KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians will soon gain wider access to Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) content on Astro, following an expanded partnership that will see additional channels and radio services introduced across its platforms.
Under the renewed collaboration with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Berita RTM, Sukan+, as well as RTM’s network of radio stations will be made available on Astro, marking a significant enhancement of public service broadcasting reach.
The development was announced in a joint statement today, with both organisations saying the partnership aims to improve access to quality public service content across multiple platforms, including Astro, NJOI and Sooka.
Existing RTM channels TV1, TV2 and TV Okey will continue to be available on Astro, NJOI and Sooka, while the expanded lineup will be rolled out to Astro customers in the near future.
The statement said the initiative “is expected to widen public access to high-quality, trusted and relevant public service content, while strengthening the delivery of information of national importance to all segments of society.”
Both parties also said the collaboration reflects a shared effort to respond to changing media consumption trends and technological advancements.
“Both parties believe that today’s media landscape requires a more progressive, inclusive and future-oriented approach, in line with technological advancements and the evolving ways in which audiences consume media,” the statement said.
They added that the partnership would also support efforts to develop local content, nurture creative talent and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s media industry.
According to the statement, both organisations share “the common aspiration of building a sustainable, user-friendly media ecosystem that delivers greater value to Malaysians.”
“As technology continues to evolve and consumers gain access to more media platforms, both parties believe closer collaboration among industry players is essential to ensure that quality content remains accessible at an affordable cost without placing an unnecessary financial burden on the public,” it added.
The two organisations expressed confidence that the enhanced collaboration would reinforce the local media ecosystem while widening access to trusted and relevant content.
Earlier, RTM had announced that it would cease transmission of its television channels on Astro from July 1, following the expiry of a long-standing partnership that had lasted nearly three decades.
In a circular dated May 11, RTM said the decision came after negotiations to renew the carriage agreement failed to reach a resolution.
“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. – June 26, 2026