Awesome TV
{{Short description|Malaysian free-to-air terrestrial television station}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Awesome TV
| logo = Awesome TV Malaysia.png
| logo_size = 150px
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| type =
| country = Malaysia
| area = Nationwide
| network =
| tv_stations =
| tv_transmitters =
| affiliates =
| headquarters = MOF Inc Tower, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| language = {{plainlist|
}}
| picture_format = 1080i HDTV
576i SDTV
| timeshift_service =
| owner = Koperasi Amanah Pelaburan Berhad
(Awesome Broadcasting Sdn. Bhd.)
| parent =
| key_people = * Johan Ishak
{{small|(Managing director)}}{{cite web|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/media-prima-s-johan-ishak-joins-awesome-tv-as-md|title=Media Prima's Johan Ishak joins Awesome TV as MD|date=13 May 2020|access-date=20 January 2022|author=Janice Tan|agency=marketing-interactive.com}}
- Dato' Adam Ilyas
{{small|(Chief Executive Officer)}} - TS Mazlan Mahdi
{{small|(Chief Operating Officer)}} - Datin Ezzan Zalilah Zulfadzli
{{small|(Director of Content Development Unit)}}
| sister_channels =
| founded =
| founder =
| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2020|8|3|df=y}}
| closed_date =
| replaced_by =
| former_names =
| terr_serv_1 = MYTV
| terr_chan_1 = Channel 105 (HD)
| availability_note =
| website = {{URL|https://awesometv.my/}}
| webcast =
| child =
| embed_header =
| embedded =
}}
Awesome TV is a Malaysian Malay language free-to-air television channel owned by Awesome Broadcasting Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Awesome Media Network). The channel features first-run local original production and foreign content. Awesome TV started its trial broadcast on 28 July 2020 and full operation started on 3 August 2020.{{cite news|url=https://bebasnews.my/?p=41151|title=Akhirnya lahir sebuah lagi stesen TV swasta percuma di Malaysia|trans-title=Finally, the birth of another free-to-air private TV station in Malaysia|publisher=BebasNews|date=2 August 2020|accessdate=21 March 2021|language=ms}} Awesome TV can be viewed for free nationwide via MYTV platform on Channel 112.
Overview
Awesome TV is a digital television channel headquartered in Malaysia and being the first to officially commence broadcasting through the usage of digital encoding only via DVB-T2 set-top box for viewers in Malaysia. Viewers could watch this channel during trial broadcasting of this channel from 28 July 2020 at 12:00 pm to 3 August 2020 when it was finally launched. At this point of time, Awesome TV does not have any main news time slot either through standalone or from other broadcast television channel.{{cite news|url=https://www.bernama.com/bm/news.php?id=1866493|title=AWESOME TV HD SALURAN BAHARU DI PLATFORM MYTV|publisher=BERNAMA|date=3 August 2020|accessdate=30 May 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2020/08/04/myfreeview-perkenal-saluran-awesome-tv-hd|title=myFreeview perkenal saluran ‘Awesome TV HD’|publisher=Utusan Borneo|date=4 August 2020|accessdate=30 May 2021}}
On 7 January 2021, Awesome TV announced on their official Facebook account that the channel would broadcast on Astro starting 18 January. The channel broadcasts on channel 123 that previously occupied by Astro Ria HD following the renumbering of Astro channels on 1 April 2020.{{cite news|url=https://sinarplus.sinarharian.com.my/hiburan/awesome-tv-percuma-di-astro/amp/?amp/|title=Awesome TV percuma di Astro|author=Wawann Mohd|work=Sinar Plus|publisher=Sinar Harian|date=20 January 2021|accessdate=30 May 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://gempak.com/berita-terkini/pelanggan-astro-kini-boleh-nikmati-saluran-televisyen-awesome-tv-wow-46285|title=Pelanggan Astro Kini Boleh Nikmati Saluran Televisyen Awesome TV! Wow!|author=Fiza Kamaruddin|publisher=Astro Gempak|date=25 January 2021|accessdate=30 May 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.budiey.com/saluran-awesome-tv-kini-boleh-ditonton-di-astro/|title=Saluran Awesome TV Kini Boleh Ditonton di Astro|author=Budiey|publisher=Sensasi Selebriti|date=18 January 2021|accessdate=30 May 2021}}
Starting February 1, 2022, Awesome TV broadcasts its own news, Berita 7:57, the same as Buletin Utama on TV3. The prime time news program is currently broadcasting live from 33, Jalan Rakyat, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur before it moved to Persiaran KLCC in Kuala Lumpur.{{cite news|url=https://bebasnews.my/2022/04/13/laporan-berita-757-berani-lantang-angkat-suara-rakyat/|title=Laporan ‘Berita 757’ berani, lantang angkat suara rakyat|author=Khadijah Ibrahim|publisher=BebasNews|date=13 April 2022|accessdate=30 May 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2022/04/laporan-berita-757-berani-lantang-angkat-suara-rakyat/|title=Laporan Berita 7:57 berani, lantang angkat suara rakyat|author=Fathullah Abu Bakar|publisher=Utusan Malaysia|date=15 April 2022|accessdate=30 May 2022}}
The network ceased broadcasting on Astro starting 1 August 2024 along with GEM (Unifi TV Ch 471) after just three years, as part of Awesome TV's strategic plan to become a "fully virtual platform".{{cite web|url=https://www.kapb.com.my/2024/07/31/awesome-tv-tidak-lagi-bersiaran-di-astro-123/|title=Awesome TV Tidak Lagi Bersiaran di Astro 123|publisher=Koperasi Amanah Pelaburan Berhad|date=31 July 2024|accessdate=16 August 2024}}
Programming
The channel airs original programs, news programs, and other local and foreign programs.
