Dapsy: Keep Wa! FM going
Published: Sep 27, 2005 8:01 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 6:21 PM
DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) is disappointed with the decision to stop Wa! FM's broadcast come Oct 15 and have given the Chinese radio station's management, Syncrosound Studio Sdn Bhd, reasons to scrap its plans.
DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) is disappointed with the decision to stop Wa! FM's broadcast come Oct 15 and have given the Chinese radio station's management, Syncrosound Studio Sdn Bhd, reasons to scrap its plans.
"Such a decision is economically unfeasible. Dapsy believes that the decision is inappropriate as restructuring and re-branding exercises can be carried out without having to put the station off the air," it said in a statement today.
The party said that in the case of a re-branding, the station should not cease operation as it employs only 20 staff with eight full timers - merely a small workforce to maintain.
"Even if Natseven TV Sdn Bhd (NTV7 - the station's hosts) wishes to continue with such an exercise, the focus should be directed to its core business - its television broadcasting segment," added the statement.
"For any restructuring exercise to be carried out, the best approach is to minimise all potential disturbances to the operation of the stations - both television and radio."
Previously, Energy, Water and Communication Minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik had expressed his concern over the temporary suspension of the station and said he will closely monitor its development.
He had also clarified earlier that his ministry has nothing to do with the station's decision to suspend operation temporarily..
Brand in itself
Dapsy further argued that the need for a re-branding exercise may be unnecessary.
"Wa! FM is already a prominent brand by itself. It has been successful in crafting its image as a radio station that allows the airing of critical views since it went on air two and a half years ago," it added, saying that this should be reason for the station to remain open and remain the same.
The station has garnered a following especially to its commentaries on current national issues.
"It has altered the previous operating mode of radio stations which in the past focussed mainly on entertainment," added Dapsy.
They argued that the station must remain as it is in order to preserve "the growing platform to express views and opinions from members of the public" and that the decision to shelve it will narrow the democratic space for Malaysians to freely express their views and thoughts.
Meanwhile, internal sources have alleged that the station runs the risk of being converted into a Malay language station - which is deemed more popular and profitable - following their planned re-branding exercise.
On July 13, Syncrosound Studio shareholders and NTV7 had entered into a 'collaboration and assistance agreement' with Media Prima Berhad - owners of TV3, 8TV and soon-to-be-relaunched Channel 9.
Media Prima also holds a 43 percent stake in the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group.
In its statement, Dapsy also urged Wa! FM's owners to increase the station's work force and strengthen its advertisement and marketing departments to increase revenue.
"Such a decision is economically unfeasible. Dapsy believes that the decision is inappropriate as restructuring and re-branding exercises can be carried out without having to put the station off the air," it said in a statement today.
The party said that in the case of a re-branding, the station should not cease operation as it employs only 20 staff with eight full timers - merely a small workforce to maintain. "Even if Natseven TV Sdn Bhd (NTV7 - the station's hosts) wishes to continue with such an exercise, the focus should be directed to its core business - its television broadcasting segment," added the statement.
"For any restructuring exercise to be carried out, the best approach is to minimise all potential disturbances to the operation of the stations - both television and radio."
Previously, Energy, Water and Communication Minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik had expressed his concern over the temporary suspension of the station and said he will closely monitor its development.
He had also clarified earlier that his ministry has nothing to do with the station's decision to suspend operation temporarily.. Brand in itself
Dapsy further argued that the need for a re-branding exercise may be unnecessary.
"Wa! FM is already a prominent brand by itself. It has been successful in crafting its image as a radio station that allows the airing of critical views since it went on air two and a half years ago," it added, saying that this should be reason for the station to remain open and remain the same.
The station has garnered a following especially to its commentaries on current national issues.
"It has altered the previous operating mode of radio stations which in the past focussed mainly on entertainment," added Dapsy.
They argued that the station must remain as it is in order to preserve "the growing platform to express views and opinions from members of the public" and that the decision to shelve it will narrow the democratic space for Malaysians to freely express their views and thoughts.
Meanwhile, internal sources have alleged that the station runs the risk of being converted into a Malay language station - which is deemed more popular and profitable - following their planned re-branding exercise.
On July 13, Syncrosound Studio shareholders and NTV7 had entered into a 'collaboration and assistance agreement' with Media Prima Berhad - owners of TV3, 8TV and soon-to-be-relaunched Channel 9.
Media Prima also holds a 43 percent stake in the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group.
In its statement, Dapsy also urged Wa! FM's owners to increase the station's work force and strengthen its advertisement and marketing departments to increase revenue.
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