Whispers of breaking news fill the air. We stand before Bernama News Channel a vital artery of Malaysian information. This isn’t just a building it’s a history book unfolding before our eyes.
Bernama News Channel’s story begins long before its 2008 launch. Bernama the parent organization dreamt of a television channel back in 1996. The government initially steered them towards video news similar to Reuters. However Bernama’s persistent ambition finally led to the channel’s creation.
The channel’s early years weren’t without struggle. Financial difficulties threatened its survival. Losses exceeding RM15 million nearly silenced its broadcasts. A restructuring and potential buyers were sought. Yet the channel persevered. A government allocation in 2015 revived it. New equipment was installed.
Then came a significant rebranding. In 2016 Bernama TV briefly transformed into Bernama News Channel. It quietly returned to its original name in 2019. The staff were offered a contract with Gem Bytes Sdn Bhd. This transition shows the dynamism of the media landscape.
Bernama News Channel wasn’t just a news broadcaster it was a chronicler of history. Its coverage of significant events shaped its identity. The Lahad Datu standoff the 1MDB scandal and the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple riot are just some examples. These events solidified its reputation for insightful reporting.
The channel’s reach extended beyond traditional television. Partnerships with iflix in 2018 brought its news to a wider audience. Collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission further enhanced its communication efforts.
A landmark moment occurred in 2021. Bernama TV became the second Malaysian television station to incorporate sign language interpreters into its news broadcasts. This demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity. The viewership on its social media platforms also skyrocketed. It rose from 73 million in 2021 to 78 million in 2022.
Bernama News Channel broadcasts in Malay English Chinese and Tamil. This multilingual approach reflects Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity. It showcased talk shows like Ruang Bicara and The Nation. These programs covered business politics and lifestyle. They helped shape public discourse and understanding.
Tragedy also touched Bernama News Channel. Noramfaizul Mohd Nor a cameraman lost his life in Somalia in 2011. He was the first Malaysian journalist killed while on assignment abroad. His sacrifice underscores the risks involved in newsgathering.
Bernama News Channel’s awards further validate its journalistic excellence. It won The Rapid News Distribution of All Time award in 2023. This recognition is a testament to its commitment to delivering timely and accurate information.
As we stand here today we’re not just seeing a news channel we’re witnessing a testament to resilience innovation and the pursuit of truth. Bernama News Channel’s journey has been dynamic. It’s a story of challenges overcome and a commitment to informing Malaysia and the world.