Bernama TV
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Bernama TV
| logo = Bernama TV.png
| logo_size = 150px
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| country = Malaysia
| area = * Malaysia
- Singapore
- Brunei
- Thailand (South Thailand, particularly Songkhla, Narathiwat, Yala and Satun)
- Philippines (Balabac, Palawan and Tawi-Tawi)
- Indonesia (West Kalimantan, Riau Islands, North Kalimantan and Riau)
| network =
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| language = * Malay
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| picture_format = 1080i (16:9/HDTV)
| timeshift_service =
| owner = BERNAMA
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| launch_date = *{{Start date and age|2008|02|28|df=yes}}
| replaced =
| closed_date = *{{End date and age|2021|10|07|df=yes}}
{{small|(MYTV) (SD)}}
| replaced_by =
| former_names = Bernama News Channel
{{small|(25 May 2016 – 9 October 2019)}}
| terr_serv_1 = {{flagicon|Malaysia}} MYTV
| terr_chan_1 = Channel 121 (HD)
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| website = {{URL|https://www.bernama.com/tv}}
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Bernama TV (known briefly as Bernama News Channel from 2016 to 2019){{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1249071 |title=Bernama TV Rebrands As Bernama News Channel |publisher=Bernama |date=25 May 2016 |access-date=28 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527175104/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1249071 |archive-date=27 May 2016 }} is a Malaysian free-to-air news television network. Launched in 2008, it is owned by Bernama, a government news agency. It airs news programmes that are related to local and international business, lifestyle, sports and entertainment as well as in-house programmes.
Alongside its main focus as a Malay-language news television channel, Bernama TV also produces news and current affairs content in Malaysia's other official languages of English, Chinese, and Tamil across its platforms. It can be viewed nationwide on myFreeview Channel 121, Astro Channel 502 and Unifi TV Channel 631.{{cite news|url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/36870/BERNAMA-news-source-for-media-in-South-East-Asia|title=BERNAMA, news source for media in South-East Asia|publisher=Mehr News|date=11 November 2009|accessdate=7 January 2018}}
History
File:Bernama News Channel Logo.png
Bernama had wanted to operate its own TV channel in 1996, but was rejected; instead the government recommended to produce video news items similar to Reuters.{{cite news|title=No TV permit|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19970408-1.2.26.10.6|access-date=17 December 2023|work=The Straits Times|date=8 April 1997}} However, in 2008, Bernama's proposal to have its own channel was tabled on cabinet.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4331841/cabinet-to-decide-on-bernama-tv-channel|title=Cabinet to decide on Bernama TV channel|publisher=The Malay Mail|date=30 January 2008|accessdate=7 January 2020}}
Bernama TV was launched in 1998 and began broadcasting on 28 February 2008.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4334067/24-7-bernama-tv-goes-on-air-today|title=24/7 Bernama TV goes on air today|publisher=The Malay Mail|date=28 February 2008|accessdate=7 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4254239/saluran-berita-tv-tempatan-perlu-dipopularkan|title=Saluran berita TV tempatan perlu dipopularkan|author=Zainuri Misfar|publisher=Berita Harian|date=5 March 2008|accessdate=7 January 2020}} Like Radio Televisyen Malaysia's television channels, Bernama TV have some amount of commercial advertising. Its news bulletins were initially aired on Astro Ria, Astro Prima, Astro AEC, Astro Wah Lai Toi and Astro Vaanavil, but they have since been integrated to one Astro network. Its news content is primarily broadcast in Malay. However, there are also news bulletin in English, Mandarin, and Tamil since 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/allegation-close-bernama-tv-s-mandarin-tamil-channels-untrue-24470|title='Allegation to close Bernama TV's Mandarin, Tamil channels untrue'|publisher=Astro Awani|date=24 October 2018|accessdate=25 January 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/bernama-resume-tamil-and-mandarin-news|title=Bernama to resume Tamil and Mandarin news|author=Chester Tay|publisher=The Edge Malaysia|date=31 May 2018|accessdate=7 January 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://mysinchew.sinchew.com.my/20220811/bernama-missing-the-big-picture/?variant=zh-hant|title=Bernama: Missing the big picture|author=Mohsin Abdullah|publisher=Sin Chew|date=11 August 2022|accessdate=7 January 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://thesun.my/archive/news-tamil-makes-comeback-bernama-news-channel-BUarch554406|title=News in Tamil makes comeback on Bernama News Channel|publisher=The Sun Daily|date=11 June 2018|accessdate=25 January 2019}} Other shows that are broadcast on Bernama TV are flagship talk-shows like Malay-medium Ruang Bicara as well as English-medium The Nation and The Brief.
