Although FM frequency spectrum is heavily peak and limited, but there is 1 or 2 vacant frequencies, MCMC should launch broadcast FM frequeny tender to broadcasters who interest to get frequency like what Singapore did.

 

Since 2013, FM broadcast frequency spectrum was getting heavily peaked and limited because many radio stations are using the FM band. Until July 2019, MCMC announced that the regulator was doing study of FM frequency re-planning, hence MCMC does not accept and consider any FM frequency application.

 

Until today, there is no any outcome about FM frequency application. In February 2021, I personally contacted MCMC FM broadcast service spectrum officer via email. I was informed that MCMC was conducting public conference about future radio broadcasting in Malaysia, then MCMC told that new frequency application is still not considered at the time being.

 

What I suggest to MCMC is the broadcast regulator can open frequency application to new broadcasters to apply for East Coast region (mainly Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu) due to there are many available frequency slots.

 

For West Coast areas, the frequency spectrum is very limited and about to be full, but there are about 1 or 2 frequencies available at the moment.

 

In my opinion, I believe there are quite a lot of new frequency application, but MCMC doesn't consider their application at the moment. Therefore, I highly suggest MCMC to launch broadcast FM frequency tender instead like what IMDA Singapore did before.

 

In Singapore, the broadcast frequency application is different from us because Singapore is a small country and having many radio stations from Malaysia and Indonesia. When there is vacant frequency, IMDA will open a tender to new radio players who are interesting to launch radio station in Singapore. IMDA Singapore judges by broadcaster applicants station content/format, instead of technical criteria. So, if the applicant does meet IMDA frequency tender criteria, IMDA will award the frequency to the nominated applicant.

 

FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz tender was a great example. In the tender, Mediacorp, Singapore Press Holdings and other Singapore broadcasters (Rex Cinema) participated it. At last, SPH won the tender of FM 89.3MHz and FM 96.3MHz as IMDA liked their station proposals.

 

In Malaysia, MCMC can do this, but apply for West Coast region. In West Coast region, here are the vacant frequencies based on location where MCMC can make a tender.

 

* Langkawi (Gunung Raya): FM 97.8MHz

* Alor Setar (Alor Setar Tower): FM 91.5MHz

* Ipoh (Gunung Kledang): FM 93.3MHz

* Seremban (Gunung Telapak Burok): FM 102.0MHz

* Johor Bahru (Gunung Pulai): FM 107.9MHz (subject to airband frequency)

 

I raise an example, FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok (Seremban) frequency tender.

 

If MCMC launches frequency tender of FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok to interesting broadcasters to use the frequency for Negeri Sembilan, the radio broadcasters can take part if they're interesting in Seremban radio market.

 

Assuming that if the giant broadcasters like Media Prima Audio (formerly known as Ripple) and Astro Radio take part this tender, it will become hot topic as both are competing to get FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok.

 

If Media Prima Audio and Astro Radio take part MCMC frequency tender, I believe Media Prima and Astro Radio will put Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM) and Zayan in the tender respectively.

 

Buletin FM and Zayan have no Seremban frequency at the moment. 

 

When broadcasters take part MCMC frequency tender, they have to meet a lot of criteria and requirements from MCMC in order to win the tender and get the frequency. Besides that, I may think that MCMC will set up a qualification first before broadcasters taking part tender.

A broadcaster could be disqualified from the tender if its license is not nationwide, or license doesn't meet criteria.

 

From what I think, the frequency tender includes technical requirements (such as transmission and antenna system data), but there is advantage and disadvantage of frequency tender too.

 

==Advantage and disadvantage if MCMC launches frequency tender==

* Advantage: Broadcast participants can compete to get the frequency

* Disadvantage: MCMC will have more difficult decision to determine who is the winner if all participants proposal meet all MCMC criteria and requirements. If decision cannot be made, MCMC has to judge the tender winner based on station's profile and format, even content.

 

Usually the frequency tender is done by professional broadcast engineer for technical criteria.

 

I put an example, if Media Prima (Buletin FM) and Astro Radio (Zayan) meet MCMC frequency tender requirements, MCMC will feel hard to judge which one is the winner. When the decision cannot be made, MCMC has to judge the winner based on station content/format instead.  

