BERNAMA TV WILL BE MORE VIABLE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Bernama TV will be a more viable entity
under a new management which is taking over operations of the 24-hour news
channel, the Lower House of Parliament was told Tuesday.

Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister Joseph Salang Gandum
said several changes would be made to get more advertisers to buy Bernama TV
airtime.

He said it was hoped that Bernama TV's new shareholders would make a success
of the 24-hour TV channel so that it would not be saddled with debts.

"With strong finance, this entity will be more flexible in airing programmes
needed for nation building," he said in response to a question by a Member of
Parliament who wanted to know Bernama TV's role in realising the government's
development and unity agenda, especially the 1Malaysia concept.

Salang said Bernama TV would provide an additional channel, besides TV3 and
RTM, as well as fill the vacuum for a provider of a 24-hour television channel
for news and information to the people.

"The present society wants accurate and fast information or news. Through
Bernama TV, they don't have to wait for certain times to get the latest news,"
he added.

He said Bernama TV would play its role in promoting the government's
development agenda, as well as strengthen the 1 Malaysia concept.

"News which is sensational and provocative in nature will not be given space
because it will affect the objectives of 1Malaysia," he added.
-- BERNAMA