1969–2001: Merger and expansion of radio and television operations
Radio and Television operations merged on 11 October 1969 as the new Angkasapuri headquarters was inaugurated. Thus Radio Malaysia and Televisyen Malaysia's identities merged to become Radio Televisyen Malaysia, abbreviated as RTM.[38][39] A second TV station, which was first mooted by then-Information and Broadcasting Minister, Senu Abdul Rahman,[40] opened on 17 November in the same year as its rebranding.[4][21]
On 19 April 1971, Radio Malaysia's Malay language unit became the first radio station to broadcast 24 hours a day nationwide, thus becoming National Network in the process. On 5 November 1973, RTM launched a radio station named Radio Ibu Kota (Capital City Radio) specifically for the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. On 20 June 1975, Radio Malaysia's first Stereo FM format radio station went on the air, mainly broadcast pop music and initially focus on the Klang Valley area.[41][42] On this same year, it subsumed operations of Sabah TV, an independent television broadcaster ran by Sabah's local state government through its Rangkaian Ketiga ("Third Network") connecting to Sarawak as well.[43]
By 31 August 1978, Voice of Malaysia had expanded its broadcast to include 5 other language services namely: The expansion of the Voice of Malaysia was meant to foster the relationships between Malaysia & ASEAN countries of Thailand & the-then Burma, as well as fostering the Islamic fraternity between Malaysia & Arab countries. The Tagalog service was launched to cover the Southern Philippines, during the Moro conflict to support the rebels at that time. The Thai, Arabic & Burmese language services was terminated in 2009, while the Malay, English, Chinese & Indonesian language services was terminated on 31 August 2011. Tagalog service, broadcasts on MW & later FM later followed suit, terminated service on 30 April 2022, all due to low listenership & the rise of FM radio stations as well as the internet that waned it's importance.[44]
On 17 April 1995, an international Islamic service called Voice of Islam was added to the Voice of Malaysia network and broadcasts in English as "The Voice of Islam" & in Malay as "Suara Islam". Both services then ceased to exist by 31 August 2011.[45][46][47] All language services were transmitted from Kajang, Selangor, except for Tagalog service which was transmitted from Tuaran, Sabah.
Radio Malaysia went off the air for a few days during the recent floods.[48]
In March 1972, RTM's television channels (known as TV Malaysia) premiered Drama Minggu Ini (This Week's Drama) – a weekly local 30-minute drama anthology and began airing monthly local hour-long dramas.[49] In December 1972, RTM planned the start of the colour TV transition targeted to 1975, starting with foreign programmes, local programmes in colour by 1978 when colour television is extended to Sabah and Sarawak and to have TV2 in colour by 1980.[50]
On 1 January 1974, RTM integrated with Filem Negara Malaysia to provide "more effective service to the people".[51]
To smoothen the transition to colour television, RTM began producing documentaries in colour in mid-1978.[52] RTM began transmission tests of colour television in early September 1978. The two outdoor broadcasting vans, imported from the United Kingdom, arrived in mid-September 1978.[53] RTM would also air monthly live programmes in colour in 1979, aimed at a youth audience.[54]
RTM began planning on "decentralising" television production to regional centres in Penang, Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu in 1979, aiming to better highlight the problems of the people in those regions. Each centre would have a recording facility, auditorium and newsroom.[55]
Following the construction of earth satellite stations in Beserah, Kuantan, Pahang and Kinarut, Papar, Sabah for communications and television broadcast via the Indian Ocean Intelsat III satellite, the first TV1 broadcasts in the Bornean states of Sabah and Sarawak were held on 30 August 1975 (just in time for the 18th anniversary of Hari Merdeka). RTM began broadcasting in colour since 28 December 1978 in Peninsular Malaysia - as part of its 15th anniversary - and 31 August 1980 in East Malaysia. TV1 was the first channel to broadcast in colour, with TV2 following suit with the switch occurring on 7 May 1979. TV2 made its debut in East Malaysia on 31 August 1983 and Rangkaian Ketiga ceased transmissions mid-1985 afterwards.[56][43] Between 1972 and 1999, Televisyen Malaysia shared time with TV Pendidikan – the national education channel in the daytime. TV1 introduced daytime transmissions on 1 March 1994,[57][58] TV Pendidikan switched channels from TV1 to TV2 as the latter introduced its own daytime transmissions in 2000.
