It’s not every day that the seismic shifts in the media landscape make headlines, but when they do, the ripples are both fascinating and telling. Recently, a familiar face from the now-defunct Voice TV has taken to Facebook to announce a vibrant new news show. Former anchor, Weeranan Kanhar, excitedly shared that he will be hosting “Khui Khlai Kao”, a fresh news program gearing up to debut on state-run NBT, promising to carry the torch of engaging content every weekday from 8pm to 9.30pm.
For those who’ve kept an eye on the journey of Voice TV, this transition might come as a surprise, albeit a welcome one. Voice TV, which had increasingly become synonymous with its open support for the Pheu Thai Party and the red-shirt movement, ceased its broadcasts on May 31 after a storied 15 years on air. The shuttering of this influential channel left a notable gap, with many wondering what befalls its experienced veterans.
Enter the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT), now stepping into the spotlight as the heir apparent to Voice TV’s journalistic talent. The decision to integrate former Voice TV anchors into the NBT lineup has sparked both curiosity and speculation. But, as with all things in media, there’s more to the story.
Addressing the swirling murmurs head-on, the Public Relations Department (PRD) of Thailand assured the public of its commitment to maintaining a balanced editorial tone. The director-general, Sudruetai Lertkasem, articulated a clear stance, explaining that it is a strategic norm for TV stations to rotate producers and onboard talent from rival networks to invigorate their programming and enhance viewership.
Sudruetai emphasized that NBT’s decision to hire seasoned anchors and producers from Voice TV—and other channels—is not just a whimsical choice but a calculated move to capture a wider audience. With a firm nod to their reputations and journalistic prowess, she expressed confidence that these seasoned professionals would inject new vibrancy and precision into NBT’s broadcasts, all while ensuring the public’s interest remains at the forefront of their mission.
The transition also coincides with the intriguing dynamics of television ratings and market adaptations. As NBT continues to attract and engage viewers, the infusion of Voice TV’s ex-anchors is seen as a potential ratings booster. It’s a blend of experience meeting opportunity, with both sides banking on a win-win outcome.
Nevertheless, not everyone sees this as a tectonic shift. Thanapol Eawsakul, an ally of Progressive Movement’s chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, downplayed the speculation of an overt takeover by Voice TV’s staff. His keen observation pointed towards a more nuanced integration, underscoring the importance of staying informed and vigilant about new developments. One such development is the newly registered company Kham Dee Co Ltd., featuring notable shareholders like Lakkana Punwichai, aka “Kam Phaka,” and Teerat Ratanasevi, a former government spokesperson.
Voice TV’s journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, funded initially by 300 million baht from Panthongtae “Oak” Shinawatra in 2008. Its leap from the satellite-only era to the digital free-to-air landscape in 2014 was ambitious but fraught with financial hurdles. Accumulating losses of 800 million baht between 2018-22 spelled the inevitable conclusion, leading to its closure and leaving 100 talented individuals seeking new horizons.
As “Khui Khlai Kao” prepares to take center stage, viewers and critics alike are sure to tune in, curious about how much of the old Voice TV flavor will seep into the veins of NBT. The stakes are high, the audience’s expectations even higher, and somewhere in the midst of this, the true narrative of public interest and media integrity continues to unfold.
Stay tuned, because if there’s anything the history of Thai broadcasting has taught us, it’s that nothing stays static for long. Change is the only constant, and with it comes the promise of new stories, new beginnings, and occasionally, a surprise twist or two.
I think this is a great move! Voice TV was known for its quality journalism and it’s good to see that talent isn’t going to waste.
But isn’t NBT a state-run channel? How can they promise balanced coverage? Seems like a conflict of interest.
True, but if these journalists are as professional as we believe, they should be able to maintain their integrity. It’s better to give them a chance rather than dismissing the move outright.
This is Thailand we’re talking about. Governments always have their agendas. So much for unbiased news!
Will this show be available online? Can’t trust the local cable installers to get the channels right.
From what I understand, NBT has a decent online presence. You should check their website or YouTube channel.
I’m concerned about the job security of those 100 individuals from Voice TV. How many of them are actually being absorbed by NBT?
Good question. It seems like only a handful of the top anchors and producers are getting new positions.
It’s unfortunate, they deserve better given their contribution to quality journalism.
I’m skeptical about this new show. NBT has never been my go-to for unbiased content.
Maybe the addition of talented journalists could change that? Sometimes shake-ups are good.
I think Thanapol Eawsakul has a point, this might not be as big a shift as people think.
Who cares about the faces? It’s the content that matters. If the show is crap, no big name anchor will save it.
Exactly! Some people just love their TV personalities too much. The content is king.
I miss Voice TV’s fearless reporting. I hope Khui Khlai Kao will bring some of that fire back!
It’s possible, but I think the format will probably be more toned down considering it’s on NBT.
Yeah, let’s hope reality doesn’t water down their passion too much.
This is just another example of how media conglomerates manipulate narratives. Question everything!
What’s the big deal? Channels come and go all the time. Adapt or die, that’s the media landscape.
True, but Voice TV was different. They had a unique voice and perspective.
Unique or not, if they can’t keep up financially, then that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.
I wonder how much Voice TV’s affiliation with the Pheu Thai Party has influenced this move.
Accusations of bias aside, moving to a state-run network feels like a downgrade. Voice TV had more autonomy, didn’t it?
You’d think so, but financial stability might actually give them the freedom to focus on reporting rather than survival.
Is anyone else excited about Teerat Ratanasevi coming back into the spotlight? Loved his government spokesperson gig.
He’s definitely got charisma, but will that translate to good journalism?
Why not focus on making local news more relevant? Competition is only good if it serves the public interest.
I hope they’d touch on regional issues more. Voice TV used to do that quite often.
I second that! Having more regional coverage could really help NBT stand out.
Right? There’s so much happening outside of Bangkok that gets ignored.
Sounds like a ploy to keep control over the narrative.
Always be wary of where your news is coming from. Just because it’s a familiar face doesn’t mean it’s the same quality.