Tuesday December 27, 2005
150 TV channels available next year
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian television viewers will have access to over 150 channels by next year as the country's rapidly growing broadcast industry continues to develop.
The presence this year of two new pay-TV stations, MiTV and Fine TV, has provided more alternatives for the country’s 5.5 million television-owning households.
MiTV – owned by MiTV Corp Sdn Bhd, in which Tan Sri Vincent Tan is a major shareholder – offered 41 channels in September. It may increase the number to at least 50 next year, while Fine TV, owned by Network Guidance Sdn Bhd, will be offering 18 channels when it begins operation this week.
Astro, owned by corporate figure T. Ananda Krishnan, currently offers 51 channels and is reportedly planning to have an additional 50 with the launch of the Measat 3 satellitesoon.
These include the free channels – RTM’s TV1 and TV2, as well as TV3, ntv7 and 8TV, all owned by Media Prima.
Analysts regard the rapid growth in the industry as a good sign that is in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to be a developed country by 2020.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Assoc Prof Dr Asiah Sarji said all parties would benefit from this development if the owners of the television stations or its decision makers fully understand the Government’s aspirations.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Modern Languages and Communication Faculty lecturer Saiful Nujaimi Abd Rahman said the Government should study the need for a “blueprint” for the industry. – Bernama
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