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Media Prima

{{Short description|Malaysian integrated media company}}

{{Infobox company

| name = Media Prima Berhad
{{Script/Arabic|ميديا ڤريما برحد}}

| logo = Media Prima logo.svg

| logo_caption = Logo used since 10 June 2002.

| former_name = Profitune Sdn. Bhd. (2000–2002)

| type = Public limited company

| traded_as = {{myx|4502}}

| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|MYL4502OO000}}

| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Datuk (Dr) Syed Hussein bin Syed Junid|{{small|(Chairman)}}|Rafiq Razali|{{small|(Group Managing Director)}}}}

| industry = {{ubl|Mass media|Entertainment}}

| revenue = {{increase}} RM 8.81 billion{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/02/882449/media-prima-posts-second-consecutive-12-month-profit-revenue-edges-close|title=Media Prima posts second consecutive 12-month profit as revenue edges close to RM30bil|author=Asila Jalil|publisher=New Straits Times|date=22 February 2023|accessdate=25 July 2023}}

| net_income = {{increase}} RM 95.7 million

| owner = {{Unbulleted list|Aurora Mulia (31.9%)|JAG Capital Holdings (20.1%)|Morgan Stanley & Co. Int. (11.0%)}}

| num_employees = 6,187 (December 2023)

| services = {{plainlist|

}}

| subsid = {{plainlist|

}}

| divisions = {{plainlist|

  • Media Prima Television Networks
  • Media Prima Audio

}}

| homepage = {{URL|www.mediaprima.com.my}}

| foundation = {{start date and age|2000|11|27|df=y}}

| location = Balai Berita, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

}}

{{Media Prima evolution}}

Media Prima Berhad ({{langx|en|Prime Media Limited}};{{efn|Not to be confused with a Philippine company of the same name.}} doing business as Media Prima and stylized in lowercase title), also abbreviated as MPB, is a Malaysian media company based in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/153135/media-prima-syarikat-media-tersenarai-terbesar|title=Media Prima syarikat media tersenarai terbesar|publisher=Berita Harian|date=3 September 2003|accessdate=3 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3356779/syarikat-media-terbesar|title=Syarikat media terbesar|publisher=Harian Metro|date=3 September 2003|accessdate=3 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/cover-story-building-integrated-media-prima|title=Cover Story: Building an integrated Media Prima|author=Joyce Goh|publisher=The Edge Malaysia|date=24 March 2022|accessdate=28 February 2023}} It is the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in Malaysia with business interests in television, print, radio, out-of-home advertising, content creation and digital media. As of 2023, Media Prima employs over 6,000 staffs in total, of whom approximately 1,300 are in private-sector broadcasting. The company forms half of the mass media duopoly in the country along with Astro.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6rbuDwAAQBAJ&dq=Media+Prima&pg=PA159|title=National Studies on Assessing the Economic Contribution of the Copyright-based Industries|publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization|year=2014|accessdate=16 April 2020|isbn=9789280520224|pages=159–160|quote=There are two relatively large integrated media investment groups that carry out commercial broadcasting, i.e. Media Prima Berhad (MPB) and ASTRO All Asia Networks Plc (ASTRO). Both media groups compete for a relatively small but growing domestic market and both have ventured into the international market for broadcasting and entertainment.}}

Established in 2000 as Profitune Sdn Bhd and originally started out as a multimedia company, Media Prima evolved to its current state with its present name in 2002{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2919138/sc-yes-to-revamp-plans|title=SC Yes to revamp plans|publisher=Business Times|date=16 October 2002|accessdate=5 February 2022|quote=The SC also approved the application for exemption from the obligation to undertake a mandatory offer on the remaining voting shares in The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd by Media Prima Bhd (formerly known as Profitune Bhd).}} and began operations a year later after the demerger of Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad's (MRCB) media assets. The company operates four television channels — TV3, NTV7, 8TV and TV9 and also five radio stations – Kool 101, Fly FM, Eight FM, Hot FM and Molek FM. Media Prima is also the owner of the New Straits Times Press, Malaysia's largest newspaper publisher with three national news brands – the New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro.

Primeworks Studios, Media Prima's commercial subsidiary, responsible in produces, distributes and sells Media Prima TV networks' programs as well as helps to generate funding for content provision and also distributes TV3's online news service, Buletin TV3. The company currently ranks third in Malaysia in digital reach following the 2017 acquisition of REV Asia Holdings (now Catcha Digital), one of Southeast Asia's leading digital media groups.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2018/02/338060/media-prima-path-become-leading-digital-first-content-and-commerce-company|title=Media Prima on path to become leading digital-first content and commerce company|author=Zarina Zakariah|publisher=New Straits Times|date=22 February 2018|accessdate=25 July 2018}} In 2018, Media Prima became the number one choice for mobile content ahead of Google and Facebook.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2019/01/455970/media-prima-beats-google-facebook-malaysias-most-popular-choice-mobile|title=Media Prima beats Google & Facebook as Malaysia's most popular choice for mobile content|work=NST Business|publisher=New Straits Times|date=30 January 2019|accessdate=25 July 2019}}

Background

Media Prima traced its roots and origins back to the Malaysian operations division of Singaporean company The Straits Times Press Group, the forerunner of SPH Media. Prior to its establishment,{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaprima.com.my/bg.asp|title=About us: Overview|publisher=Media Prima Berhad|access-date=2007-11-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212204250/http://www.mediaprima.com.my/bg.asp |archive-date=12 December 2007|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/litany-failures-amidst-glitz|title=A litany of failures amidst the glitz|author=Mohsin Abdullah|publisher=The Edge Malaysia|date=4 October 2012|accessdate=27 March 2022}} both The New Straits Times Press and Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad were formerly a subsidiaries of Fleet Holdings, an investment arm of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and helmed by Junus Sudin. Fleet Holdings had acquired its ownership of the Malaysian operations of The Straits Times Press Group, which consisting of the Malaysian edition of The Straits Times and Berita Harian as well as the Malay Mail, in September 1972.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19720905-1.2.68|title=Straits Times subsidiary|publisher=The Straits Times|date=5 September 1972|accessdate=14 May 2019|page=9}}{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19720917-1.2.3|title=The New Straits Times Press|publisher=The Straits Times|date=17 September 1972|accessdate=14 May 2019|page=1}} Following the acquisition, Fleet Holdings transferred these assets to the new company, and renamed it as the NSTP on 31 January 1973.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730131-1.2.174.1|title=Straits Times proposes major changes'|publisher=The Straits Times|date=31 January 1973|accessdate=14 May 2019|page=29}}

In 1983, the company granted a license from the Malaysian Government to operate Malaysia's first private television station, TV3, which began operations on 1 June 1984, ending the monopoly of Government-owned TV stations.{{cite web |date=26 November 1983 |title=Why Fleet Group was picked to run third TV channel|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19831126-1.2.57.1 |access-date=5 October 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=12 September 1984 |title='Viewers get what they want'|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840912-1.2.32.3 |access-date=6 October 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} It later divested its ownership of the NSTP and TV3 to Renong Berhad, a company helmed by Halim Saad in 1988. In 1993, four senior managements of Realmild Sdn Bhd held a management buyout which led Renong in turn, divested its shares in the NSTP and TV3.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19930323-1.2.21.9.3|title=Renong to gain M$283m from sale of stakes in NSTP, TV3|publisher=The Business Times|date=23 March 1993|accessdate=13 March 2019|page=10}} Subsequently, both of the companies were acquired by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), which primarily focused on construction and property development as its main core businesses. The acquisition was completed on June 25, 1993 as part of the MRCB's foray into other business and considered the largest management buyout in Malaysian corporate history.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2631595/nstp-tv3-management-buyout-deal-completed|title=NSTP, TV3 management buyout deal completed|author=Mustapha Kamil|publisher=Business Times|date=1 July 1993|accessdate=11 March 2020}} Before Media Prima was created, TV3 led a consortium to set up Malaysia's first pay-TV operator, Mega TV, which was launched in 1994 and started operations a year later, in 1995. In 1998, TV3 and MRCB agreed to build a studio facility and an auditorium in Shah Alam, Selangor, costing RM 7.2 million and planned to be completed on 31 October. TV3 would be the sole user of such facilities, while MRCB will receive RM1.7 million from the latter's advertising income.{{cite news |title=MRCB, TV3 in studio deal |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19980425-1.2.19.6.7 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=25 April 1998}}