In the years that followed, Bernama TV established its name through its coverage of key events in Malaysia including the Lahad Datu standoff,{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/5848411/bernama-tv-to-air-show-on-intrusion|title=Bernama TV to air show on intrusion|publisher=New Straits Times|date=18 March 2013|accessdate=7 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/5819355/dokumentari-pencerobohan|title=Dokumentari pencerobohan|publisher=Harian Metro|date=18 March 2013|accessdate=7 January 2020}} the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple riot.
In 2009, Bernama TV facing a financial diffulties when it accumulated loses over RM15 million and would cease broadcasting soon, pending a restructuring plans. This prompted Bernama to looking for potential buyers who interested to buy the channel.{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/bernama-tv-looking-buyer|title=Bernama TV looking for buyer|publisher=The Edge Malaysia|date=19 August 2009|accessdate=6 January 2018}}
In 2011, Bernama TV's news management were placed under the Information Ministry.{{cite news|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2011/06/02/pengurusan-berita-bernama-tv-kini-dibawah-kem-penerangan|title=Pengurusan Berita Bernama TV Kini Dibawah Kem. Penerangan|publisher=mStar Online|date=2 June 2011|accessdate=25 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/malaysian-government-resumes-administraton-of-bernama-tv/259499|title=Malaysian government resumes administraton (sic) of Bernama TV|publisher=Campaign Asia|date=3 June 2011|accessdate=25 January 2019}}
In 2015, the Ministry of Finance granted an allocation to Bernama TV to allowed it resume operations and refurbish its technical equipment.{{cite news|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2015/02/25/bernama-tv|title=Kerajaan Akan Pastikan Bernama TV Terus Beroperasi – Irwan Serigar|publisher=mStar Online|date=25 February 2015|accessdate=22 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/302784|title=Bernama TV to get RM30mil bailout?|publisher=Malaysiakini|date=25 June 2015|accessdate=22 January 2020}}
On 25 May 2016, Bernama TV went into a major rebrand by rebranding itself as Bernama News Channel (BNC),{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/342895|title=Bernama TV rebrands as Bernama News Channel|publisher=Malaysiakini|date=25 May 2016|accessdate=6 January 2018}} only to quietly revert to its original logo and name in October 2019. The staff were offered a contract with Gem Bytes Sdn Bhd on 14th day of the same month and year.
In 2018, Bernama News Channel partnered with iflix where Bernama's news telecast aired on the streaming platform.{{cite news|url=https://www.bernama.com/bm/news.php?id=1636480|title=KERJASAMA BNC, IFLIX SIAR BERITA BERNAMA SECARA LANGSUNG BERMULA ESOK|publisher=Bernama|date=28 August 2018|accessdate=22 January 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://ering.com.my/2018/08/iflix-siar-berita-bernama-secara-live-mulai-28-ogos/|title=Iflix Siar Berita Bernama Secara 'Live' Mulai 28 Ogos|publisher=Ering|date=4 September 2018|accessdate=22 January 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mumbrella.asia/2018/08/malaysia-news-agency-bernama-confirmed-as-partner-for-launch-of-iflix-news|title=Malaysian news agency Bernama confirmed as partner for launch of iflix News|publisher=Mumbrella Asia|date=28 August 2018|accessdate=22 January 2019}} In 2019, BNC partnered with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to strengthening its communication activities.{{cite news|url=https://www.kkd.gov.my/en/public/news/14451-bernama-11-jan-2019-mcmc-to-collaborate-with-bnc-to-further-enhance-communication-activities|title=MCMC to collaborate with BNC to further enhance communication activities|publisher=Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia|date=11 January 2019|accessdate=22 January 2019}}
In January 2021, Bernama TV became the second television station after RTM, where it began to use sign language interpreter for its news broadcasts.{{cite news|url=https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2021/01/06/bernama-tv-lakar-sejarah-guna-jurubahasa-isyarat-bagi-siaran-berita|title=Bernama TV lakar sejarah guna jurubahasa isyarat bagi siaran berita|publisher=Utusan Borneo|date=6 January 2021|accessdate=22 January 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.kkd.gov.my/en/management/development-division/233-kpkk-news/18390-bernama-04-jan-2021-bernama-tv-begins-featuring-sign-language-interpreter-in-news-broadcast|title=Bernama TV begins featuring sign language interpreter in news broadcast|publisher=Ministry of Communications Malaysia|date=4 January 2021|accessdate=22 January 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240513223205/https://www.kkd.gov.my/en/management/development-division/233-kpkk-news/18390-bernama-04-jan-2021-bernama-tv-begins-featuring-sign-language-interpreter-in-news-broadcast |archive-date=13 May 2024 }}
On 8 October 2021 from 12:00{{nbsp}}am onwards, Bernama TV switch to broadcasting in HD format.
