26 after seeing a rising in the number of viewers and advertising income,” Duangkamol Chotana, NMG’s chief executive officer, said yesterday.

Although the digital television industry is facing difficulties, things are slowly getting better. She said NOW26 has become the No 1 documentary channel.

Nation TV is also still a popular news channel, offering credible news content 24 hours a day. This year, the channel has been preparing to expand its viewer base by adding a greater variety of news programmes.

“This year, Nation TV will gradually launch new programmes starting this quarter,” Duangkamol said.

NOW26 was rated as having the fastest-growing viewership in the past six months, according to the latest survey by AC Nielsen, while advertising income has surged.

“NMG has prepared an investment budget of around Bt200 million to develop news content and quality programmes for both channels,” Duangkamol said.

The group plans to make its own documentaries via NOW Studio and also support other productions.

“NOW Studio plans to produce at least three films and documentary programmes this year,” she said.

The group has set aside Bt60 million to support documentary producers in the country. NOW26 would take a step forward by providing quality content spanning documentary news, outstanding lifestyles, heritage and culture as well as entertainment, she added.