KUALA LUMPUR — Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) will end the transmission of its television channels on Astro’s platform from July 1, marking the close of a partnership that lasted nearly 30 years.
In a circular dated May 11, RTM said the decision came after both parties struggled to “reach a pricing agreement and contract that meet the needs and financial capabilities of both parties.”
“After many years of cooperation and continuous negotiations regarding the costs and rental rates for these services, it has become difficult at this time to reach a pricing agreement and contract that meet the needs and financial capabilities of both parties,” the circular said.
The broadcaster added: “As such, RTM has decided to terminate the broadcasting services of RTM channels, namely TV1-HD, TV2-HD and Okey, on Astro’s satellite platform and over-the-top (OTT) platform operated by your party. This termination will take effect on July 1, 2026.”
RTM has collaborated with Astro in airing TV1 and TV2 since 1996, while Okey — previously known as Muzik Aktif and TVi — joined the platform in 2009.
The partnership also included joint production initiatives that RTM said benefitted audiences on both platforms.
“As channel rental costs continue to rise and RTM’s financial burden in leasing these channels becomes increasingly heavy, it is more appropriate for us to terminate this service so that we are not further weighed down by costs that are difficult to control,” RTM added, highlighting the financial pressures behind the move. – May 13, 2026