High hopes for TAN Network launch

       Thai-Asean News (TAN) Network, Thailand's only 24-hour English-language TV channel, aims to become a major broadcaster in Asean countries over the next five years.
       Though the channel has been broadcasting news and variety programmes through the ASTV satellite dish and on its website for five years, it was only officially launched yesterday.
       The channel's managing editor, Chadaporn Lin, explained that the official launch was a marketing tactic to attract more sponsors.
       "As everybody knows, the cost of producing English-language programmes is high, so we need sponsors to cover these expenses. We hope the sponsorship will help us break even next year," she said.
       She explained that the station's top priority was not earning profits in the near future but creating brand awareness within Asean countries.
       The station, formerly known as Thailand Outlook TV, changed its name last year in order to expand its audience base. She added that the station was also planning to set up news bureaus in several Asean nations from next year.
       It is also hoping that more people, especially those living in foreign countries, will view the channel via its website, www.tannetwork.tv.
       "Local viewers need to purchase an ASTV satellite dish or watch the channel via cable networks, which keeps the number of viewers limited. We hope more people would access the channel through the website," she said.
       The channel is currently viewed by some 2 million people, 80 per cent of whom are foreigners, she said. TAN Network also hopes to tap audiences in the provinces through its website.