 

As an outsider, but a radio fans, if I'm given opportunity to choose which radio station should win MCMC frequency tender of FM 102.0MHz for Seremban (from Gunung Telapak Burok),

 

* Zayan (Astro Radio): Malay language contemporary Muslim radio station

* Buletin FM, formerly known as Kool FM (Media Prima): Malay language news, talk and retro radio station 

 

Between two radio station, I will vote Buletin FM to get FM 102.0MHz Gunung Telapak Burok frequency because I believe listeners want something less slapstick and more information. However, Buletin FM has no frequencies in Southern Peninsular Malaysia region, plus FM 101.3MHz Klang Valley frequency is from Bukit Sungai Besi where is not available very much in Negeri Sembilan, even many Selangor areas. Therefore, Buletin FM should be deserved to get Seremban frequency, at least it can cover Negeri Sembilan and part of Melaka.

Media Prima Audio (formerly known as Ripple) reveals all new logo of Fly FM and Hot FM, as well as rebranded 8FM (formerly known as One FM) and Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM) on 2nd August 2021. All-in-one radio app AUDIO+ (formerly known as Ais Kacang) is launched..

Today is the biggest day of Media Prima Audio (previously known as Ripple Media) to reveal new image of its radio stations and fresh content.

Here is the new logos of Media Prima Audio radio stations:

1. Fly FM

Logo is finally renewed after its "Flying Wing" logo had been using for 16 years since 1st day of broadcast in 2005. Targeting English speaking listeners, age from 15-29 years old and playing the hits from 2000's, 2010's and now.

The logo is nice, but "Flying Wing" is legend.

* Website: www.flyfm.audio

2. Hot FM

The old logo had been using for 15 years in 2006, and Hot FM gets new logo, tagline is "Kini Lebih Muzik Yang Hangat" (Now more hot music). The new Hot FM's logo looks like Wow Shop logo, thought it rebrands to Malay language "shopping" radio station. (Joke)

Welcome back, Fara Fauzana and AG.

* Website: www.hotfm.audio

3. 8FM (formerly known as One FM)

Media Prima's Chinese language radio station, One FM is now rebranded as "8FM" after 12 years of broadcast, now One FM enters muzeum. 

The logo of "8FM" is based on 8TV (八度空間). In my opinion, "8FM" is like a companion radio station to 8TV. 

"1" becomes "8". Why? Does it downgrade as it is no longer as number 1 branding? No, This is because "8" means properity in Chinese which is Chinese people's favorite number.

Content is expanded to news, current affairs and talk, alongside music and entertainment. Considered as balanced content radio station.

8FM simulcasts 8TV Chinese News everyday from 8pm to 9pm.

* Website: www.8fm.audio

4. Buletin FM (formerly known as Kool FM)

- Kool FM rebranded as Malay language talk radio station in January 2020. Now it changes its name to Buletin FM, more news input will be aired.

- In terms of branding, Buletin FM looks like a companion radio station to TV3 Buletin Utama

- For music genre, Buletin FM remains same as its predecessor, Kool FM by playing Malay songs from 1980s till today.

* Website: www.buletinfm.audio

Ais Kacang podcast app is rebranded as AUDIO+, all Media Prima Audio radio stations mobile online streaming will be integrated into AUDIO+ app. No more individual radio stations app.

==What I wish==

1. Hope Fly FM will expand coverage to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching via FM frequencies.

2. To compete against MY and Melody from Astro Radio, wish 8FM will complete its broadcast coverage by adding Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu frequencies.

3. Delivering better content and more variety music playlist, but reduce repeating same songs everyday.

4. Hope Buletin FM will complete coverage expansion in Kuantan, Kota Kinabalu, Taiping and Ipoh.

All the best to Media Prima Audio radio stations.

Brunei FM radio stations caught in Bintulu, Sarawak.

On YouTube, there is a Bintulu DXer, named Shafik1995, managing to receive few Brunei radio stations in Bintulu, Sarawak, most of them are transmitted from Andalau which is nearby Kuala Belait, Brunei.

 

As I know, Andalau (Kuala Belait) transmitted Brunei radio stations are available in Miri, but surprisingly they are receivable in Bintulu.

 

Let's check it out of the videos by Shafik 1995.

