Channel V moving to Siam Discovery

The move is a bid to keep up with its competition, including True Music Station and MTV.

"We're the first Channel V worldwide to have a studio in the centre of town. The Star Group Regional (Thailand), the company's major shareholder, plans to apply this model to other Channel Vs in this region," general manager MR Rujayarak Abhakorn said yesterday.

After spending Bt81 million on building the new studio and fitting it out with the latest imported broadcasting equipment, Channel V expects its revenue to recover from last year.

The new studio is designed as a "fish aquarium", allowing the audience to interact with its video jockeys.

Channel V will air more live shows on the weekend to increase participation from its viewers and schedule more lifestyle programmes.

The channel imported the hi-tech equipment because this was its weakest point compared with its rivals.

MTV will be back on air through UBC soon.

"After the major improvement, Channel V in Thailand will be the most modern music station among Channel Vs in this region, and we'll be the model for other countries," Rujayarak said.

Broadcasting will begin from the new studio in August.

Siam Piwat, which manages Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Centre, is a strategic partner of Channel V and will support its marketing events and activities.