RTM did nothing wrong in CNY broadcast, complied with SOP.
National broadcaster RTM was not in breach of its standard operating procedures (SOP) when it omitted ‘live’ coverage of Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s speech and that of the Negri Sembilan mentri besar during a recent Chinese New Year event, Gobind Singh Deo said today.
The communications and multimedia minister clarified that the state-owned broadcaster is only required to air ‘live’ the speech of the prime minister, which it did – following a sabotage allegation by Loke’s press secretary Lim Swee Kuan.
“With regards to the complaint received, the SOP within RTM clearly states that where the Prime Minister attends an official function, then it is only his speech that is cast live through RTM,” Gobind said in a statement.
Despite such an SOP, Gobind said that it is still open for any event organiser to “discuss with RTM for adjustments to be made to the items that are to be telecast live”.
“This would include other persons being given live coverage beyond what is in the SOP, based on the news value for the given event,” he said.
“Unfortunately, in this particular case, there was no such request. RTM in following their SOP, therefore rightfully only aired the Prime Ministers’ speech live for the event.
“This too, I am informed, with the express agreement of the organiser of the event, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,” he added.
Gobind said he would not hesitate to issue reprimands with the goal of improving services at RTM if there is reason to do so, but said RTM was not wrong in this case.
“However, in this case, RTM did nothing wrong. What they did was indeed in keeping with the arrangements they had made with the organizer and the standard operating procedures applicable to such events,” he said.
Lim’s criticism of the lack of coverage for Loke’s speech provoked some strong reactions, with some questioning the extent of Harapan control over RTM.
PKR’s Latheefa Koya also said that the aide’s complaint smacked of arrogance.
Loke has since distanced himself from the matter, saying it was Lim’s personal opinion.
Earlier report: Feb 19, Transport Minister: Did Not Instruct Aide to Demand Heads Roll in RTM