History

=2000–2009: Formation and early history=

File:Sri Pentas (230317-1850).jpg, Selangor]]

Media Prima was established on 27 November 2000 as Profitune Sdn. Bhd.,{{cite web|url=https://news.futunn.com/resource/3704360|title=Notice of unconditional offer|publisher=CIMB|date=28 June 2010|accessdate=29 September 2018|page=2|quote=MPB was incorporated in Malaysia as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1965 on 27 November 2000 as Profitune Sdn Bhd. It was converted into a public limited company and adopted the name of Profitune Berhad on 7 November 2001. It subsequently changed its name to Media Prima Berhad on 10 June 2002.}} with a focus on multimedia and communications services. On 1 October 2001, MRCB announced that it proposed to divested its equity interest in its media subsidiaries, Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad (STMB) and The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (NSTP), in which the latter had acquired from Renong Berhad in 1993 and shutting down its pay-TV unit, Mega TV to help repay RM1 million of debt.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20011001-1.2.55.23.23.1|title=MRCB MAY SELL MEDIA BUSINESSES|publisher=The Straits Times|date=1 October 2001|accessdate=6 June 2019|page=7}} The proposed restructuring scheme was officially announced on 8 October.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2902100/mrcb-tv3-to-announce-proposed-restructuring-scheme|title=MRCB, TV3 to announce proposed restructuring scheme|author=Nuryushida Laily Yusof|publisher=Business Times|date=8 October 2001|accessdate=6 February 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2018232/mrcb-asing-perniagaan-media|title=MRCB asing perniagaan media|author=Saidon Idris|publisher=Berita Harian|date=9 October 2001|accessdate=6 February 2021}} MRCB and Profitune inked a share sale agreement on 22 October in which the company will assume the listing status of TV3. The divestiture is part of the MRCB's reorganization plan, which saw its media business were transferred to Profitune while MRCB focused solely on infrastructure and construction business.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4146880/mrcb-and-profitune-sign-share-sale-deal|title=MRCB and Profitune sign share sale deal|publisher=New Straits Times|date=23 October 2001|accessdate=2 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2025048/mrcb-memeterai-perjanjian-jual-saham-nstp-dengan-newco|title=MRCB memeterai perjanjian jual saham NSTP dengan Newco|publisher=Berita Harian|date=23 October 2001|accessdate=16 October 2021}} The company was upgraded into a public limited company status and renamed as Profitune Berhad on 7 November 2001.

In January 2002, following the reduction of assumed TV3's debt, MRCB revised the purchase consideration of its debt restructuring scheme.{{cite news|url= https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2945972/mrcb-plans-to-revise-purchase-consideration|title=MRCB plans to revise purchase consideration|publisher=Business Times|date=22 January 2002|accessdate=16 October 2021}} The restructuring was expected to be completed in the third quarter of the year.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3403027/mrcb-yakin-penyusunan-semula-berhasil|title=MRCB yakin penyusunan semula berhasil|publisher=Harian Metro|date=27 February 2002|accessdate=16 October 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2103195/penyusunan-semula-tv3-mrcb-selesai-september|title=Penyusunan semula TV3, MRCB selesai September|publisher=Berita Harian|date=27 February 2002|accessdate=16 October 2021}}

On 10 June 2002, Profitune shifted its business focus to media and entertainment and changed its name to Media Prima in preparation for media competition in Malaysia.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2961671/media-prima-seen-gaining-from-having-nstp-tv3|title=Media Prima seen gaining from having NSTP, TV3|author1=Alice Chia|author2=Maisara Ismail|publisher=Business Times|date=25 February 2003|accessdate=2 February 2020}} At the same time, the company unveiled its first corporate logo (which continued to be used to this day same as TV3), which saws the word 'Media' placed in the red box, while the word 'Prima' placed outside the red box. On 25 November, the company signed a second supplemental agreement with MRCB for another proposal which concerning the NSTP.{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a8YtAAAAIBAJ&dq=Media+Prima&pg=PA60&article_id=2246,3883356|title=MRCB removes proposal to transfer IT units|publisher=Business Times|date=26 November 2002|accessdate=2 February 2020}}

In late July 2003, the MRCB obtained a sanction from the High Court that allowed it to proceed the demerger exercise with Media Prima and lodged a court order's copy with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). It also issued a circular to its shareholders on the demerger.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2950535/mrcb-gets-nod|title=MRCB gets nod|publisher=Business Times|date=31 July 2003|accessdate=16 October 2021}}

The corporate restructuring of MRCB and the spin-out of its media assets, namely TV3 and the NSTP was formally completed in August 2003,{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2949635/media-prima-set-to-control-tv-industry-hl-|title=Media Prima set to control TV industry|author=Norzuhaira Ruhanie|publisher=Business Times|date=7 July 2003|accessdate=1 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2951925/management-teams-of-tv3-nstp-unchanged-in-revamp|title=Management teams of TV3, NSTP unchanged in revamp|author=Sadna Saifuddin|publisher=Business Times|date=3 September 2003|accessdate=1 January 2020}} and the following month, MRCB spin-offs TV3 and the NSTP, marking the latter's official exit from media business.

Media Prima began operations on 23 September 2003,{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3961968/local-content-export-to-rise-media-prima|title=Local content export to rise: Media Prima|author=Malcolm Rosario|publisher=The Malay Mail|date=27 September 2003|accessdate=23 July 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1938148/premium-media-group|title=Premium media group|author=Dzulkarnain Taib|publisher=Sunday Mail|date=12 October 2003|accessdate=23 July 2020}} with the launching ceremony was officiated by the then-Deputy Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3360448/pelancaran-media-prima-berhad|title=Pelancaran Media Prima Berhad|publisher=Harian Metro|date=24 September 2003|accessdate=2 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2114264/abdullah-yakin-media-prima-mampu-ke-peringkat-serantau|title=Abdullah yakin Media Prima mampu ke peringkat serantau|publisher=Berita Harian|date=24 September 2003|accessdate=2 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3359109/media-prima-mampu-tangani-isu-media-asing|title=Media Prima mampu tangani isu media asing|author=Kamarulzaman Pid|publisher=Harian Metro|date=24 September 2003|accessdate=2 February 2020}} Upon of its official launch, the company began to offers a cross-media solutions to its clients through the capitalisation of its broadcasting and print publication assets.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2947866/media-prima-to-woo-more-advertisers-with-innovative-packages|title=Media Prima to woo more advertisers with innovative packages|author=Norzuhaira Ruhanie|publisher=Business Times|date=17 September 2003|accessdate=3 February 2020}} On 22 October, the company takes over the listing status of the STMB on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3357315/media-prima-disenarai-di-bskl-esok|title=Media Prima disenarai di BSKL esok|publisher=Harian Metro|date=21 October 2003|accessdate=3 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2942940/media-prima-to-be-listed-on-main-board-tomorrow|title=Media Prima to be listed on main board tomorrow|author=Norzuhaira Ruhanie|publisher=Business Times|date=21 October 2003|accessdate=3 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/152236/saham-media-prima-catat-prestasi-memberangsangkan|title=Saham Media Prima catat prestasi memberangsangkan|publisher=Berita Harian|date=23 October 2003|accessdate=3 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2940719/media-prima-makes-impressive-debut|title=Media Prima makes impressive debut|author=Norzuhaira Ruhanie|publisher=Business Times|date=23 October 2003|accessdate=3 February 2020}}