Controversy
In November 2022, Awesome TV was accused by public due its racist editorial stance after its news programme, Berita 7:57 encouraging Malay voters to vote in full force in the 15th Malaysian general election to prevent the non-Malay politicians from gaining political powers.{{cite news |date=6 November 2022 |title=Netizens slam news bulletin for racism |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/style-life/going-viral/netizens-slam-news-bulletin-for-racism-HI10096166 |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=The Sun Daily}} In Twitter post, users slammed the news clip as "racist".{{cite news |date=6 November 2022 |title=PRU-15: Penyampai berita Awesome TV Berita 7:57 didakwa keluarkan kenyataan perkauman |url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2022/11/900576/pru-15-penyampai-berita-awesome-tv-berita-757-didakwa-keluarkan-kenyataan |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=Harian Metro}} The TV station's spokesman later issued statements that Awesome TV's news programme was alleged to be manipulated by certain parties that support the Bumiputera agendas.{{cite news |date=7 November 2022 |title=Berita 757 Jadi Mangsa Manipulasi Politik - Awesome TV |url=https://www.getaran.my/artikel/semasa/34569/berita-757-jadi-mangsa-manipulasi-politik-awesome-tv |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=Getaran}}
In February 2023, Berita 7:57 editor manager, Mohd Ilyas Pakeer Mohamad resigned from his position following the controversy. At the same time, the Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil disclosed that Awesome TV has made six copyright infringement related to the fake reports.{{cite news |author=Helmi Foad |date=21 February 2023 |title=Pengurus Editor Kumpulan Berita 757, Mohamed Ilyas letak jawatan serta-merta |url=https://harapandaily.com/pengurus-editor-kumpulan-berita-757-mohamed-ilyas-letak-jawatan-serta-merta/ |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=Harapan Daily}} Later on, Awesome TV was called by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to discuss a possible breach of news content publication after it published a news report claiming that the Malaysian government will sack over 800,000 civil servants.{{cite news |author1=Rahimy Rahim |author2=Tarrence Tan |author3=Martin Carvalho |date=20 February 2023 |title=MCMC to meet TV channel after fake news report on reduction of civil service, says Fahmi |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/20/mcmc-to-meet-tv-channel-after-fake-news-report-on-reduction-of-civil-service-says-fahmi |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=The Star Online}}{{cite news |date=21 February 2023 |title=MCMC investigates Awesome TV over news report |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/02/21/mcmc-investigates-awesome-tv-over-news-report/ |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=The Malaysian Reserve}} Awesome TV later said that it did not have any connection with Astro or other political parties and denies statements issued by politician Lokman Noor Adam, which they described it as "false and a provocation".{{cite news |date=21 February 2023 |title=Awesome TV nafi ada kaitan dengan Astro, parti politik |url=https://www.kosmo.com.my/2023/02/21/awesome-tv-nafi-ada-kaitan-dengan-astro-parti-politik/ |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=Kosmo!}}{{cite news |author=Norhayati Nordin |date=21 February 2023 |title=Awesome TV tiada agenda politik |url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/rap/2023/02/938239/awesome-tv-tiada-agenda-politik |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=Harian Metro}}
On February 21, MCMC opened investigation papers against Awesome TV under Section 206 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 over matters pertaining to the compliance of licence conditions.{{cite news |date=21 February 2023 |title=MCMC to open investigation paper on Awesome TV |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/home/mcmc-to-open-investigation-paper-on-awesome-tv-OB10663962 |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=The Sun Daily}}
In May, Awesome TV was fined RM250,000 by the MCMC due to several offences including operating without valid licence. The licence was issued to Awesome Broadcasting but was being used by the network's parent company, Awesome Media Network.{{cite news |author=Mohd Amreel Iman Abd Malek |date=24 May 2023 |title=Awesome TV didenda RM250,000 |url=https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/260173/berita/semasa/awesome-tv-didenda-rm250000 |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=Sinar Harian}}{{cite news |author=Putra Aziz |date=25 May 2023 |title=SKMM kompaun Awesome TV RM250,000 atas pelbagai kesalahan, termasuk beroperasi tanpa lesen |url=https://bm.soyacincau.com/2023/05/25/skmm-kompaun-awesome-tv-rm250000-atas-pelbagai-kesalahan-termasuk-beroperasi-tanpa-lesen/ |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=Soya Cincau}}{{cite news |author=Arjun Mohanakrishnan |date=24 May 2023 |title=Awesome TV compounded RM250,000 for licensing breach |url=https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/93322/awesome-tv-compounded-rm250000-for-licensing-breach |accessdate=1 June 2023 |publisher=The Vibes}}
