Saifuddin launches new TV channel Saluran Berita RTM

Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) yesterday launched a new channel, the “Saluran Berita RTM”, an additional medium for the government in its fight against fake news and to disseminate accurate information.

The new channel, launched by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah at a ceremony in Angkasapuri here, is accessible via myFreeview Digital TV on channel 123.

"With the introduction of the new channel, it shows that RTM is taking another step forward and I am confident that RTM as a whole will be able to make a bigger contribution especially in delivering information to the people," he told a press conference after the launching ceremony.

According to a press release issued to the media, the channel with a theme 'Yang Sahih di Berita RTM' focuses on news and news programmes and operates 24 hours a day covering a wide range of languages, namely Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil.

The new channel offers 25 daily news slots, 12 talk shows a week, five-day business news and two magazine programmes a week.

In addition, it also features the “Pastikan Sahih” programme which airs at 6.30 pm, from Monday to Friday, dedicated to countering viral fake news.

The programme also aims at disseminating correct and accurate information to the public regarding slanderous statements and fake news, which quickly spreading through the social media.

The channel allows viewers to watch multi-language radio news broadcasts as well as live broadcasts from RTM radio stations nationwide which also discuss specific issues related to the states.

"These slots indirectly provide state and local community leaders the opportunity to participate in live broadcast in their respective states," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said the media needed to take a new approach in countering fake news by flooding the available space with the accurate ones.

“The best way to fight fake news is to flood with good news. I am confident that through this effort the public can distinguish between true and false news," he added.

-- BERNAMA