Not long after, Media Prima acquired 80% interest in Metropolitan TV Sdn Bhd which had a Content Application Service Provider (CASP) license which allowed it to open a television station.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3351165/media-prima-ambil-alih-mtv|title=Media Prima ambil alih MTV|author=Hairulnizam Wahid|publisher=Harian Metro|date=8 October 2003|accessdate=23 July 2020}} On January 8, 2004, 8TV was relaunched as a successor of MetroVision which was closed in November 1999.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4111282/a-really-different-kind-of-tv|title=A really different kind of TV|author=Amir Hafizi|publisher=The Malay Mail|date=22 January 2004|accessdate=23 July 2020}} In June 2005, Media Prima acquired 100% stake in Ch-9 Media, which operates Channel 9 in a RM40.61 million deal and renamed it as TV9.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2188163/media-prima-beli-ch-9-media-rm40-61j|title=Media Prima beli Ch-9 Media RM40.61j|author=Anida Salwani Abdul Hadi|publisher=Berita Harian|date=11 June 2005|accessdate=13 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3467149/media-prima-beli-stesen-televisyen-channel-9|title=Media Prima beli stesen televisyen Channel 9|publisher=Harian Metro|date=11 June 2005|accessdate=24 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2992856/media-prima-to-buy-channel-9-operator|title=Media Prima to buy Channel 9 operator|author=Anna Maria Samsudin|publisher=Business Times|date=11 June 2005|accessdate=24 January 2020}} In July, the company entered into a Collaboration and Assistance Agreement with Natseven TV Sdn Bhd (which operates ntv7), Synchrosound Studio Sdn Bhd (which operates now-defunct Wow FM), Questseven Dot Com Sdn Bhd and the respective companies' shareholders to provide assistance for the companies to undertake a corporate and debt restructuring scheme.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4084301/media-prima-signs-deal-with-ntv7|title=Media Prima signs deal with ntv7|publisher=The Malay Mail|date=14 July 2005|accessdate=23 July 2020}} On October 27, Media Prima acquired 100% stake in Natseven TV for RM90 million. The acquisition increased the company's television viewership market share to 48%, making Media Prima the owner of all free-to-air private television networks in Malaysia.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2174485/media-prima-beli-ntv7| title=Media Prima beli ntv7|author=Nur Lina Rasol|publisher=Berita Harian|date=28 October 2005|accessdate=23 July 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2005/10/28/media-prima-buys-ntv7-for-rm90mil/|title=Media Prima buys ntv7 for RM90mil|work=The Star Online|date=28 October 2005|accessdate=29 December 2013}}

In November 2006, Media Prima acquires 70% stake in Big Tree Outdoor,{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20061121-1.2.29.3|title=Media Prima acquires 70% of Big Tree|publisher=The Business Times|date=21 November 2006|accessdate=6 Jun 2019|page=17}}{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/newsinbrief/59843|title=Media Prima acquires Big Tree to boost revenue|publisher=Malaysiakini|date=20 November 2006|accessdate=31 December 2018}} followed by the entire stakes in two other outdoor advertising firms, namely UPD and The Right Channel.{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GkouAAAAIBAJ&dq=Media+Prima&pg=PA23&article_id=5188,275121|title=Media Prima buys two more outdoor-ad units|author=Chong Jin Hun|publisher=New Straits Times|date=1 December 2006|accessdate=15 May 2019}} By December, the company became one of the main components of the Bursa Malaysia's Composite Index.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2214270/media-prima-kini-saham-komponen-dalam-ik|title=Media Prima kini saham komponen dalam IK|author=Nor Liza Ahmad|publisher=Berita Harian|date=23 December 2006|accessdate=4 March 2021}}

In 2007, Media Prima launches its over-the-top streaming service, Catch-Up TV,{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2291044/siaran-tv-di-internet|title=Siaran TV di internet|author=Sharifah Salwa Syed Akil|publisher=Berita Harian|date=25 August 2007|accessdate=25 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/3525825/mpb-perkenal-siaran-internet|title=MPB perkenal siaran Internet|author=Faizatul Farlin Farush Khan|publisher=Harian Metro|date=25 August 2007|accessdate=25 January 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/2293535/tv-media-prima-dalam-komputer|title=TV Media Prima dalam komputer|author=Zainuri Misfar|publisher=Berita Harian|date=27 August 2007|accessdate=25 January 2020}} which offers content from the company's television channels and their respective websites.{{cite news |title=Digital Rapids brings Malaysian TV online for Media Prima |url=http://broadcastengineering.com/automation/digital-rapids-media-prima/ |work=Broadcast Engineering |date=28 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310000501/http://broadcastengineering.com/automation/digital-rapids-media-prima/ |archive-date=10 March 2009}} The company also launched an Internet portal, gua.com.my{{cite web|url=http://www.mobileworld.com.my/v2/index.php/20071210432/Consumer/News/Media_Prima_launches_Mobile_TV_service.html|title=Media Prima launches Mobile TV service|publisher=Mobile World|date=2007-12-10}} and its music portal, guamuzik.com.my. The company also planned to expand its business operations abroad{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1722198/media-prima-gears-up-for-regional-expansion|title=Media Prima gears up for regional expansion|author=Hamisah Hamid|publisher=New Straits Times|date=9 August 2007|accessdate=9 March 2021}} in order to be the major "regional media powerhouse".{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1715028/media-prima-aims-to-be-major-player-in-region|title=Media Prima aims to be major player in region|author=Rupinder Singh|publisher=New Straits Times|date=5 September 2007|accessdate=9 March 2021}}

Also in 2007, Media Prima dominates 54% of television viewership market in Malaysia, after Astro (29%) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (17%).{{cite news|author=Anil Netto|title=Malaysian media giant grasps for Internet|date=30 November 2007|publisher=Malaysia Today|url=http://www.malaysia-today.net/nuc2006/news2007.php?itemid=709|work=Asia Times Online|access-date=7 December 2007|language=en|archive-date=2008-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102022324/http://www.malaysia-today.net/nuc2006/news2007.php?itemid=709}}

In 2008, Media Prima established its subsidiary in the Philippines, MPB Primedia Inc. in partnership with the ABC Development Corp. (now TV5 Network) to relaunch the TV5 with new image with US$150 million media funding provided by the company.{{cite news|author=Jeeva Arulapalam|title=Media Prima upbeat on Philippine TV network venture|publisher=Business Times|date=2008-07-29|url=http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Tuesday/Frontpage/jmp28-2.xml/Article/index_html|accessdate=2008-10-02}} However, in October 2009, the company decided to divest its 70% of its shares in MPB Primedia to PLDT's subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings to prevent the liquidity of profits on the company's behalf.{{cite news|title= Media Prima sells MPB Primedia for US$16m |publisher=Business Times |date=21 October 2009|url=http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/mpb20-2/Article/index_html|accessdate=30 November 2009}} Also, in 2008, Media Prima launched a new subsidiary, Primeworks Studios to oversee productions of all Media Prima's television networks while promotes Malaysian TV programs to international markets.{{cite news|title=MPB's primeworks studios gears towards international market|publisher=OnScreen Asia|date=2008-08-18|url=http://www.onscreenasia.com/article-3555-mpbsprimeworksstudiosgearstowardsinternationalmarket-onscreenasia.html|accessdate=2008-09-11}}{{cite news|title=Media Prima unit to liven up content|author=Jeeva Arulampalam|publisher=Business Times|date=2008-09-12|url=http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Saturday/Nation/jpworks.xml/Article/index_html|accessdate=2008-09-21|archive-date=2008-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918035803/http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Saturday/Nation/jpworks.xml/Article/index_html}}

The company announced in February 2009 that it would enter a partnership with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting for the television program exchange.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4583500/media-prima-iran-plan-to-exchange-tv-programmes|title=Media Prima, Iran plan to exchange TV programmes|publisher=New Straits Times|date=4 February 2009|accessdate=17 February 2021}}

