No more boring analogue, M’sia is going digital on its broadcasting route

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said today that the government would switch from analogue to digital broadcasting in the second quarter of 2019.

“The Malaysian government is in the process of migrating from analogue to digital (broadcasting). I hope we can make an announcement in April or by the end of the year that we will switch to the digital era.

“The transition will upgrade the quality of the broadcasting service provided to the people and we can establish the OTT (Over-the-Top) system, meaning consumers can watch their favourite programmes at any time, not having to wait for the broadcast times,” he told reporters after opening the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Digital Broadcasting Symposium 2019 here.

Gobind said that the upgrades would be done in phases and finalized soon.

“There is a possibility it will have to be done in phases. I feel that we should do it without any delay. Efforts must be made to ensure that we launch (the digital broadcasting) and I hope we can decide on moving forward,” he said.

Gobind said that these solutions were much needed in order for media organisations to stay relevant and compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

“If we do not develop our own digital solutions and engage with our audiences, someone else is going to take our place. That is why fellow broadcasters from the region need to make use of such events and forums to learn from the experts and work together to achieve these goals and not be left behind.

“The ABU has always been supportive of such endeavours from its members and the industry, and I believe they will continue to support them in future,” he added.

He was speaking at a four-day symposium, which started yesterday, with 48 exhibitors, including Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Media Prima Berhad.

The event features an international conference, focused workshops and an industry exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and services from around the world.

After 20 years of evolving technology, shifting market trends, and adapting to changing consumer behaviour, the media landscape has nearly reached saturation.

We’ve optimised to the fullest, providing advertisers with abundant choices across technology, platforms, data-driven marketing, CTV, OTT, DOOH, influencer marketing, retail, etc.

Media specialists have diversified, but with more options comes the challenge of maintaining income growth. The industry is expanding, but revenue isn’t keeping pace.

Now, we’re at a TURNING POINT: time to explore and harness new sustainable revenue streams. While GroupM forecasts a 7.8% global ad revenue growth in 2024, challenges like antitrust regulation, AI and copyright issues, and platform bans persist.  

Collaboration is key: partnerships that thrive on synergy, shared values, and aligned goals are becoming increasingly essential.

Hence, the Malaysian Media Conference, in its 20th year, has assembled the partners and players under one roof on October 25 for a day of learning, sharing, and exploring.

 

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