 

1. RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz

 

2. RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz

 

3. Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz

 

4. RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz

Distance between Bintulu and Andalau is 227km.

 

In terms of radio signal quality, Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz is the most powerful, loudest and clearest in Bintulu, meanwhile RTB radio stations (Pelangi and Pilihan) are weak and having more statics.

 

Signal quality of Brunei radio station in Bintulu, based on Shafik1995 videos (from best to worst).

1. Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz

2. RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz

3. RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz

4. RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz

For rest of Brunei radio stations,

* RTB Nasional FM 93.8MHz is fully "locked" by RTM Sarawak FM 93.7MHz from Bukit Setiam.

* For Kristal FM 98.7MHz, although it is still available in Bintulu, but it has co-channel interference with Sibu FM/Wai FM 98.7MHz from Mukah.

 

In conclusion, here is the Brunei radio stations likely available in Bintulu, Sarawak (by referring Shafik1995 videos on YouTube and prediction).

 

* Al-Quran Radio FM 99.7MHz

* RTB Pelangi FM 91.0MHz

* RTB Pilihan FM 96.9MHz

* RTB Nur Islam FM 94.9MHz

* RTB Harmoni FM 97.7MHz

* Kristal FM 98.7MHz (co-channel interference with Sibu FM 98.7MHz from Mukah) 

List of Astro Radio channels which are available in Bintulu, Sarawak via FM radio.

In Bintulu, we can only listen to RTM radio stations and Cats FM as local ones, transmitted from Bukit Setiam, meanwhile we may receive far distance signal for rest radio stations in Bintulu.

Astro Radio has few radio stations in Miri, transmitted from Bukit Lambir, but they're available partly in Bintulu. So, here are some Astro Radio channels which can be listened in Bintulu, Sarawak via FM radio.

1. Hitz FM 105.8MHz

2. Era FM 101.3MHz

3. Sinar FM 96.6MHz

4. My FM 103.2MHz

5. Melody FM 102.4MHz

Receiving distance from Bukit Lambir to Bintulu is approximately 156km.

Bintulu DXer Shafik1995 has published Hitz FM 105.8MHz and Era FM 101.3MHz signal monitoring videos on YouTube.

RTM Miri FM 95.7MHz (Bukit Lambir) is available in Bintulu, Sarawak.

 

RTM Miri FM is a Sarawak's division based local radio station to serve Miri Division, Sarawak. It also relays RTM Wai FM broadcast during non-broadcasting hours of Miri FM.

 

Miri FM broadcasts on three frequencies, FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir and FM 98.0MHz from RTM Miri Broadcasting House cover Miri, meanwhile FM 95.1MHz from Bukit TT844 Suai covers Suai and Niah.

 

This radio station is also available in part of Brunei such as Kuala Belait and Seria via FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir, however Miri FM is also available in Bintulu via FM 95.7MHz.

 

Here is the video of Miri FM 95.7MHz (Bukit Lambir) signal reception in Bintulu, Sarawak by Shafik1995.

 

 

The signal quality of Miri FM 95.7MHz is quite loud and clear in Bintulu, but with little static. If you watch Shafik1995 YouTube channel's video, the signal of Miri FM 95.7MHz from Bukit Lambir is much better than Hitz FM 105.8MHz in Bintulu, Sarawak.

 

- Frequency: FM 95.7MHz

- Power: 1kW

- Transmitter site: Bukit Lambir, Miri, Sarawak

- Receiving site: Bintulu, Sarawak

- Distance: 155km

List of RTM Red FM frequencies and coverage in Sarawak

 

This is RTM Red FM, a bilingual radio station in Sarawak, broadcasts in English and Chinese Mandarin which is totally unrelated to now defunct Red FM from Peninsular Malaysia.

 

Here is the completed frequencies list of Red FM which covers whole Sarawak state, Brunei and part of Sabah.

