MCOT Public Company Limited (MCOT) is a state-owned public broadcasting company. Previously known as the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand, MCOT now operates two television channels, seven nationwide and 53 local stations, as well as an international radio station and a news agency.
Media assets
Radio: Nationwide- MCOT Radio, Labor’s Radio, Lukthung Mahanakhon, Khluen Khwam Khit, Keep it Mellow, Active Radio, News Network, Eazy FM, Met 107; Local- 53 stations
Television: MCOT HD (Channel 30), MCOT Family (Channel 14), Channel 9, Thai TV3
News agency: Thai News Agency
State Media Matrix Typology: Captured Public/State-Owned Media (CaPu)
Ownership and governance
MCOT Public Company Limited is a state-controlled enterprise that reports to the Office of the Prime Minister, according to information from the company. MCOT was registered as a public company in 2004, following the privatization of the Mass Communication Organization of Thailand (M.C.O.T). The company’s shares were listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
MCOT exercises control over two subsidiaries, namely Panorama Worldwide Company Limited and Seed MCOT Company Limited. The Ministry of Finance has a controlling interest in the company, with over 65% of shares held by the government entity. The government-owned Savings Bank also has a significant stake, with another 11% of shares owned by the bank. While the Ministry of Finance maintains the right to appoint representatives to MCOT’s board of directors, the company has established a governance structure that allows for the appointment of independent professionals to the board.
Source of funding and budget
As detailed in the company’s annual report, MCOT’s primary source of revenue is advertising. In 2020, the company’s total budget was valued at approximately THB 1.5bn (equivalent to US$ 47.3m), with the majority of revenue generated through commercial services, as outlined in the company’s annual report.
In 2022, the company’s turnover reached THB 1.4bn (approximately US$ 38.7m), as indicated by company data. In 2023, the company reported total revenues of THB 2.38bn (US$ 67m), representing a notable increase compared to the previous year. As detailed in the company’s annual report, the growth was largely attributable to gains on fair value adjustments of investment properties. The company recorded a net profit of THB 587m (equivalent to US$16.5m).
Editorial independence
Despite MCOT’s commendable transparency in its business operations, as outlined in the company’s annual reports, its media outlets have been observed to exercise caution when addressing criticism of the army and government. While there are no explicit directives compelling management to influence editorial decisions, local journalists consulted for this report in January 2024 have indicated that MCOT’s outlets typically refrain from critical coverage of authorities.
The company has established ethical standards and guidelines. However, the latest research for this report did not identify a statute that would establish the independence of its journalists.
The media owned by MCOT are generally regarded as relatively independent, provided they do not directly attack the government and the army. However, recent incidents, including the dismissal of journalists critical of the army and indirect pressures exerted on journalists working with MCOT’s outlets, have intensified, according to local journalists and experts interviewed for this report in January.
September 2024