Radio Television Malaysia

The history of radio in Malaysia started in the year 1921. A. L. Birch, an electrical engineer from the Johor Government brought the original radio set into the country. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) Johor Wireless Association was set up and broadcasting through 300 meter waves began. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) This was then followed by the establishment of the same association in Penang and the Malayan Wireless Association in Kuala Lumpur. Studio of Broadcasting Corporation of Malaya was opened on 11th March 1937 by Sir Shenton Thomas. Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) In the year 1930, Sir Earl from the Singapore Port Authority commenced its short wave broadcast every fortnight either on Sundays or Wednesdays. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) Straits Settlement took over The British Broadcasting Corporation of Malaysia. Radio channels in Malacca, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban and Singapore was taken over by the Japanese to broadcast misinformation. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) Department of Broadcasting was set up in Singapore on the 1st of April year 1946.

In the early 50’s, broadcasting activities in Malaya were operated from its temporary studio in Jalan Young in Kuala Lumpur and later in 1956, were moved to the Federal House, Kuala Lumpur. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) Broadcasting in Malaysia started to grow throughout the country, including Sabah and Sarawak. On 28th December 1963, Television services were brought into the business. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) The growth of the first channel, Rangkaian Satu encouraged the second channel to be recognized on 17th November 1969. Followed by the incident where Radio and Television were combined under the Ministry of Information.

Quick development was seen in broadcasting for both television and radio. Broadcast time was extended so that everyone can have the luxury of listening to it, even for the night shift workers. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) Different languages were broadcasted as well. Growth of television became very rapid. On 1st March 1994, TV Malaysia started its early telecast as early as 6 in the morning. TV1, the Prime Channel brought in “Selamat Pagi Malaysia” (Good Morning Malaysia). TV2, The Golden Channel, later trailed by launching “Moving On Two” in December 1996. Radio Television Malaysia, 2010) Viewers started increasing year by year by then. RTM has existing telecommunication via TV1, TV2, and the 34 radio channels of various languages at the National, state, local and international level. (Radio Television Malaysia, 2010)The audience share for TV1 is 15. 9%. Whereas audience share for TV2 is 19. 2%. TV2 has more audience share. RTM1 broadcasts its news at 8pm. News style is very localized and limited with just a few international news only. All news presented was current news. No old news was reported unless it is following up news.

Example of current and local news reported is local news on fake eggs and fake medicine. Other than that, missing girl case in Kelantan was also one of the current news reported. Nevertheless, the example of international news reported was news on Japan after the Tsunami and news on recent floods that hit Australia. There was no sense of entertainment in RTM1 news. However for TV2 news which is broadcast at 8. 30pm, news reported is less localized. News reported are less localized with the balance of both local and international news making it more interesting for viewers and audience to know what is happening around the world.

All news presented was current and similar to RTM1. Example of local news presented by TV2 is recent BAKTI news and baby dumping cases. Example of International news reported by TV2 is China’s agriculture state and about Tsunami victims in Japan. For entertainment base however, there was no actual entertainment sector in both RTM1 and TV2. Nevertheless, RTM1 did have a small sector on promoting Sarawak’s tourism and the beauty of the country. Included its history, background of Sarawak, wayang kulit and popular buildings. Basically, just promoting the country and encourage us to travel locally.

Other than that, TV2 have a small segment called “Today in History” talking about history of our country hoping to educate us and remind us not to repeat history. RTM 1 had sign language translator which showed the channel’s concern to be able to cater all types of viewers. Other than that, RTM1 had relevant notes at the bottom of the screen for additional information as well. Audience can catch up on the notes if they happen to miss the reporters reporting on the news. Brief information and part on Malaysian stock markets was showed as well.

TV2 news had clear and relevant points that simplified viewers understanding of the news shown. TV2 too had notes at the bottom of the screen as well making it audience friendly. News anchor looked more relaxed when presenting the news compared to news anchor in RTM1. Unfortunately, TV2 does not have sign language translator. In a nutshell, both channels had clear and relevant videos to give a mental picture to viewers, clear introduction in presenting news, and lastly, relevant interviews and quotes to strengthen the points made with the news presented. For style of writing, RTM1 used familiar words in reporting.

Unfortunately, the “how” element was not described thoroughly in the news reporting of RTM1. The “how” element was missing. TV2 news uses formal English to present news in formal way. Nevertheless, the who, what, why, why, how element was all clearly mentioned in the broadcast piece which can definitely deliver the message to the news viewers. News in RTM1 is not as concrete as only brief information, a “run through” was given to the audience about the news. For example, only brief information was given about the announcement of the 1Malaysia email project. TV2 broadcast news is more concise and factual.

The flow of broadcast news piece came out as more effective in TV2 news compared to RTM1 as the news in TV2 goes in order. News in RTM1 was formal and straight to the point. Some news presented was less important and they had videos shown with the news to create a scene. For TV2, was formal but less tense environment. Fortunately, more selection of news for viewers as it had a balance of both international and local news. Both channels had certain trades, time of news showed competitiveness as RTM1 news is at 8pm whereas RTM2 news broadcast at 8. 30pm. Audience would have to make a choice in choosing which news to watch.