In 2021, Bernama TV garnered a total of 73 million from viewership on its social media platform. As of May 2022, its viewership increased to 78 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.dagangnews.com/article/bernama-tv-kuasai-teknologi-digital-untuk-beri-impak-positif-kepada-peningkatan-capaian-18236 |website=DagangNews |title=Bernama TV kuasai teknologi digital untuk beri impak positif kepada peningkatan capaian|date=15 August 2022|accessdate=22 January 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dagangnews.com/article/bernama-tv-laksana-pelbagai-strategi-kukuhkan-kedudukan-dalam-persaingan-industri-penyiaran-negara-18185|title=Bernama TV laksana pelbagai strategi kukuhkan kedudukan dalam persaingan industri penyiaran negara|publisher=Dagang News|date=12 August 2022|accessdate=7 January 2023}}
Ownership structure
Bernama holds minority shareholder in Bernama TV with 33% stake, which operated by its former operating company, Bernama TV Synergy. Other shareholders were Silver Ridge Multimedia and Standard Code who holds 30% of stake in the channel respectively and Hallmark Media division of Hallmark Cards only holds 7%.{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/109720|title=Bernama berpisah dengan Bernama TV|publisher=Malaysiakini|date=1 August 2009|accessdate=23 January 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2017/03/31/rm30m-grant-for-brtv/|title=RM30m grant for BRTV|publisher=The Malaysian Reserve|date=31 March 2017|accessdate=23 January 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2014/12/12/masalah-bernamatv|title=Penyelesaian Kemelut Bernama TV Sedang Dikaji – Ahmad Shabery|publisher=mStar Online|date=12 December 2014|accessdate=25 January 2019}}
Programming
The programming of Bernama TV is focused primarily on news, business, and politics with weather updates, sports news, informative, religious and lifestyle programs as secondary contents. The network also shows documentaries and television specials. Bernama TV is one of the two Malaysian television news channel broadcast in 4 languages, namely Malay, English, Tamil and Mandarin. The other being Berita RTM, a news channel owned and operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia.
Incidents
Noramfaizul Mohd Nor worked for Bernama TV as a TV camera operator when he was killed 2 September 2011 covering a humanitarian mission to Somalia.{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2011-09-03/world/somalia.journalist.killed_1_somalia-amisom-journalist?_s=PM%3AWORLD|title=Malaysian journalist killed in Somalia|publisher=CNN|date=3 September 2011|accessdate=25 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922185533/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-09-03/world/somalia.journalist.killed_1_somalia-amisom-journalist?_s=PM%3AWORLD|archive-date=22 September 2011}} He was the first Malaysian journalist to be killed while on assignment abroad.{{cite web|url=http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/7medd/Article/art_print |title=First media rep to die overseas |publisher=New Straits Times |access-date=24 September 2011 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
Awards and accolades
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| Year
! Award-giving body ! Category ! Recipient ! Result ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| 2023
| The Knights Award 2023 | The Rapid News Distribution of All Time (Malaysia) | Bernama TV | {{won}} |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.bernama.com/tv}}
{{Malaysia TV}}
Category:2008 establishments in Malaysia
Category:24-hour television news channels in Malaysia
Category:Television stations in Malaysia
Category:Television channels and stations established in 2008