=2009–2014: Expansion of business operations=

In March, Media Prima was among 6 ASEAN broadcasting companies including Mediacorp, Media Nusantara Citra (MNC) and ABS-CBN Corporation jointly to form a regional broadcasting alliance, Smart Alliance to carry out an alliance to cooperate in three areas—content, sales and marketing, and technology—and take advantage of economies of scale and combined markets that the region can offer.{{cite web|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/22886|title=Media Prima joins SMART Allliance with ASEAN broadcasters|date=6 April 2009|accessdate=12 January 2013|website=My Sinchew|archive-date=28 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528032603/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/22886|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4585537/media-prima-in-smart-alliance|title=Media Prima in SMART Alliance|publisher=New Straits Times|date=7 April 2009|accessdate=17 February 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4653869/media-prima-perkukuh-smart-alliance|title=Media Prima perkukuh SMART Alliance|publisher=Harian Metro|date=7 April 2009|accessdate=17 February 2021}} In October, the company signed a multi-year deal with The Walt Disney Company's integrated distribution subsidiary, Disney-ABC International Television (DAIT) Asia Pacific, which encompasses of ABC Studios programs for TV3, NTV7 and 8TV.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4696934/media-prima-disney-perbaharui-perjanjian-pengedaran|title=Media Prima, Disney perbaharui perjanjian pengedaran|publisher=Berita Harian|date=9 October 2009|accessdate=13 February 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4633526/media-prima-renews-contract-with-disney-unit|title=Media Prima renews contract with Disney unit|publisher=New Straits Times|date=9 October 2009|accessdate=13 February 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/media-prima-renews-disney-abc-deal|title=Media Prima renews Disney-ABC deal|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=8 October 2009|accessdate=15 July 2010}} At the same time, the company considering its offer to takeover the New Straits Times Press through a share swap to formed the largest media group.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/4724118/media-prima-proposes-nstp-buyout-through-share-swap|title=Media Prima proposes NSTP buyout through share swap|publisher=New Sunday Times|date=18 October 2009|accessdate=13 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/industry-welcomes-media-primas-acquisition-of-the-new-straits-times/211469|title=Industry welcomes Media Prima's acquisition of The New Straits Times|author=Kenny Lim|publisher=Campaign Asia|date=19 October 2009|accessdate=31 December 2019}}

The company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Gama Media International (BVI) Ltd, began to divest 90% of its equity stake in Ghanaian television network, TV3 Ghana in the third quarter of 2011{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/5129152/media-prima-to-complete-stake-disposal-in-ghana-s-tv3n-by-q3|title=Media Prima to complete stake disposal in Ghana's TV3N by Q3|author=Azlan Abu Bakar|publisher=New Straits Times|date=24 February 2011|accessdate=19 February 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/5094732/media-prima-selling-its-business-in-ghana|title=Media Prima selling its business in Ghana|publisher=New Straits Times|date=15 January 2011|accessdate=9 March 2021}} and sold to Ghanaian media firm, Media General Ghana Ltd.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/5049879/media-prima-jual-saham-dalam-tv3n|title=Media Prima jual saham dalam TV3N|publisher=Berita Harian|date=15 January 2011|accessdate=9 March 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/5069864/lupus-ekuiti-tv3n-di-ghana|title=Lupus ekuiti TV3N di Ghana|publisher=Harian Metro|date=15 January 2011|accessdate=9 March 2021}}

Media Prima signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for three-year term to promote initiatives related to the creative industry implemented through the National ICT Initiative via MSC Malaysia.{{cite web|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/mdec-media-prima-promote-creative-industry|title=MDeC, Media Prima to promote creative industry|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=16 August 2011|accessdate=25 April 2012}}

On 14 December 2012, Media Prima launched its expanded digital business unit as Media Prima Digital. The reorganization is part of the company's wider strategy to align and optimize its existing digital business across multiple platforms.{{cite web|url=https://www.hardwarezone.com.my/tech-news-media-prima-unveils-integrated-digital-media-arm|title=Media Prima Unveils Integrated Digital Media Arm|author=Jeremy Cheong|publisher=Hardware Zone|date=14 December 2012|accessdate=26 April 2013|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426082745/https://www.hardwarezone.com.my/tech-news-media-prima-unveils-integrated-digital-media-arm|url-status=dead}}

The company is among of 20 strategic partners of the Universiti Utara Malaysia's Bachelor of Creative Industry Management (BCIM) program which was introduced on 20 August 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/6221059/media-prima-antara-rakan-strategik-bcim|title=Media Prima antara rakan strategik BCIM|publisher=Berita Harian|date=21 August 2013|accessdate=15 February 2020}}

In 2014, Media Prima began collaborating with the Universiti Sains Malaysia to provide Malay subtitles for the hearing-impaired, initially for TV3 and TV9's Islamic programming including Kopi Bersama Ustaz Kazim and Fiqh Wanita, whose programmes were reported to have reached 100,000 viewers when they were aired with subtitles. The subtitles were provided by the university's undergraduate students in translation and interpretation.{{cite news|title=USM sedia sarikata program TV untuk OKU beri faedah kepada lebih 100,000 penonton|url=https://news.usm.my/index.php/berita-mutakhir/2499-usm-sedia-sarikata-program-tv-untuk-oku-beri-faedah-lebih-100-000-penonton|access-date=25 January 2024|work=USM APEX|date=14 August 2015}}

=2014–present: Recent developments=

The company announced in November 2014 that it would reduce the number of employees by offering them a one-time payment. According to its statement, the mutual separation scheme (MSS) will be implemented from November 14 and completed on December 15.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2014/11/08/media-prima-to-reduce-headcount-via-mss/|title=Media Prima to reduce headcount via MSS|author=Desiree Tresa Gasper|work=The Star Online|date=8 November 2014|accessdate=26 April 2015}}

The company entered a conditional purchase agreement as early as October 2015 to acquire the entire stake of radio broadcasting company, Copyright Laureate, which owns and operates Ultra FM and Pi Mai FM, in a cash consideration of RM20 million.{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/media-prima-acquiring-two-radio-stations-rm20m|title=Media Prima acquiring two radio stations for RM20m|publisher=The Edge Malaysia|date=5 October 2015|accessdate=28 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://api.hmetro.com.my/node/81632|title=Media Prima tambah stesen radio|publisher=Harian Metro|date=1 October 2015|accessdate=28 February 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.marketingmagazine.com.my/breaking-news/media-prima-buys-two-radio-stations|title=Media Prima buys two radio stations!|publisher=Marketing Magazine|date=5 October 2015|access-date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404204133/http://www.marketingmagazine.com.my/breaking-news/media-prima-buys-two-radio-stations|archive-date=4 April 2017}} The acquisition was completed on October 21.{{cite news|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2017/04/03/media-prima-subsidiary-acquires-clsb/|title=Media Prima subsidiary acquires CLSB|publisher=The Malaysian Reserve|date=3 April 2017|accessdate=28 February 2018}}

In early 2016, Media Prima signed a deal with South Korean company CJ Group to launch a home shopping channel, CJ Wow Shop and operated by the companies' joint-venture, MP CJ O Shopping Sdn. Bhd.{{cite web|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/media-prima's-jv-launches-home-shopping-business|title=Media Prima's JV launches home shopping business|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=4 April 2016|accessdate=6 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.lipstiq.com/2016/119358/home-shopping-network-cj-wow-shop-debuts-in-malaysia|title=Home Shopping Network CJ WOW SHOP Debuts In Malaysia|author=Dang Sari|publisher=Lipstiq Malaysia|date=|accessdate=6 April 2017}} By November 2016, the company began to restructure its printing operations and gave more priority to digital initiatives.{{cite web|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/node/218163|title=Media Prima susun semula operasi percetakan, fokus inisiatif digital|author=Ahmad Fiesal Othman|publisher=Berita Harian|date=29 November 2016|accessdate=20 April 2017}} Its podcast platform, Ais Kacang was launched on 1 April 2017.{{cite news|url=https://amanz.my/2017132550/|title=Media Prima Bakal Melancarkan Platform Podcast Dinamakan “Ais Kacang”|publisher=Amanz.my|date=13 March 2017|accessdate=19 December 2017}} The podcast then rebranded as Audio+ 4 years later, in 2021.

