As 2024 draws to a close, Telum Media spotlights key changes and developments that happened in the Malaysian media scene as we step into the new year.

Quarter 1 (January - March)
In the first quarter of 2024, there have been several changes and updates, along with the emergence of new media outlets in Malaysia's media industry. At BERNAMA Newswires, various changes took place including the appointments, transfers, relocations, and onboarding of new team members. Notably, Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, and Arul Rajoo Durar Raj took on the role of Editor-in-Chief.  On the radio front, alongside changes in radio announcers, promotions, and new additions, Shah Hayatudin has been appointed Group Network Director at Media Prima Audio. The industry also bid farewell to Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, a former Berita Harian Group Editor and pioneering journalist who made significant contributions to Malaysian media.

Some of the new media outlets launched in early 2024 include Fathom Magazine and MONO Malaysia, both primarily focused on lifestyle. Lifestyle Asia Malaysia also made its debut in January, curated and presented in Bahasa Malaysia. Additionally, PODaBoom, the podcast division of Big Boom Media, introduced The WOW Show, a podcast aimed at spotlighting women. 

Quarter 2 (April - June)
The second quarter started with the 78^th anniversary of Radio Televisyen Malaysia, the oldest broadcaster in Malaysia and still holding on strong with more modern changes and approaches by Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman. April went by with the usual journalist movements and media outlets' new changes until the prominent figure in the media industry, Seelan Paul decided to step down from his role as the Chief Executive Officer at NTV7. Seelan began his career at Media Prima 19 years ago to help start the company's radio business. 

In May, the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) elected new council members, including key editorial figures from various newsrooms: Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin (BERNAMA), Zamri Rambli (Sinar Harian), Azri Atan (TV3), Ainol Amriz Ismail (Utusan TV), Choo Joon Kian (Sin Chew Daily) and Dr. Diana Dominic (Sabah Journalists Association). The three key positions remain unchanged: Datuk Yong Soo Heong as President, Farrah Naz Karim as Deputy President, and Brian Martin as Vice-President. At the annual Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2024 event, two Tokoh Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) Awards were presented, and seven journalists from Sarawak received the prestigious Premier Special Award.

In a notable career shift, Keanu Azman made a bold move by leaving HITZ to focus more on his hosting career. Meanwhile, in celebration of women’s empowerment in the workforce, Free Malaysia Today appointed Jenn Ngan as Chief Operating Officer, where she leads business development and strategic planning. Additionally, Priya Prabakaran made history as the first woman to be appointed Director of Astro Audio since its inception in 1996. Rounding off the major moves in the quarter, Catcha Digital Berhad launched KS Lagi through its subsidiary, with Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ) and Shahril Hamdan, founders of Keluar Sekejap, leading the project.

Quarter 3 (July - September)
The biggest update this quarter comes from the radio industry, with notable changes at Media Prima Audio and Astro Audio. Fly FM launched a new breakfast show, EH! It's Ean and Haniff On The Fly Breakfast, featuring hosts Ean and Haniff. Meanwhile, Astro Audio revamped the breakfast line-ups for its three English stations: HITZ, MIX, and LITE. Fly FM also welcomed a new Music Director, Aaron Nethanel Victor, while Raja Nadia joined as Network Content Director at Media Prima Audio after leaving SINAR.

In the luxury lifestyle media scene, Farhan Shah became Editor-in-Chief of AUGUSTMAN Singapore and Malaysia. Joan Kong expanded her role at AMTD Group as Deputy Editorial Director, assisting in overseeing editorial teams for L'Officiel in Hong Kong and the Philippines. BURO Malaysia appointed Jason Lim as the new Editor-in-Chief. Several lifestyle media publications also focused on Bahasa Melayu content this quarter. JUICE Malaysia launched the #IkatTepi segment, while ELLE Malaysia published content in Bahasa Melayu. This quarter also witnessed the return of Tech Wire Asia and TechHQ, continuing to cover emerging tech and business trends in Asia. 

Quarter 4 (October - December)
This quarter saw significant developments in the media industry, with new programmes, portals, and operational changes. Sinar Harian launched Meja Bulat, a show focusing on hot topics and government issues. 8TV introduced new series, including Money Matters, Click To Health, Ho Chiak! and the second season of The Greatest Of Us. In addition, BERNAMA launched BERNAMABiz, a business portal aimed at shaping the local and global economic landscape. Tatler Malaysia added a Bahasa Melayu option to its website. On the operational front, Media Prima Television Networks relocated its operations to Balai Berita in Bangsar, while Cilisos Media moved to The Grand Kelana Damansara.

Wrapping up the year-end movements, Media Prima appointed Azhari Muhidin as Group Editor for News and Current Affairs and Kamaruddin Mape as General Manager of On-Air Presentation. Buletin TV9 also unveiled a new line-up, introducing three new news anchors: Fahiz Ariff, Syamira Nazir, and Asrina Mohd. In the magazine sector, Lena Kwek was appointed Managing Director and Publisher at BurdaLuxury Malaysia and Singapore, while Sim Wie Boon was promoted to Print Editor at Tatler Malaysia.

And that’s a wrap for 2024! We look forward to what 2025 has in store for the Malaysian media industry. Here’s to a year of growth, success, and new opportunities for everyone in the Malaysian media.

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