TOWARDS A PUBLIC SERVICE MEDIA

WE at the Centre for the Study of Communications and Culture are concerned about the recent “revelations” by Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

We have no objection to eliminating the Anti-Fake News Act (2018). We also welcome studies on other laws, such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act (1984/87) and the Communications and Multimedia Act.

While liberating legal frameworks are important, we need to understand that media, in this case, public media, produces unique products. Some are economic products, like canned sardines, to be sold to the public. Others are cultural products, which contain meanings, ideas and ideologies that are pivotal in defining social consciousness in this digital world.

In a closed society, where we derive meanings and ideas from a restricted number of sources, the media — old, new, mainstream, alternative or social — plays a key role.

Making the media answerable to and be in service of the people require a view beyond a legalistic framework to understand this cultural nature of the media and a grasp of what “public service” entails.

Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), which commenced in 1963, must take on the role of public service media.

Malaysians need a variety of original content, not more pale copies of Korean soap operas or the latest entertainment craze. And, coming up with that variety, and originality, is the role of public service broadcasting; a role that RTM must continue to play.

Developing public service ethos or culture in RTM should top the minister’s concerns. The reformation of RTM needs to go beyond the attractiveness of its content.

There is a significant difference between a state and public service media; the state media has no place in a democratic society. Hence, a comprehensive review of RTM’s structure, governance and funding must be done.

Public service broadcasting requires independence and autonomy from the state and other bodies. It requires public funding with no strings attached.

Hence, governance would be in the hands of, say, a board of governors made up of prominent citizens and professionals not representing any political party.

What is important for public service media is to ensure that governing bodies are professionally selected by parliamentary committees or preferably by industry players and civil society.

As a reformed public service media, RTM should start developing documentaries that address social concerns and current affairs.

It must also appreciate the multicultural, multireligious and multiethnic Malaysian society. Minority groups must not be marginalised.

It will take time and political will. But the changes need to start now, guided by the principles to serve the people. Centre for the Study of Communications and Culture, University of Nottingham Malaysia