In May 2017, Media Prima announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire new media startup Rev Asia for RM105 million, or about $24.2 million. The agreement will see Rev Asia being integrated into the company's platform to create the nation's largest digital media entity.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/08/media-prima-buys-rev-asia-for-24m/|title=Media Prima buys Rev Asia for $24M to create Malaysia's largest digital media platform|author=Jon Russell|publisher=TechCrunch|date=9 May 2017|accessdate=10 May 2017}} The company inked a collaboration with Singaporean game developer, Garena in December 2017 to promote eSports in Malaysia, in which Media Prima aimed to "deliver news from events and tournaments as well as game-related updates through its TV networks as well as social media channels".{{cite news|url=https://www.lowyat.net/2017/147097/garena-media-prima-esports/|title=Garena and Media Prima Announce Collaboration To Boost eSports In Malaysia|author=Chef Chapree|publisher=Lowyat.net|date=6 November 2017|accessdate=19 December 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/garena-media-prima-partner-grow-e-sports-industry|title=Garena, Media Prima partner to grow e-sports industry|publisher=Digital News Asia|date=9 November 2017|accessdate=19 December 2017}}

In June 2018, Media Prima through its subsidiary, Rev Asia Holdings announced that it had acquired a 52% equity stake in Vocket Media Sdn Bhd worth RM2.6 million. The acquisition also simultaneously makes Vocket another new subsidiary of Media Prima.{{cite web|url=https://kapital.my/2018/06/thevocket-com-kini-milik-media-prima/|title=TheVocket.com Kini Milik Media Prima|author=|publisher=Kapital|date=13 Jun 2018|accessdate=13 Jun 2018|archive-date=2019-04-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430083708/https://kapital.my/2018/06/thevocket-com-kini-milik-media-prima/|url-status=dead}}

Two months later, the company has entered a partnership with YouTube through its "Players for Publishers" service to strengthen its position in the digital media industry in Malaysia. Through the partnership, high-quality video content produced by Media Prima including from television networks, radio, the NSTP and Media Prima Digital will be available on the platform.{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2018/08/399075/media-prima-partners-youtube-enhance-its-digital-media-platform|title=Media Prima partners with YouTube to enhance its digital media platforms|author=Hazwan Faisal Mohamad|work=New Straits Times|date=7 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}}

By August 2018, Media Prima has reportedly sold the New Straits Times Press' Balai Berita site in Bangsar and the land where its printing factory is located in Shah Alam to PNB Development Sdn Bhd for RM280 million. This is the second major asset disposed by the company after selling a 21.36% stake to Malaysian Newsprint Industries (MNI; now Asia Honour Paper Industries) for a cash consideration of RM45.4 million on 2 May.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/08/31/media-prima-sells-bangsar-shah-alam-properties/|title=Media Prima sells Bangsar, Shah Alam properties|work=The Star Online|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}} The company will move its operations from Sri Pentas in Bandar Utama, which has been operated since the 1990s. One of the premises the group is considering moving to is at Saujana Resort, Seksyen U2, Shah Alam, which is owned by Pelaburan Hartanah Bhd.{{cite news|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/media-prima-said-be-moving-out-sri-pentas|title=Media Prima said to be moving out of Sri Pentas|author=Esther Lee|work=The Edge Markets|date=6 August 2019|accessdate=23 September 2019}} In September, the company received sponsorship from the Perak State Government to provide coverage for the 2018 Malaysia Games (SUKMA 2018).{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/sukan/lain-lain/2018/09/470842/sukma-perak-serah-sumbangan-kepada-media-prima|title=SUKMA: Perak serah sumbangan kepada Media Prima|author=Nor Afzan Mohamad Yusof|publisher=Berita Harian|date=7 September 2018|accessdate=18 May 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/09/409183/mpb-receives-sukma-coverage-sponsorship-perak-govt-nsttv|title=MPB receives Sukma coverage sponsorship from Perak gov't|author=Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi|publisher=New Straits Times|date=7 September 2018|accessdate=18 May 2019}}

Media Prima signs an MoU with Dailymotion on 22 October 2018 to expand digital reach and improving contents for Malaysian audiences.{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2018/10/424054/media-prima-signs-mou-collaboration-dailymotion|title=Media Prima signs MoU on collaboration with Dailymotion|author=Esther Landau|work=New Straits Times|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=1 September 2018}} The company alongside Astro and DiGi Telecommunications collaborated to launch a digital learning hub, known as JomStudi in January 2019. The initiative, which supported by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), provides quality educational resources in a single platform which accessible to students.{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/astro-digi-media-prima-collaborate-introduce-jomstudi|title=Astro, Digi, Media Prima collaborate to introduce JomStudi|publisher=Digital News Asia|date=7 December 2018|accessdate=4 June 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://gempak.com/rojakdaily/news/jom-studi-pembelajaran-digital-terbaru-astro-digi-dan-media-prima-65631|title=Jom Studi! Pembelajaran Digital Terbaru Astro, Digi Dan Media Prima|author=Hanafis Haris|work=Rojak Daily|publisher=Astro Gempak|date=4 December 2018|accessdate=4 June 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/pendidikan/2018/12/505516/jomstudi-hab-pembelajaran-digital|title=JomStudi hab pembelajaran digital|author=Mohd Khairul Anam Md Khairudin|publisher=Berita Harian|date=5 December 2018|accessdate=4 June 2019}}

On 9 April 2019, Media Prima partnered with Grabyo to enhance its social video strategy and increase its dominance in the Malaysian digital content market.{{cite news|url=https://about.grabyo.com/media-prima-partners-with-grabyo-to-engage-mobile-digital-and-social-audiences/|title=

Media Prima partners with Grabyo to engage mobile, digital and social audiences|publisher=Grabyo|date=10 April 2019|accessdate=20 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://advanced-television.com/2019/04/10/media-prima-partners-with-grabyo/|title=Media Prima partners with Grabyo|work=Advanced Television|date=10 April 2019|accessdate=20 April 2019}} Few days later, Media Prima entered a digital partnership with iflix for free catch-up TV, shortly after the latter signed a similar partnership with JTBC Content Hub, the content distribution arm of South Korean media company JTBC. As part of the partnership, the company will make more than 1,000 hours of content from its library through exclusive Tonton-branded channels on the platform to increase Malaysia's local content offering.{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/media-prima-ties-up-with-iflix-for-dedicated-tonton-branded-channel/|title=Media Prima ties up with iFlix for dedicated tonton branded channel|author=Janice Tan|work=Marketing Interactive|date=25 April 2019|accessdate=2 May 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://worldscreen.com/tvasia/iflix-partners-with-media-prima-for-local-content/|title=Iflix partners with Media Prima for local content|author=Mansha Daswani|work=Worldscreen|date=24 April 2019|accessdate=2 May 2019}}

In April 2020, Media Prima consolidated its advertising functions in different business segments into a new subsidiary called Media Prima Omnia. On November 1, 2020, Media Prima acquired the remaining 49% stake in CJ Wow Shop from CJ Group and renamed it as Wow Shop. The acquisition is part of its plan to capitalize on the strong prospects of the home shopping and e-commerce industry.{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2020/09/621161/media-prima-buys-remaining-stake-cj-wow-shop|title=Media Prima buys remaining stake in CJ Wow Shop

|agency=New Straits Times|date=1 September 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/media-primas-cj-wow-shop-undergoes-brand-refresh-unveils-online-avatar|title=Media Prima's CJ Wow Shop undergoes brand refresh, unveils online avatar|agency=Marketing Interactive|author=Janice Tan|date=30 October 2020}}

