RTM reportedly ends Astro carriage deal as cost pressures intensify

Malaysia’s broadcast landscape is facing another major shift, with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) set to discontinue its channels on Astro’s satellite and OTT (over the top) platforms beginning 1 July 2026, according to a circular obtained by New Straits Times (NST).

The move marks the end of almost three decades of collaboration between the two broadcasters and comes amid heightened industry scrutiny over the country's broadcast outlook following its recent loss of the FIFA World Cup 2026 rights.

According to the circular dated 11 May, RTM said both parties had struggled to reach a pricing agreement and contract structure that aligned with their respective financial capabilities.

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The circular stated, according to NST, that 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.

As a result, RTM said it would terminate broadcasts of TV1-HD, TV2-HD and Okey across Astro’s satellite and OTT platforms effective 1 July 2026.

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

The broadcaster added that while the partnership had delivered positive audience impact and included multiple joint productions over the years, rising channel rental costs had become increasingly difficult to sustain.

The circular also reportedly said, as channel rental costs continue to increase and RTM's financial burden in leasing becomes heavier, it was appropriate for it to terminate the service. It added that this is so not to be burdened by costs which were difficult to control.

A+M has reached out to Astro for comment.

The development arrives shortly after Astro lost its long-held position as Malaysia’s primary FIFA World Cup broadcaster. Earlier this month, the MADANI government announced that RTM and Unifi TV would become the official broadcasters for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Malaysia, ending Astro’s two-decade run with the tournament.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the move was aimed at ensuring the tournament remains accessible through a public-private partnership model.

Under the arrangement, all 104 matches will air live on Unifi TV, while RTM will broadcast a majority of the matches either live or delayed across terrestrial and OTT platforms including RTMKlik.

At the time, Astro acknowledged the changing economics surrounding premium sports broadcasting, citing inflation, rising licensing costs and piracy as major pressures impacting the commercial viability of such rights investments.

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