On May 29, Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil asked the network to settled unpaid debts in case of lawsuits between several producers. Awesome TV, however, in its counter statement urged Fahmi not to interfered in their commercial affairs with its suppliers. Two days later, several film associations including the Film Directors Association of Malaysia (FDAM) and the Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM) criticized Awesome TV over its rude response towards Fahmi and urged the network to issued a public apology to him, and should be responsible in resolving payment issues involving producers and artistes.{{cite news |date=31 May 2023 |title=Persatuan filem: Kenyataan Awesome TV biadab |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/hiburan/667106 |accessdate=20 October 2023 |publisher=Malaysiakini}}{{cite news |date=31 May 2023 |title=Awesome TV urged to apologise over rude statement |url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/445287 |accessdate=20 October 2023 |publisher=The Malaysian Insight}}
Awesome TV was excluded from the list of few companies that will take a part in the 2023 National Day celebration by the Ministry of Communications and Digital, without any reasons.{{Cite web |date=24 August 2023 |title=Awesome TV digugurkan daripada acara perarakan Hari Kebangsaan |url=https://www.malaysianow.com/my/news/2023/08/24/awesome-tv-digugurkan-daripada-acara-perarakan-hari-kebangsaan |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=MalaysiaNow}} The sudden decision was informed through a letter dated 23 August 2023 signed by the Ministry's Chief Secretary, Muhammad Fauzi Md Isa. Its Minister, Fahmi Fadzil explaining that the removal was due to the limited time allocation during the parade. Two other companies, Milo and Grab were also dropped.{{Cite web |date=26 August 2023 |title=Masa terhad, Fahmi perjelas pengguguran Awesome TV |url=https://headtopics.com/my/masa-terhad-fahmi-perjelas-pengguguran-awesome-tv-42895895 |access-date=29 August 2023 |publisher=Head Topics}}
On October 19, 2023, digital TV service provider, MYTV Broadcasting announced that it will suspend Awesome TV on its platform effective November 2 following the ongoing commercial issues related to the access fee payments.{{cite news |author=Mohd Iskandar Ibrahim |date=19 October 2023 |title=MYTV gantung siaran Awesome TV |url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/10/1167118/mytv-gantung-siaran-awesome-tv |accessdate=20 October 2023 |publisher=Berita Harian}}{{cite news |author=Hilmi Malik |date=19 October 2023 |title=MYTV gantung siaran Awesome TV berkuat kuasa 2 Nov |url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/mytv-gantung-siaran-awesome-tv-berkuat-kuasa-2-nov-442533 |accessdate=20 October 2023 |publisher=Astro Awani}}{{cite news |date=20 October 2023 |title=MYTV to suspend broadcast of Awesome TV from Nov 2 |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/20/mytv-to-suspend-broadcast-of-awesome-tv-from-nov-2 |accessdate=20 October 2023 |publisher=The Star Online}} The network later cites the charged payment by MYTV as an "unfair" while claiming that it should be continued to operated on the MYTV platform until August 2025.{{cite news |date=19 October 2023 |title=Awesome TV sepatutnya beroperasi sehingga Ogos 2025 di MYTV, bayaran dikenakan tidak adil |url=https://www.mstar.com.my/spotlight/sensasi/2023/10/19/awesome-tv-sepatutnya-beroperasi-sehingga-ogos-2025-di-mytv-bayaran-dikenakan-tidak-adil |accessdate=26 October 2023 |publisher=mStar Online}}{{cite news |author=Arif Zikri |date=20 October 2023 |title=Awesome TV claims unfair treatment after MYTV’s decision to suspend the channel on its platform |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2023/10/20/awesome-tv-claims-unfair-treatment-after-mytvs-decision-to-suspend-the-channel-on-its-platform/97416 |accessdate=26 October 2023 |publisher=Malay Mail}}
Awards and accolades
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| Year
! Award-giving body ! Category ! Recipient ! Result ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| 2022
| MCMC Star Rating Awards 2021 | Best in Consumer Satisfaction for Free-to-Air Television | Awesome TV | {{won}} | {{cite news|url=https://murai.my/2022/164673/awesome-tv-jadi-kegemaran-rakyat-malaysia-rangkul-anugerah-cemerlang-skmm/|title=Awesome TV Jadi Kegemaran Rakyat Malaysia, Rangkul Anugerah Cemerlang SKMM|author=A. Adied|publisher=Murai.my|date=28 December 2022|access-date=30 May 2023}} |
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|http://awesometv.my/}}
{{Television in Malaysia}}
Category:Television stations in Malaysia
Category:Television channels and stations established in 2020
Category:2020 establishments in Malaysia
Category:Television channels and stations disestablished in 2024