In July 2021, the company reacquired its Bangsar headquarters, the Balai Berita from PNB Development in a RM156.4 million deal.{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/analysts-mixed-media-primas-plan-repurchase-balai-berita|title=Analysts mixed on Media Prima's plan to repurchase Balai Berita|author=Esther Lee|publisher=The Edge Malaysia|date=20 July 2021|accessdate=28 February 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/bisnes/2021/07/725535/media-prima-mula-proses-pembelian-balai-berita-bangsar|title=Media Prima mula proses pembelian Balai Berita Bangsar|publisher=Harian Metro|date=2 July 2021|accessdate=28 February 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-bisnes/media-prima-akan-beli-balai-berita-bangsar-pada-rm156-4-juta-306363|title=Media Prima akan beli Balai Berita Bangsar pada RM156.4 juta|publisher=Astro Awani|date=3 July 2021|accessdate=28 February 2022}} Media Prima collaborated with Celcom Axiata and South Korean telecom company, LG Uplus Corp in October 2021 to exploring the potential 5G content and services cutting across VR and AR for Malaysian market.{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/celcom-media-prima-and-lg-uplus-partner-for-5g-content-across-vr-and-ar|title=Celcom, Media Prima and LG Uplus partner for 5G content across VR and AR|publisher=Marketing Interactive|date=20 October 2021|accessdate=16 April 2022}}

The company, through its content production and commercial arm, Primeworks Studios, partnered with South Korean broadcasting company, Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) to produce the Malaysian version of the Korean reality show, Master in the House. The program premiered on TV3 on 15 January 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/media-prima-partners-korean-broadcaster-sbs-to-produce-reality-tv-show|title=Media Prima partners Korean broadcaster SBS to produce reality TV show|publisher=Marketing Interactive|date=14 January 2022|accessdate=16 April 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Chua|first=Dennis|date=2022-01-04|title=#Showbiz: Siti, Yusof Haslam among 7 Masters In The House Malaysia {{!}} New Straits Times|url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2022/01/760279/showbiz-siti-yusof-haslam-among-7-masters-house-malaysia|access-date=2022-01-05|website=NST Online|language=en|archive-date=2022-01-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104124616/https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2022/01/760279/showbiz-siti-yusof-haslam-among-7-masters-house-malaysia|url-status=live}} The company entered a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in August 2022 in their effort to broadening an anti-corruption program.{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2022/08/983001/sprm-media-prima-sedia-jalin-kerjasama-strategik|title=SPRM, Media Prima sedia jalin kerjasama strategik|author=Ilah Hafiz Aziz|publisher=Berita Harian|date=1 August 2022|accessdate=20 February 2023}}

In November, Media Prima began collaborating with Chinese television network Hunan Broadcasting System to co-produce programmes as well as broadcast the latter's produced content.{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/media-prima-collaborates-chinabased-television-network-coproduce-programmes|title=Media Prima collaborates with China-based television network to co-produce programmes|author=Izzul Ikram|publisher=The Edge Malaysia|date=2 November 2022|accessdate=28 February 2022}}

In June 2023, the company become an official media partner for Visit Melaka Year 2024 campaign.{{cite news|url=https://api.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/921924/media-prima-bhd-official-media-visit-melaka-year-2024|title=Media Prima Bhd is official media for Visit Melaka Year 2024|author=Amir Mamat|publisher=New Straits Times|date=19 June 2023|accessdate=14 May 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/07/1122372/media-prima-sedia-jadi-rakan-media-tahun-melawat-melaka-2024|title=Media Prima sedia jadi rakan media Tahun Melawat Melaka 2024|publisher=Berita Harian|date=4 July 2023|accessdate=14 May 2024}}

The company was named as a strategic media partner for the Malaysia-China Macro Entrepreneur Health Forum and the Asian Celebrity Charity Gala Night 2023 (MCEH 2023) which took place on 25 and 26 November 2023 at The Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.{{cite news|url=https://api.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/965671/media-prima-joins-malaysia-china-health-forum-strategic-media-partner|title=Media Prima joins Malaysia-China health forum as strategic media partner|author=Imelda Priveta|publisher=New Straits Times|date=11 October 2023|accessdate=14 May 2024}}

The company planned to utilize the artificial intelligence (AI) technology for all of its operations by the year-end.{{cite news|url=https://www.buletintv3.my/nasional/media-prima-sasar-guna-ai-menjelang-akhir-tahun-ini-rafiq-razali/|title=Media Prima sasar guna AI menjelang akhir tahun ini – Rafiq Razali|publisher=Buletin TV3|date=1 October 2024|accessdate=2 October 2024}} Media Prima announced on 15 October 2024 that the news operations of all of its television networks will began broadcast at the company's Balai Berita in Jalan Riong, Bangsar starting 21 October after more than two decades operated at Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama.{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2024/10/1310757/operasi-berita-rangkaian-media-prima-bersiaran-dari-balai-berita|title=Operasi berita rangkaian Media Prima bersiaran dari Balai Berita mulai 21 Oktober|author=Farah Marshita Abdul Patah|publisher=Berita Harian|date=14 October 2024|accessdate=16 October 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/bisnes/2024/10/1144262/semua-rangkaian-televisyen-media-prima-bersiaran-sepenuhnya-di-balai-berita|title=Semua rangkaian televisyen Media Prima bersiaran sepenuhnya di Balai Berita NSTP, Bangsar, 21 Oktober ini|author=Hafiz Ithnin|publisher=Harian Metro|date=14 October 2024|accessdate=16 October 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1119690/media-prima-tv-networks-broadcast-balai-berita-starting-oct-21|title=Media Prima TV networks to broadcast from Balai Berita starting Oct 21|author=Amisha Syahira|publisher=New Straits Times|date=14 October 2024|accessdate=16 October 2024}}

In January 2025, Media Prima through its Television Networks subsidiary launched a new version of Azan the Islamic call to prayer, which was enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI). The updated call to prayer was aired for the first time during the Zohor prayers on 15 January, with Sheikh Abdul Karim Umar Al Makki reciting it.{{cite news|url=https://api.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/1161533/mptn-launches-updated-azan-rendition-incorporating-ai-technology|title=MPTN launches updated Azan rendition incorporating AI technology|publisher=New Straits Times|date=15 January 2025|accessdate=20 January 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://api.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2025/01/1161625/showbiz-media-prima-launches-ai-enhanced-call-prayer|title=#SHOWBIZ: Media Prima launches AI-enhanced call to prayer|publisher=New Straits Times|date=16 January 2025|accessdate=20 January 2025}}

The company announced that its Sri Pentas headquarters, that serves as an operational centre for its TV and radio operations, has officially closed on 25 February 2025, marking the end of the 3 decade run of the latter's broadcasting operations following the completion of the final relocation phase all of its staffs from Sri Pentas to Balai Berita, on 17 February.{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2025/02/1365721/selepas-lebih-3-dekad-beroperasi-sri-pentas-kini-ditutup-sepenuhnya|title=Selepas lebih 3 dekad beroperasi, Sri Pentas kini ditutup sepenuhnya|publisher=Berita Harian|date=25 February 2025|accessdate=27 February 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2025/02/1190919/selepas-3-dekad-sri-pentas-ditutup-sepenuhnya-di-bandar-utama|title=Selepas 3 dekad, Sri Pentas ditutup sepenuhnya di Bandar Utama|author=Nurul Hidayah Bahaudin|publisher=Harian Metro|date=25 February 2025|accessdate=27 February 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/1180375/end-era-media-prima-moves-out-sri-pentas|title=End of an era as Media Prima moves out of Sri Pentas|author=Nurul Hidayah Bahaudin|publisher=New Straits Times|date=25 February 2025|accessdate=27 February 2025}} On March 12, all of the company's TV networks logo were removed from Sri Pentas building.{{cite news|url=https://www.buletintv3.my/nasional/semua-logo-rangkaian-televisyen-mpb-di-sri-pentas-diturunkan/|title=Semua logo rangkaian televisyen MPB di Sri Pentas diturunkan|publisher=Buletin TV3|date=12 March 2025|accessdate=3 April 2025}}

