RTM, Astro strike new cooperation pact to boost local content ecosystem

Just over a month after reports emerged that Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) would pull its channels from Astro platforms due to rising carriage costs, both broadcasters have announced a renewed partnership aimed at strengthening local content development and expanding audience access.

In a joint statement issued on 26 June, RTM and Astro said they have agreed to deepen their strategic cooperation to ensure Malaysians continue to enjoy quality local content across multiple broadcasting platforms.

The move marks a reversal from May, when RTM reportedly informed staff that it would discontinue broadcasts of TV1, TV2 and TV Okey on Astro's satellite and OTT services from 1 July, citing difficulties in reaching a pricing agreement that aligned with both parties' financial capabilities.

Under the renewed cooperation, Malaysians will continue to have access to TV1, TV2 and TV Okey via Astro, NJOI and Sooka. In addition, Astro subscribers will soon gain access to a broader range of RTM offerings, including Berita RTM, Sukan+ and RTM's network of radio stations.

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According to both organisations, the strengthened partnership reflects the need for a "more progressive, inclusive and future-oriented approach" amid rapid technological advancement and evolving media consumption habits.

Beyond channel distribution, RTM and Astro said they intend to further expand strategic initiatives aimed at stimulating local content development, empowering creative talent and contributing to a more sustainable and competitive media industry.

"Both parties believe that closer cooperation between industry players is vital to ensure that access to quality content can continue to be enhanced at an affordable cost that does not burden the people," the statement read.

The broadcasters added that they share a common aspiration to build a media ecosystem that is sustainable, user-friendly and delivers value to the public.

The renewed partnership comes against a backdrop of mounting pressure across Malaysia's broadcasting industry. In May, RTM reportedly decided to end its almost three-decade carriage arrangement with Astro after both parties struggled to agree on revised pricing and contract terms.

RTM has carried TV1 and TV2 on Astro since 1996, while TV Okey, formerly known as Muzik Aktif and TVi, has been available on the platform since 2009.

The earlier decision also came shortly after Astro lost its long-held position as Malaysia's primary broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup. Earlier this month, the MADANI government announced that RTM and Unifi TV would become the official broadcasters for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Malaysia under a public-private partnership model.

Earlier this month, announced that its group chief executive officer (CEO), Euan Smith, has stepped down after six years with the company. While Astro conducts a search for a permanent successor, the media and content company appointed Henry Tan as interim group CEO, effective 16 June 2026.

Astro Malaysia Holdings kicked off its 2027 financial year with what it described as a resilient performance, underpinned by strong engagement with local content and continued growth in streaming. However, the media company continues to face pressure from declining subscription revenue, softer advertising contributions and changing consumer spending habits.

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