In February 1980, the broadcaster allows any Malaysians to appear in its ads under the new code for advertisements.[59] Effective March 15, adverts depicted alcoholic beverages and any liquor products was banned from airing on RTM.[60][61] Voice of Malaysia extended its reach to Indochina countries, Japan and Europe in May.[62] In June, RTM prohibited non-Malaysians or Caucasians and their voices from appeared in its ads.[63]
In 1981, under the Fourth Malaysia Plan, RTM was allocated RM 120 million to improve its services.[64] As part of its plans to increase production of more colour programming, RTM planned to decentralize scripted content production from its main studios by using Filem Negara Malaysia's soundstages which would be converted by 1981 for use by the network.[65]
In early 1982, RTM's Berita RTM Malay language newscast had its main edition moved to 9pm weekdays.[66] In 1982, a viewer preference survey reported that viewers in Johor prefer to watch RTM's Malay programmes than its news programmes, which "still lacks professionalism". Meanwhile, Malay viewers in Singapore were satisfied with entertainment programmes provided by RTM compared to Singapore's SBC 5 Malay-language offerings.[66] Advertising on RTM as of 1982 was up to five minutes an hour on television and seven minutes on radio. At that time RTM only air commercials between programmes.[67] In mid-1982, RTM began allowing private companies to sponsor feature films showings.[68] RTM began introducing a new format for its television news broadcasts on 18 October 1982, introducing a two-newscaster format for all languages, aiming at improving news presentation.[69]
RTM had problems acquiring old Malay films from Cathay Organisation and Malay Film Productions in 1983 due to "prohibitive price tags".[70]
While RTM had used to one advertiser sponsoring programmes, it planned to introduce "multiple-sponsorship" sometime in 1984, where one or more advertisers sponsor a programme.[71] In February 1984, RTM's television channels began to air a digital time display which appear at the bottom-left of the screen.[71] RTM's news division was reorganised in 1984. It also had plans to give journalism training for its staff,[72] sending them to the United States.[73]
In August, it also partnered with Filem Negara Malaysia and the Information Department to produce "short and easy-to-understand" documentaries on Government policies.[74]
RTM was still airing operas for the minority of its viewers in 1985.[75] Drama Swasta, a slot for drama productions produced by private companies for RTM airing Monday nights, premiered in 1985. The slot is aimed to revive the then-ailing local film industry.[76]
In a viewership study carried by Survey Research Malaysia in September and October 1985, RTM's entertainment programmes made to the top 10 shows thanks to the position of being aired at 8:30 pm where viewers were mostly at home. Notably, the Malay movies slot was in the first place of the top 10 list with 3.754 million viewers. The number of viewers of RTM's television channels were 4.197 million in September and 4.563 million in October respectively.[77] Plans for FM mono transmissions in Sabah and Sabah were considered in late 1985.[78] Due to the launch of TV3, RTM lost RM 5 million and RM 11 million in advertising revenue for 1984 and 1985 respectively. Plans to privatise RTM's advertising division in 1986 were in the works,[79] where the Information Ministry would appoint an agency to handle RTM's advertising system.[80]
In August 1986, RTM decided to buy RM4.5 million worth of satellite receiving equipment, drafted in the amendment of the then-Broadcast Act. At that time, RTM was using the Telecom Departments' satellite receiving equipments where it had to pay RM1.7 million annually to the Telecom Department.[81] The satellite facilities finally enabled better nationwide broadcasts of its programming. By the time, the amount of local programming aired on RTM's TV1 and TV2 in 1986 was at 65%.[81]
RTM reformatted its news programming by mid-1987 resulting in a new look for its newscasts with the debut of national and international news bulletins. In addition, RTM launched Berita Wilayah - a brand new regional newscast with updates from RTM's regional studios everyday of the week.[82] On 14 June 1987, RTM slightly reduced the broadcasting hours of its television channels, particularly removing the midnight movie slot, saving the broadcaster about RM 2 million a year.[83] Over 200 million people tuned in to RTM's broadcasts in ASEAN countries in 1987.[84] RTM's Voice of Malaysia shortwave broadcasts were upgraded in 1987.[85] In late 1987, RTM began airing local drama and comedy productions produced on videotape instead of film to reduce the high costs of film productions and the then-current limited film market.[86]