Institutional ownership

As of July 2019, tycoon Syed Mokhtar Albukhary through his company, Aurora Mulia owns 24% of equity stake in Media Prima,{{cite news|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/now-he-has-24-stake-what-would-syed-mokhtar-do-media-prima|title=Now that he has a 24% stake, what would Syed Mokhtar do with Media Prima?|author=|work=The Edge Markets|date=6 July 2019|accessdate=15 July 2019}} which makes him the third largest controlling shareholder of the company. Malaysian political party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), previously holds 11.09% of its interest in the company before divested its shares to Syed Mokhtar.{{cite news|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/07/04/aurora-mulia-buys-umnos-11-stake-in-media-prima/|title=Aurora Mulia buys Umno's 11% stake in Media Prima|publisher=The Malaysian Reserve|date=4 July 2019|accessdate=24 February 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/umno-sells-1109-media-prima-stake-syed-mokhtar|title=UMNO sells 11.09% Media Prima stake to Syed Mokhtar|author=|work=The Edge Markets|date=3 July 2019|accessdate=15 July 2019}} Aurora Mulia acquired more 7.9% stake in Media Prima and raised its stake in the company to 31.22% in September 2019.{{cite news|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/09/24/aurora-mulia-ups-its-stake-in-media-prima-to-31-22/|title=Aurora Mulia ups its stake in Media Prima to 31.22%|author=Shazni Ong|publisher=The Malaysian Reserve|date=24 September 2019|accessdate=24 February 2020}}

In 2021, former second Finance Minister, Johari Abdul Ghani through his own investment company, JAG Capital Holdings became the second largest shareholder of the company after acquiring 109.7 million shares, followed by another 54.37 in March.{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/former-finance-minister-ii-johari-ups-stake-media-prima-share-price-tumbles|title=Former finance minister II Johari emerges as substantial shareholder in Media Prima as share price tumbles|author=Sulhi Khalid|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=9 March 2021|accessdate=24 February 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/exminister-johari-now-second-largest-shareholder-media-prima-after-syed-mokhtar|title=Ex-minister Johari now the second largest shareholder of Media Prima after Syed Mokhtar|author=Sulhi Khalid|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=23 March 2021|accessdate=24 February 2022}}

Apart from Aurora Mulia and JAG Capital Holdings, Media Prima's ownership also consisted of several other shareholders, including Morgan Stanley & Co. Int. and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.{{cite news|url=https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/media-prima-sees-11-stake-crossed-offmarket|title=Media Prima sees 11% stake crossed off-market|author=Wong Ee Lin|publisher=The Edge Markets|date=3 July 2019|accessdate=24 February 2020}}

Assets and subsidiaries

{{main|List of assets owned by Media Prima}}

Media Prima owns major of media and entertainment companies in Malaysia, and has a multiple services and products such as television and radio broadcast, content production, program and film distributor, television production, film production, advertising, print publication, new media and digital platforms and music label and recording.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaprima.com.my/who-we-are.html|title=Who We Are|publisher=Media Prima|accessdate=22 July 2022}} Under its TV broadcasting subsidiary, Media Prima TV Networks, the company operates four terrestrial TV networks – TV3, ntv7, 8TV, TV9, an educational TV channel, DidikTV and a home shopping channel, Wow Shop (formerly CJ Wow Shop){{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/bisnes/lain-lain/2019/02/531122/rangkaian-televisyen-media-prima-rekod-peningkatan-penonton|title=Rangkaian Televisyen Media Prima rekod peningkatan penonton|publisher=Berita Harian|date=15 February 2019|accessdate=22 July 2019}} as well as five radio stations under its radio broadcasting subsidiary, Media Prima Audio (formerly Media Prima Radio Networks and later Ripple) – Kool 101 (formerly Kool FM and later Buletin FM), Fly FM, Eight FM (formerly One FM and later 8FM), Hot FM and Molek FM as well as a podcast platform Audio+ (formerly Ais Kacang).{{cite news|url=https://api.hmetro.com.my/rap/2021/08/737674/ripple-kini-dikenali-media-prima-audio|title=RIPPLE kini dikenali Media Prima Audio|author=Georgie Joseph|publisher=Harian Metro|date=2 August 2021|accessdate=9 August 2021}}

Other companies that operate under the Media Prima group are print publishing subsidiary the New Straits Times Press–in which the company owns more than 98% of equity interests–which owns three major print and online news brands the New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro and their respective weekend editions as well as online newspaper archive KLiK (formerly NSTP e-Media and later News & Image Bank or NIB). It also owned printing subsidiary Print Towers, tertiary education reference website Mind Campus and learning portal FullAMark; commercial subsidiary, Primeworks Studios that provides content output in diverse categories covering television, cinema, and digital platforms;{{cite news|title=Media Prima unit to liven up content|author=Jeeva Arulampalam|publisher=Business Times|date=2008-09-12|url=http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Saturday/Nation/jpworks.xml/Article/index_html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918035803/http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Saturday/Nation/jpworks.xml/Article/index_html|accessdate=2008-09-21|archive-date=2008-09-18}} new media subsidiary Catcha Digital (formerly Alt Media and later Media Prima Digital, then REV Media Group) which owns the Tonton streaming service and multiple online portals such as Oh Bulan!, MyResipi, Vocket, Mashable SEA and TechNave; integrated solution provider Media Prima Omnia (or simply Omnia) which offers creative services and integrated marketing solutions across all the company's platforms.{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2020/09/624160/media-prima-omnia-offers-ad-packages-smes|title=Media Prima Omnia offers ad packages to SMEs|author=Ahmad Suhael Adnan|publisher=New Straits Times|date=13 September 2020|accessdate=22 July 2021}} The company also owns out-of-home advertising business under its advertising arms, which consists of Big Tree, The Right Channel, Kurnia Outdoor, Gotcha, UPD, and Big Tree Seni Jaya, as well as an art gallery, Galeri Prima (formerly NSTP Art Gallery).{{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/08/167161/expressions-colour|title=Expressions of colour|author=Aneeta Sundararaj|publisher=New Straits Times|date=21 August 2016|accessdate=28 September 2021}}

The company's former assets including book and magazine publishing company, Berita Publishing (which was part of the NSTP until 2000 when it was sold to Alaf Positif),{{cite news|url=https://www.klik.com.my/item/story/1578827/berita-publishing-changes-hands|title=Berita Publishing changes hands|publisher=New Straits Times|date=5 July 2000|accessdate=12 July 2020}} education arm Malaysia Institute of Integrative Media (MIIM; formerly Akademi TV3; sold to SAL Group of Colleges in 2003),{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2003/06/08/sal-takes-over-miim|title=SAL takes over MIIM|work=The Star Online|date=8 June 2003|access-date=5 August 2016}} English newspaper the Malay Mail (which was sold to Redberry Media Group in 2012),{{cite news|url=https://www.campaignasia.com/article/the-malay-mail-should-establish-a-clear-and-sharp-focus-industry-players/280388|title=The Malay Mail should establish a clear and sharp focus: industry players|author=Racheal Lee|publisher=Campaign Asia|date=17 November 2011|accessdate=19 March 2021}} pay-television service Mega TV and Ghanaian free-to-air TV network, TV3 Ghana, which all of these were operated long before Media Prima was established.

