RTM must be bold in making changes to stay relevant - PM

 

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin wants Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), which has operated for over seven decades, to continue creating milestones in the national broadcasting and media production industry and being bold in making changes so that its services will remain fresh and relevant.

He said RTM should be prepared to change in line with the current development and advancement of technology while creating more success stories to bring the Malaysian Broadcasting Department to greater heights.

“The slogan RTM - Teman Setia Anda (your faithful companion) is indeed synonymous and reflects the services that it provides to the people. However, RTM must also be bold in making changes so that its services will remain fresh and relevant,” he said in his speech delivered virtually in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of RTM and 60th anniversary of RTM Orchestra today.

The anniversary celebration held at Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur was attended by Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, deputy minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin, secretary-general Mohammad Mentek and Broadcasting director-general Ruzain Idris.

In his speech, Muhyiddin also expressed hope that RTM would not be afraid to make necessary changes in the era of the fourth Industrial Revolution and to use its expertise and experiences to always improve, sustain and further develop its services.

He also said the project to upgrade Angkasapuri Broadcasting Complex into a Media City is in line with the rapid advancement of the broadcasting technology and the international digital broadcasting standards.

He said once completed, the project, which is being implemented as a joint venture between the government and the private sector, will provide a high-tech, state-of-the-art broadcasting infrastructure in accordance with the government's aspiration to develop digital television broadcasting services.

Muhyiddin said the development of the Media City is also consistent with the RTM Transformation Plan which focuses on the development and optimal utilisation of RTM media platforms to effectively achieve the department’s mission and vision.

“I believe that the plan will give great benefits not only to the organisation but also to the local creative industry.

“Among others, it will also offer the enhancement of television content, refreshment of radio presenting, and empowerment of new media to attract and increase audience loyalty,” he said.

He added that during his 75 years of service, RTM had played a role as the catalyst of the country's creative industry, especially in media development, as well as broadcasting, music and communication technology.

“Various contributions, both directly and indirectly, in the production and development of local industries have been made by RTM. This includes providing opportunities for employment, to be creative, development of talent and human capital, as well as various arts and artistic support services,” he added.

Apart from that, he said RTM also played a role in helping the authorities fight the Covvid-19 pandemic as one of the government's channels in disseminating authentic information in an effort to correct rumours, false news and accusations that were posted on social media.

He said the broadcast on radio and television, conducted in 24 languages and dialects, to refute false news helped a lot in providing understanding on issues at hand, thus preventing the public from easily panicking.

Muhyiddin congratulated RTM for the launch of the RTM Sports Channel today, which he said opened a new chapter for RTM in meeting the needs of viewers, especially sports fans.

He said the channel could also play a role as an agent of national unity, besides opening up opportunities for local production companies to produce sports programme content for RTM.

The prime minister also congratulated the RTM Orchestra on its 60th anniversary and prayed for the orchestra to continue to be more productive and dynamic.

- Bernama