Realizing that SBC 8 in Singapore had been successfully beaming Tamil language drama programs to Malaysia, in response the network began producing locally produced Tamil dramas on RTM2 in 1988 as an effort to increase its Tamil programming, despite the lack of advertisers and sponsors for such.[87] RTM spent RM 12 million in upgrading FM stereo radio broadcasts in 1988. It also had plans have other languages broadcast in FM in the near future.[88] On 11 September 1988, RTM aired the 1988 Sport Aid, consisting of a 24-hour telethon starting at 7 am, a marathon event (Sport Aid Malaysian run and Race Against Time run) and the First World Carnival charity concert at 12 am. RTM contributed 15 minutes of the charity concert coverage and 7 minutes of marathon footage for the worldwide Race Against Time broadcast through a satellite link to London.[89] RTM aired the 1988 Summer Olympics through its two television channels, with TV2 taking the morning and afternoon coverage from 7 am to 5:30 pm and TV1 airing the main events at 7 pm. Evening summaries which consist of delayed broadcasts were aired at 8:30 pm.[90] The earth-satellite complex in Angkasapuri opened on 17 December 1988, costing RM 3 million. It marked the start of RTM's entry into "direct satellite broadcasting".[91]
The advertising revenue for RTM in 1987 was at RM 57 million, becoming RM 60 million in 1988[92] and increasing to RM 140 million in 1989 after outsourcing their advertising sales to GT Consultants.[93]
In April 1989, the government approved a project to improve television and radio broadcasts, set to be handled by Transponder Services Sdn Bhd. The project, which cost RM 50 million and planned to start in phases from next year, involved setting up parabolic antennas to feed radio and television broadcasts, including RTM's two television channels. The project would be completed in phases starting in mid-1990.[94]
Radio 4, 5 and 6 began broadcasting 18 hours a day instead of 10 hours in 1990.[95] In January 1990, RTM was working on an agreement to supply news footage to CNN and One World Channel.[96] It was later finalized. It would renew the contract with the former in July 1994 for another three years, allowing RTM to remove material not for local broadcast.[97] Three months later, in April, it began collaborated with TV3 for the broadcast of Mandarin news. However, it did not imposed any payments for the service.[98] As of 1990, RTM's television channels were being seen through the Palapa satellite, reaching viewers in Asean countries, Papua New Guinea and Australia.[99] In 1990, RTM was having problems recruiting staff who are proficient in Mandarin for Radio 5 and TV2 due to a lack of suitable candidates, and had resorted to use part-timers.[100]
RTM had plans to transform itself into a corporation, first in 1983,[101] and later revived in 1989, aimed to enhance its "effectiveness in nation-building".[102] A cabinet proposal was presented in 1989.[103] It was also going to conduct studies through an "independent party",[104] completed around August 1991.[105] RTM was planned to be privatised in stages in 1993,[106] going under the name Penyiaran Nasional (PEN) and to be established on 1 September 1993.[107][108]
RTM's gross advertising revenue in 1991 was around RM 200 million; by this time RTM was able to become self-sufficient and no longer rely on government funds.[92]
RTM decided to ban TV programmes and songs which contains influences from controversial religious sect, Al-Arqam in September 1991. Information Minister, Mohamed Rahmat also ordered the broadcaster to destroy all Al-Arqam-related materials.[111][112]
RTM introduced a new service called Subscription News Service (SNS) which provides information and entertainment news in 1991.[113][114]
As part of the expansion of Radio 3, a mobile radio station was set up during the Information Ministry's Family Day held on 29 December 1991, with mobile radio stations planned to be added in more states later.[115]
In 1992, RTM ruled that it would not air advertisements which contains offensive messages that could "violate the norms and culture of Malaysian society".[116] Also in the same year, the amount of local programming on RTM's TV1 was at 80%, with TV2 at 35%. The former had achieved the government's target of 80% locally produced content by the year 2000.[117]
In July 1992, RTM announced that it will introduce different formats for its television channels, catering to its viewer's taste. The news formats would be different as well.[118]
RTM's five radio stations across Malaysia began to broadcast in FM in late 1992, in an effort to refrain Malaysians living in border areas from listening to radio broadcasts from neighbouring countries.[119] Radio transmitters would also be replaced.[119]
On 1 December 1992, RTM made a major reshuffle which involves 23 of its senior officials as a preparation to be corporatized.[120]
In 1993, the prime time slots on TV1 and TV2 were extended to 11:30 pm in stages instead of 7 pm to 10 pm.
