RTM MUST MAKE BOLD CHANGES TO RECAPTURE PEOPLE`S INTEREST

KUALA TERENGGANU (Malaysia), Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Radio Televisyen Malaysia
(RTM) must make bold changes to recapture the people's interest, said
Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

The Department of Broadcasting, Malaysia, or Radio Televisyen Malaysia
(abbreviated RTM), is a Malaysian state-owned public broadcaster. It owns and
operates a number of radio and television stations in Malaysia, based in Kuala
Lumpur.

He said RTM's main products, news, current affairs and entertainment via TV1
and Tv2 channels and radio need to be attractive to appeal to the young and
non-Malays.

"RTM's era of monopoly in broadcasting has ended. There are 32 radio
stations under RTM and 28 private radio stations that compete against us every
hour," he said after visiting the east coast broadcasting station at Bukit Pak
Apil in Kuala Terengganu, capital of east coast Terengganu state in Peninsular
Malaysia, here Thursday.

Rais was accompanied by deputy secretary-general (communication) Dr
Mohd Ali Mohamad Nor and Terengganu broadcasting director Dr Nawiyah Che Lah.

He urged RTM staff to find a new formula to upgrade achievement and to
provide the best service.

The ministry had prepared a more aggressive plan to be implemented starting
next year.

"RTM has to change the concept of programmes like Campus Tour Programme and
talk
shows to attract the young. Training will be given to RTM staff."

Rais said to nurture the spirit of 1Malaysia among the people, more slots
and programmes for non-Malays would be shown next year.

"The presence of Chinese and Indians will be enhanced while more programmes
on the life of minorities from Sabah and Sarawak will be shown," he added.