RTM has place in heart of nation

I REFER to the report “Gobind wants RTM to be the people’s first choice” (The Star, April 2).

As someone who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, I concur with the view expressed by Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo (pic) that Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) is an institution that must be maintained and that it should remain relevant for Malaysians. Over the years, and particularly since our independence in 1957, RTM has played an important role in informing, educating and entertaining the Malaysian public. As with state broadcasters the world over, it faces a host of challenges in this digital and social media age, including competition from international networks. The minister’s pledge that he would continue to assist RTM to remain relevant is certainly laudable.

It is indeed refreshing to see that the state broadcaster has, in recent months, taken steps to upgrade the quality of its television and radio programmes. These included improving the content and format of its news and current affairs offerings as well as those related to culture and entertainment.

I fondly recall that in the 1960s and 1970s, the then Radio Malaysia not only aired various news programmes and important national events but also provided the Malaysian public with a host of musical offerings showcasing the works of local and foreign artistes. It had also, through its Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil networks, produced quality drama and comedy programmes.

Prior to the launch of Televisyen Malaysia in December 1963, Malaysians had to tune in to Radio Malaysia in order to follow broadcasts of sporting events such as the Thomas Cup, Merdeka Soccer Tournament and Malaya Cup. This was the situation till the early 1970s, as live television broadcasts of such events were a rarity then.

RTM has also, over the years, become an important cultural institution. In terms of cultural development, it played a big role in nurturing various local musical and artistic talents. It also established the renowned “Orkestra RTM”, which made its debut in 1961. At that time, it was called “Orkes Radio Malaya”.

RTM also has an extensive collection of works of various musical genres by local musicians and artistes. I am fairly confident that in spite of the challenges, RTM, being a free-to-air network and accessible throughout the country, will continue to remain an important institution for Malaysians in the years ahead.