(Update, Analysis and Commentary) Media Prima says ntv7 is still alive by claiming ntv7 has been transformed to education channel for a year under MOE and Media Prima 12 months term broadcast contract

 

 

Yesterday on 16.02.2021 (Tuesday), before a day of DidikTV KPM launches officially. There were many speculations about ntv7 was about closedown as Ministry of Education launches DidikTV KPM on CH107 (MYTV), and CH147 (Astro) which are ntv7 channel number.

 

The rumor news of ntv7 closedown was everywhere since last week. Until Tuesday night, Media Prima made clarification by denying such speculation, and said ntv7 is still alive. In addition, the company also said that there is no change in ownership of ntv7.

During that time, many people including artists and former ntv7 staffs shared their memories and moments of ntv7. Hence, ntv7 "farewell" was a trend on social media.

Ok, for today's update, ntv7 has been transformed as education channel as DidikTV KPM, but ntv7 logo montage still remains on the TV screen. Generally Media Prima already says ntv7 is still alive, but technically all of its current ntv7 program lineup had been ceased or transferred.

Certainly some of ntv7 staffs go to host DidikTV KPM instead.

According to Malaysian Reserve, ntv7 becomes DidikTV KPM for a year. In my opinion, Media Prima doesn't cease ntv7, but in fact DidikTV expands its broadcasting hours on ntv7. 

I believe Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) and Media Prima have tied up with a broadcast contract of airing DidikTV KPM on ntv7, the broadcast contract duration is 12 months (1 year). So, Media Prima has to make further decision when the broadcast contract is about the due.

Either....

1. If KPM renews the broadcast contract with Media Prima for using ntv7 platform to broadcast DidikTV KPM and make it permanently, ntv7 is already ceased operation technically.

or 

2. If KPM does not decide to continue the broadcast contract with Media Prima (can be under the reasons such as COVID-19 pandemic fully disappeared and all schools are reopened), ntv7 can set a return to broadcast with its original programs lineup.

When KPM launches DidikTV KPM on ntv7 platform as full fledged channel, KPM pays rental fees to Media Prima for using ntv7 platform to broadcast DidikTV KPM.

In addition, I referred to a theory of Astro Wah Lai Toi (now defunct Astro in-house Cantonese channel).

Astro Wah Lai Toi was ceased operation on 01.04.2020, and the channel itself was replaced by TVB Jade Southeast Asia feed. Hence, Astro Wah Lai Toi was merged into TVB Jade. On the TV screen, TVB Jade and Astro Wah Lai Toi logo montages were aired together, but Astro Wah Lai Toi logo was withdrawn after few months.

 

By using Astro Wah Lai Toi theory, I believe ntv7 logo is still appeared on DidikTV KPM channel screen for first few months, but ntv7 logo montage can be withdrawn later. If ntv7 logo montage is gone, technically this can mean Media Prima ceases ntv7 completely.

 

Just like Astro Wah Lai Toi completely ceased from satellite channel, but continue as Video On Demand feed.

The closedown speculation of ntv7 is already denied by Media Prima, but comeback or cease operation completely? It is unknown for 2022 and 2023.