RTM plans to relaunch Muzik FM in 2024?

RTM Muzik FM is a now defunct Malay radio station which had ceased broadcast on 31st January 2011, and its frequency slots were replaced by Nasional FM since 1st January 2012 after demerger of Klasik Nasional. This radio station was formerly known as Radio 2, then Radio Muzik.

 

From 2012 to 2017, Muzik FM was available only via online streaming platform under Galaksi Muzik RTM. 

 

After 12 years hiatus, there are some rumors saying that RTM is planning to relaunch Muzik FM in 2024. RTM Muzik FM Facebook page published some teaser videos with "akan datang" (coming soon).

I'm not sure about the relaunch of Muzik FM will be available on which platforms yet because RTM has two Malay national radio stations:

1. Radio Klasik: Malay classic and retro music

2. Nasional FM: Malay language general radio station

It is very difficult and impossible to relaunch Muzik FM by having new FM radio frequencies because the the frequency spectrum is fully occupied.

To relaunch Muzik FM on radio frequencies platform, restructuring RTM Malay language radio stations is the only way. The best way of bringing back Muzik FM on frequency transmission platform is reverting back RTM radio station lineup between 2006 and 2012 by merging Nasional FM to Radio Klasik and becoming Klasik Nasional, so Muzik FM can come back on its original frequency slots which are now used by Nasional FM.

Cease operation of Nasional FM will cause RTM to lose government service role. If RTM Malay national radio stations (Radio Klasik and Muzik FM) deliver only music entertainment content like commercial radio stations without delivering government's information to the people, RTM will be blamed by government for not delivering the government's messages/propaganda to the people via radio broadcast.

 

The main role of public or government radio/TV stations is to deliver the government's information to the people. Government's information consists policies, propaganda, emergency events and it is also can counter against the fake news. 

Some of us may not like to listen to government's information due to different political ideology, but it depends who is the ruling party.

Re-merging Nasional FM to Radio Klasik frequencies and becoming Klasik Nasional, then reintroducing Muzik FM will be more strategic.

If RTM does not decide to merge Nasional FM and Radio Klasik, then retaining the current lineup, I believe Muzik FM will become digital only radio station. When it comes to digital only radio station, RTM should drop "FM" suffix for Muzik FM, and rename it as Radio Muzik like what it was in 1975.