Commercial Radio Malaysia (CRM), the association representing 22 commercial radio stations, officially launched its website at its 18th Annual General Meeting.
The website is designed to provide updates on its member stations, activities, videos, and news articles.
“It has been an arduous journey from development to launch and I’m proud that we finally have a platform to showcase our achievements and activities,” said Kudsia Kahar, CRM president.
Last year constituted a minor blip in what had been a robust growth period for radio advertising, which recorded a two-and-a-half fold growth over a nine-year span.
Although smaller in population size than neighbouring countries, Malaysia has a vibrant commercial radio industry, with targeted formats in various languages aimed at specific demographic segments in Peninsula Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
CRM plans to reactivate Planet Radio and Boot Camp this year with both events scheduled for the third and fourth quarters.
This year’s Planet Radio, themed “Radio or Not?” is a platform to educate and attract young talent from universities and colleges to join the radio industry as part of its sustainable growth initiatives.
Boot Camp, a forum for media and creative industry professionals, is in the final planning stages.
CRM is also gearing up to launch the Radio Hall of Fame, an annual event to pay tribute to, acknowledge, and honour radio personalities from the past who have contributed to building the radio industry to the progressive and vibrant state that it is today.
Kudsia admitted that there is an urgent need for policymakers and regulators to work harder for the betterment of the industry, particularly with regards music licensing fees, censorship guidelines, content creation, and advertising guidelines.
She said: “Every station in our association has made remarkable strides in pushing the boundaries beyond being a mere entertainment vehicle. We’re now aggregating our programming with a niche and targeted appeal – whether it’s Top 40 music, talk shows, or programming skewed to women, religion, sports, and languages.”