In January 1993, RTM generated revenues of RM257.4 million in total from radio and TV adverts throughout 1992.[121] It also ruled that it would not prioritised international programming and focused on local content instead.[122]
The then-Information Minister, Mohamed Rahmat said that there will be the major revamp on his ministry's senior officials on 4 February 1993,[123] while stating that about 80% of RTM's employees will transferred into the new entity when RTM will privatized as Penyiaran Nasional in September.[124]
The broadcaster began to given the rights by the Government to manage its own financial systems in March.[125]
RTM restructured and reorganized program schedule for its television and radio stations gradually in mid-April 1993.[126] At the same time, RTM was in talks with the French broadcasting corporation, Canal France International Broadcasting (CFI) to expand their broadcasting partnership internationally.[127]
In May 1993, RTM planned to prioritise airing of films with positive moral values. It already has a rule to stop broadcasting films that contain sex and violence.[128][129] RTM also decided to reduce the airplay of rock and rap songs which it considers to be "street culture".[129][130]
Apart from its headquarters at Angkasapuri, RTM has branches in every state of Malaysia (except Selangor which is based in Angkasapuri) and the Federal Territory of Labuan. In addition to managing radio stations, RTM state branches also produced shows and news content for television broadcast. The Peninsular States began to have their own state radio stations by the early 1990s, with Perlis being the last to do so on 1 June 1991. In East Malaysia, the territorial radio station of Labuan was established on 31 August 1986.[131] RTM began to gradually replace Amplitude Modulation broadcast with Frequency Modulation broadcast since the 1980s (a process which still continue to this day) and adopted numbering system for its Radio Stations in 1993. The names of the radio stations were as follows:
Original Malay Melody Radio service (, RiMA), precursor of present-day Radio Klasik began broadcast on 11 March 1998.[132][133]
In August 1993, RTM planned to add three broadcast transmissions from its overseas SNS service by 1994.[134]
RTM was responsible for the Highway Radio project along with local private company Time Engineering in 1993. Both parties were also responsible for Radio Tourism, a temporary radio station based in Langkawi which would be launched in November 1993 for the Visit Malaysia Year 1994.[135] A science and technology radio, Radio Teknologi, was planned to start in 1994.[136]
As of 1993, RTM's overseas service Voice of Malaysia broadcast in Malay, English, Indonesian, Thai, Myanmar, Tagalog, Mandarin and Arabic, with plans to start broadcasting in Japanese, Khmer, Vietnamese and Lao.[137]
In March 1994, RTM partnered with state-owned oil and gas conglomerate Petronas to produce a special radio programme titled Memandu Bersama Petronas (Driving With Petronas), which aired on four RTM radio stations. The programme provides tips and reminder to listeners on road safety.[138]
RTM ended the BBC World Service Television news broadcast in May 1994, with the BBC demanding that it would stop supplying their content to Malaysia and should air their content without cuts.[139] RTM decided that it will seek other news providers, including CNN and ABU.[140]
RTM and TV3 in August 1994 were ordered by the Information Minister, Mohamed Rahmat to banned khunsa (a person who have both male and female genitals) and pondan (a men who resembles a women) from appeared in any of its programs. The ban was made to avoid the local communities were "influenced by bad culture practiced by the Western communities".[141]
In November 1994, RTM was ordered by the Ministry of Information to setup the Television Detector Unit to oversee all contents in satellite television in Asia.[142] The broadcaster began to gives priority to the then-Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad in its news coverage in December 1994.[143]
RTM introduced sign language in its television news broadcasts in late 1995. RTM had attempted sign language broadcasts in 1990 but ended due to "a lack of skilled people".[144]
