BANGKOK — Thailand’s major broadcaster Channel 3 has announced a significant restructuring plan affecting approximately 100 employees. The network has sent emails to affected staff members, requesting them to sign acknowledgment forms on November 26-27, 2024, at the Maleenont office building.
The restructuring plan, set to take effect on December 31, 2024, includes specific leave policies for December. Starting December 1, 2024, employees with remaining leave days can utilize them during the month. However, the HR department has warned that those who take unauthorized leave beyond their allocated days may face deductions from their severance packages.
Affected employees received notification through company emails, informing them of their required participation in the organizational restructuring program. The emails detail that these changes will impact the employment status of certain staff members.
The network has established a formal process for the transition, including mandatory briefing sessions where employees will receive detailed information about their evaluation results and compensation packages. Severance payments will be provided in accordance with Thai labor laws, though the specific departments affected have not been publicly disclosed.
The Rise of Thailand’s First Commercial TV
Channel 3, Thailand’s first commercial television network launched in 1970, is facing another major restructuring as it adapts to the changing media landscape. The network, operated by BEC Multimedia Company Limited under BEC World Public Company Limited, has announced its fourth round of staff reductions.
Known as a private media enterprise run by the Maleenont family, Channel 3 reached its peak popularity in the 1980s by broadcasting hit international series from Hollywood (including Charlie’s Angels, CHiPs, Starsky & Hutch, and miniseries Roots) and Asian content from Hong Kong (The Bund, Legend of the Condor Heroes, Reincarnated) and Taiwan (Judge Bao).
The network also gained recognition for producing high-quality Thai dramas and launching numerous leading Thai actors who gained international followers. It even collaborated with Hong Kong’s TVB on drama productions.
Golden Era and Digital Transition
Under Prawit Maleenont’s leadership, Channel 3 experienced its most prosperous period, excelling in both drama and news content. In 2013, the network acquired three digital TV licenses: Channel 3 HD (33), Channel 3 SD (28), and Channel 3 Family (13).
However, this expansion coincided with significant digital disruption as online media transformed viewer behavior. Prawit resigned from all positions in November 2016 and sold his BEC World shares. By 2019, the network had terminated Channel 3 SD and Channel 3 family.
Recent reports suggest Channel 3 plans to reduce its workforce by 30%, with department heads evaluating staff across all divisions, including the news department, which supports all the channel’s news programs. Some employees have voluntarily joined the restructuring program.
The latest round of layoffs has been communicated via email to affected staff. While the initial focus was on early retirement for employees aged 55 and above, the current restructuring also impacts younger staff aged 30-40. Many employees express shock at the announcement, particularly those who haven’t prepared for career transitions.
Disruption Extends Far Beyond Channel 3
Thailand’s media landscape is experiencing a significant transformation, with traditional outlets across all platforms struggling to maintain revenue streams. The disruption extends far beyond Channel 3’s recent restructuring, affecting the entire media industry.
Since 2019, Thailand’s digital TV landscape has contracted significantly, with the number of channels dropping from 24 to 15. Meanwhile, traditional print media, including magazines and newspapers, continue to cease operations or pivot to online platforms in a bid for survival.
According to joint data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand and TRIS Rating, the media industry’s performance in the first half of 2024 shows concerning trends:
- Overall media and publishing revenue declined 4.60% year-over-year
- Digital TV operators saw a sharper 12.16% revenue drop
- Publishing sector revenue fell by 7.85%
Digital TV operators have been particularly hard hit by changing advertising patterns. Ad revenue and airtime sales decreased by 5.6% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. This decline is primarily attributed to advertisers shifting to online platforms and social media, which offer lower costs and broader reach.
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