Leadership

=Board of directors=

  • Group Chairman
  • Datuk Seri (Dr.) Syed Hussain Aljunid
  • Group Managing Director
  • Rafiq Razali
  • Independent Non-Executive Director
  • Abdullah Abu Samah
  • Dato' Sivananthan Shanmugam
  • Datuk Phang Ah Tong
  • Datuk Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen

=Senior management team=

  • Group Managing Director
  • Rafiq Razali
  • Group Chief Financial Officer
  • Rosli Sabarudin
  • Chief Executive Officer (Media Prima Television Networks & Primeworks Studios)
  • Nini Yusof
  • Chief Executive Officer (REV Media Group)
  • Samuel Wee
  • Chief Executive Officer (Media Prima Audio)
  • Nazri Noran
  • Chief Operating Officer (Big Tree and Media Prima OMNiA, Agency Solutions)
  • Stephanie Wong Pui Tse
  • Chief Operating Officer (Media Prima OMNiA, Direct Solutions)
  • Datuk Mohd Efendi Bin Omar
  • Group Chief Marketing Officer MPB, Chief Operating Officer, TV3 & Tonton MPTN
  • Amir Rasyidi Bin Johari
  • Group Managing Editor, Media Prima News & Current Affairs Division
  • Jasbant Singh

Incidents

=2018 bomb threat=

On 28 August 2018, Media Prima's Sri Pentas headquarters was forced to evacuate following a false bomb threat. The police gave an order to evacuate the company's office at 10.30 pm. About 200 Media Prima employees were evacuated from the building. They were allowed to re-enter the building after two hours of inspection. The police did not find anything suspicious.{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/440793|title=Bangunan Media Prima dikosongkan susulan ancaman bom|author=Alya Alhadri|work=Malaysiakini|date=29 August 2019|access-date=1 September 2018}}

Following the cancellation of Nightline, TV3 aired the announcement about the incident. The Royal Malaysia Police's bomb detector unit arrived at 11.40 pm to handle the case. The Fire and Rescue Department received the phone call from the police at 11.19 pm following the incident. The case was investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code, and the police found it was a false bomb threat.{{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/kes/2018/08/467241/ancaman-bom-di-sri-pentas-palsu|title=Ancaman bom di Sri Pentas palsu|author=Fazrik Kamaruddin|work=Berita Harian|date=29 August 2018|access-date=1 September 2018}} Two men were arrested in Temerloh, Pahang on 29 August 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2018/08/372606/update-pemanggil-ancaman-bom-palsu-ditahan|title=Pemanggil ancaman bom palsu ditahan|author=Fazrik Kamaruddin|work=Harian Metro|date=29 August 2018|access-date=1 September 2018}}

=Ransomware attack=

On 8 November 2018, Media Prima's computer system was locked and hacked by cyber criminals who demanded millions of ringgit for ransom. The attackers are said to be demanding 1,000 bitcoins to give up access to the computer system. It is not immediately known whether the company's data has been breached, and whether the media group will suffer financial losses as a result of the ransomware attack. Media Prima has decided not to pay the ransom.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/11/13/media-prima-hit-by-ransomware-hackers-demand-rm26mil-in-bitcoins-says-report/|title=Media Prima hit by ransomware, hackers demand RM26mil in bitcoins, says report|author=Razak Ahmad|work=The Star Online|date=13 November 2018|accessdate=1 December 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/media-prima-hit-ransomware-attack-%E2%80%94-sources|title=Media Prima hit by ransomware attack — sources|author=Liew Jia Teng|work=The Edge Markets|date=13 November 2018|accessdate=1 December 2018}}

Awards and accolades

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Year

! Award-giving body

! Category

! Result

! {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}}

2016

| Minister of Human Resources Awards

| {{n/a}}

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://api.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2016/12/187694/media-prima-terima-anugerah-menteri-sumber-manusia-2016|title=Media Prima terima Anugerah Menteri Sumber Manusia 2016|publisher=Harian Metro|date=8 December 2016|accessdate=29 February 2020}}

2017

| Marketing Excellence Awards

| {{n/a}}

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/10/296103/media-prima-bags-12-major-awards-marketing-excellence-awards-2017|title=Media Prima bags 12 major awards at Marketing Excellence Awards 2017|author=Seri Nor Nadiah Koris|work=New Straits Times|date=28 October 2017|accessdate=2 May 2018}}

rowspan="4" | 2018

| rowspan="2" | The Spark Awards

| Media Company of the Year

| {{won}}

| rowspan="2" | {{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2018/08/369200/media-prima-raih-17-anugerah-spark-awards|title=Media Prima raih 17 anugerah The Spark Awards|author=Mohd Iskandar Ibrahim|work=Harian Metro|date=18 August 2018|accessdate=1 December 2018}}

Media Brand of the Year

| {{won}}

Marketing Council Awards

| {{n/a}}

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2018/10/383761/mpb-raih-tiga-perak-satu-gangsa|title=MPB raih tiga perak, satu gangsa|author=Ahmad Suhael Adnan|work=Harian Metro|date=5 October 2018|accessdate=1 December 2018}}

Australasian Reporting Awards

| Golden Award

| {{won|place=Gold}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/bisnes/2018/06/351749/media-prima-mrcb-raih-anugerah-emas|title=Media Prima, MRCB raih Anugerah Emas|publisher=Harian Metro|date=25 June 2018|accessdate=4 March 2019}}

2019

| Malaysian Digital Association Awards

| Digital Publisher of the Year

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/478748/media-prima-bags-digital-publisher-year-2019|title=Media Prima bags Digital Publisher of The Year 2019|author=Mohd Noor Aswad|work=New Straits Times|date=12 April 2019|accessdate=2 May 2019}}

2020

| Australasian Reporting Awards

| {{n/a}}

| {{won|place=Gold}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/bisnes/2022/11/900831/media-prima-raih-pengiktirafan-cemerlang-untuk-tadbir-urus-korporat|title=Media Prima raih pengiktirafan cemerlang untuk tadbir urus korporat|publisher=Harian Metro|date=7 November 2022|accessdate=28 July 2023}}

2021

| MSWG-ASEAN Corporate Governance Awards

| Industrial Excellence Award for Corporate Governance Exposure

| {{won}}

|

rowspan="2" | 2022

| The Edge ESG Awards

| Silver Award for Telecommunications and Media Company

| {{won|place=Silver}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/bisnes/2022/11/909905/media-prima-terima-anugerah-esg|title=Media Prima terima anugerah ESG|publisher=Harian Metro|date=30 November 2022|accessdate=28 July 2023}}

Huawei Developers' Day 2022

| Best Digital Media

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/bisnes/korporat/2022/11/1026764/media-prima-raih-anugerah-media-digital-terbaik-huawei|title=Media Prima raih Anugerah Media Digital Terbaik Huawei|author=Batrisyia Fazi|publisher=Berita Harian|date=16 November 2022|accessdate=4 June 2023}}

rowspan="4" | 2023

| Sustainability and CSR Malaysia Awards

| Company of the Year

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/07/935456/media-prima-recognised-company-year-sustainability-and-csr-malaysia|title=Media Prima recognised as 'Company of the Year' at Sustainability and CSR Malaysia Awards|publisher=New Straits Times|date=27 July 2023|accessdate=28 July 2023}}

Kinabalu Press Awards

| {{n/a}}

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/972449/media-prima-wins-three-main-six-merit-prizes-2023-kinabalu-press-awards|title=Media Prima wins three main, six merit prizes at 2023 Kinabalu Press Awards|author=Olivia Miwil|publisher=New Straits Times|date=29 October 2023|accessdate=28 February 2024}}

Kelantan Press Awards

| {{n/a}}

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/960206/media-prima-bhd-bags-12-awards-kelantan-media-awards-2023|title=Media Prima Bhd bags 12 awards at Kelantan Media Awards 2023|author=Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah|publisher=New Straits Times|date=27 September 2023|accessdate=28 February 2024}}

MACC Media Awards

| {{n/a}}

| {{won}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.buletintv3.my/nasional/media-prima-bolot-hadiah-utama-anugerah-media-sprm-2022/|title=Media Prima bolot hadiah utama Anugerah Media SPRM 2022|author=Wan Zairul Azri Wan Mohammad Sudin|publisher=Berita TV3|date=20 September 2023|accessdate=28 February 2024}}

See also

Notes

{{notelist}}

References

{{reflist}}

External links

{{commons category}}

  • {{official website|www.mediaprima.com.my}}

{{Media Prima}}

{{Smart Alliance}}

Category:Mass media companies of Malaysia

Category:Mass media companies established in 2000

Category:2000 establishments in Malaysia

Category:Conglomerate companies of Malaysia

Category:Companies listed on Bursa Malaysia

Category:Television companies of Malaysia

Category:Newspaper companies of Malaysia

Category:Radio stations in Malaysia

Category:Outdoor advertising agencies

Category:Online publishing companies

Category:Film production companies of Malaysia

Category:Digital media organizations

Category:Malaysian companies established in 2000

Category:Companies based in Petaling Jaya

Category:Companies based in Kuala Lumpur