The RTMNet website was launched on 27 December 1995, becoming the first broadcaster in Asia to broadcast over the internet with six national radio stations streaming over the service.[145] It would also become the first broadcaster in Asia to stream the Budget on the internet on 25 October 1996, partnering with local computer company MCSB Systems.[146]
The gross revenue for TV1 and TV2 in 1996 was reported to be at RM 57 million.[110]
RTM planned to start an "information radio" station set to launch in 1996, using the broadcast spaces of Radio 7.[147] The station was given the name "Radio Penerangan", launching on 25 September 1997 and air for eight hours a day in the Klang Valley area.[148] Other radio stations planned include RiMA, then only described as a "24 hour" "Malay traditional music and songs" radio station, Radio Konsumer, a consumer radio, Radio Wanita, a women's radio and a tourist radio station for Langkawi.[149]
In June 1996, RTM intended to open a broadcasting museum in Malacca, which was to be the first of its kind in Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malacca State Government. However, for unknown reasons, the plan was abandoned.[150] RTM also collected a gross revenue of RM366 million from radio and TV advertising with a 300% of increase.[151]
RTM began transmitting from the Kuala Lumpur Tower in August 1996.[152]
In December 1996, RTM acquired 60% of its programming content from Bumiputera production companies that registered with the Federal Treasury,[153][154] which was welcomed by local film producers.[155]
In March 1997, RTM negotiated a partnership with several private companies to add its terrestrial channels, TV1 and TV2 on its official website.[156] Later, in August, RTM improved its payment procedures to TV producers, to avoid them having financial difficulties.[157]
RTM began broadcasting its Malay and English Suara Islam radio to Malaysian listeners in late 1997.[158] Plans for the launch began in 1995.[159] In August, the broadcaster had plans to use technical and production expertise from TV New Zealand to upgrade its services.[160]
In December 1997, RTM reduced its annual spending on programmes by 20% due to the then-ongoing financial crisis.[161] RTM began collaborating with the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) in 1998 to telecast crime prevention slogans via TV1 and TV2.[162]
It was announced in 1999 that RTM will be corporatized on what would have been its 55th anniversary in April 2001 in order to "disseminate information and knowledge about government policies in an effort to create an informed society".[163] However, for unknown reasons, the plan was later scrapped again. In June, RTM expand the running time for its primetime news broadcast from half an hour to 45 minutes.[164]
In February 2000, RTM banned programmes and dramas that using Bahasa Rojak, a mixture language between Malay and English, from airing on its radio and television services after the Information Ministry expressed its concern that its widespread usage could dwarfed Bahasa Malaysia as the official language of Malaysia.[165] The decision received positive feedback from many parties.[166]
In October 2000, RTM signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreement with Japanese broadcasting company, Fuji Television for the TV programs and news exchanges.[167]
RTM announced in January 2001 that it would reduce broadcast time for entertainment programs from 50 to 42 hours while broadcast time for Islamic-themed programs - either network-produced or as blocktimers - would be the reverse of the former with an increase from 42 hours to 50.[168] In February, the broadcaster began to air more TV programmes on ICT.[169]
- Thai (1 January 1972)
- Arabic (1 November 1972)
- Tagalog (22 October 1973)
- Malay
- Burmese
- Radio 1 Malay language service
- Radio 2 Music service, rebranded from Stereo FM.
- Radio 3 Local services, with the name format of Radio 3/Radio Malaysia followed by place name in Malay language.
- Radio 4 English language service
- Radio 5 Chinese language service
- Radio 6 Tamil language service
- Radio 7 Aslian language service
