The resumption of normal programming with commercials will follow the conclusion of the 30-day mourning period for the media industry after the death of His Majesty the King.
The request to resume normal programming was raised yesterday by representatives from digital terrestrial TV broadcasters.
In response to the request, Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the broadcasting committee at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, said he would raise the matter for consideration at a meeting on Monday.
“If the panel agrees with this request, it will also implement it for radio broadcasting services,” Natee added.
TV and radio stations suspended their commercials and top-rated entertainment line-ups after a government request to pay tribute to His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away on October 13.
The broadcasting committee, which is playing the role of coordinator between the government and radio and TV operators over the matter, understands the tough situation the operators are in. Therefore, on Wednesday the panel made a decision at a special meeting to ease some restrictions to help financially struggling digital-TV operators.
Under the newly revised guidelines, radio and TV stations will be able to announce the names of advertisers and sponsors or display the logos of sponsors while broadcasting for the rest of mourning period.
Last week, the broadcasting committee decided to grant them greater freedom to show prime-time dramas for children and families and paid commercials, but TV stations must strictly abide by the guidelines imposed by the watchdog.
Despite the greater flexibility, TV channels and the advertising agencies are still hesitant about broadcasting ads under these unique conditions.
Chalakorn Panyashom, chief operating officer of Workpoint Entertainment, the operator of Workpoint TV, said some major advertisers were apparently confused about what to show, and his station felt the same way.
“Some advertisers decided to replace their planned ads with a message of condolence over the death of Thailand’s revered King. The ad replacements have been in effect since Saturday,” he said.