 

* 91.9MHz: Kuching (Gunung Serapi)

* 97.2MHz: Serian (Bukit Ampangan)

* 97.8MHz: Off Spaoh & Betong

* 106.3MHz: Sri Aman (Bukit Temudok)

* 89.2MHz: Sarikei & Daro (Bukit Kayu Malam)

* 104.1MHz: Sibu (Bukit Lima)

* 101.1MHz: Selangau & Kanowit (Bukit Singgalang)

* 99.0MHz: Song

* 89.9MHz: Kapit

* 92.3MHz: Mukah

* 107.8MHz: Belaga

* 100.5MHz: Bintulu (Bukit Setiam)

* 90.7MHz: Miri & Brunei: Kuala Belait, Seria (Bukit Lambir)

* 106.3MHz: RTM Miri

* 104.1MHz: Limbang & Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan (Bukit Mas)

* 107.7MHz: Mendamit (Bukit Sagan Rudang)

* 100.5MHz: Lawas & Sabah: Sindumin, Sipitang (Bukit Tiong)

 

As RTM Sarawak FM, and Wai FM are available on MYTV, I hope Red FM will be available on MYTV too.

RTM Sarawak's division radio stations (Sri Aman FM, Sibu FM, Bintulu FM, Miri FM & Limbang FM) frequencies and coverage list

In Sarawak state, RTM has two state wide radio stations (Sarawak FM, and Red FM) and five division radio stations (Sri Aman FM, Sibu FM, Bintulu FM, Miri FM and Limbang FM).

Sri Aman FM, Sibu FM, Bintulu FM, Miri FM and Limbang FM provides local content in Malay language from 9am to 12am, meanwhile rest of broadcasting hours are relaying Wai FM Iban and Bidayuh. For Limbang FM, it is different because the radio station has Lun Bawang language broadcast. Wai FM has local program on these division radio stations such as Wai FM Bintulu, and Wai FM Sibu which more fit to Ibanese listeners than relaying Wai FM from Kuching.

1. Sri Aman FM

* 89.5MHz: Sri Aman, Saratok, Pusa, Kabong, Engkilili, Lingga, Maludam, Pantu & Lachau (Bukit Temudok)

* 91.1MHz: Skrang (Ulu Skrang)

* 99.5MHz: Spaoh, Debak & Betong (Off Spaoh)

2. Sibu FM

* 87.6MHz: Sibu, Julau & Bintangor (Bukit Lima)

* 102.1MHz: Selangau, Stapong & Kanowit (Bukit Singgalang)

* 98.7MHz: Mukah, Oya & Dalat

* 94.3MHz: Kapit

* 99.8MHz: Song

* 103.0MHz: Belaga

* 94.6MHz: Sarikei, Belawai, Daro, Matu, Roban, Pusa, Kabong, Saratok and part of Sri Aman (Bukit Kayu Malam)

 

3. Bintulu FM

* 97.5MHz: Bintulu, Tatau, Sebauh, Balingian, Mukah, Selangau & part of Batu Niah (Bukit Setiam)

* 95.3MHz: RTM Bintulu

4. Miri FM

* 95.7MHz: Miri, Bekenu, Marudi, Kuala Baram & Beluru (Bukit Lambir)

* 98.0MHz: RTM Miri

* 95.1MHz: Niah, Suai & Similajau (Bukit TT 844)

 

Miri FM is available in Brunei (Kuala Belait & Seria)

5. Limbang FM

* 104.9MHz: Limbang, Labuan, Tenom, Sipitang & Brunei (Bukit Mas)

* 94.5MHz: Mendamit (Bukit Sagan Rudang) 

* 101.1MHz: Lawas & Sindumin (Bukit Tiong)

* 90.5MHz: Trusan (Kampung Siang-Siang)

Limbang FM is available in Brunei and Labuan on FM 104.9MHz, and Sabah such as Sindumin on FM 101.1MHz.

RTM Wai FM Iban and Bidayuh/Kayan frequencies list (full fledged only and not including Miri FM/Sibu FM/Sri Aman FM/Bintulu FM/Limbang FM relay)

 1. Wai FM Iban 

* FM 101.3MHz: Kuching (Gunung Serapi)

* FM 106.9MHz: Serian (Bukit Ampangan)

2. Wai FM Bidayuh/Kayan

 

* FM 106.1MHz: Kuching (Gunung Serapi)

* FM 101.7MHz: Serian (Bukit Ampangan)

* FM 105.1MHz: Sarikei (Bukit Kayu Malam; unconfirmed)

* FM 98.9MHz: Kapit (unconfirmed)

* FM 101.9MHz: Mukah (unconfirmed)

* FM 106.9MHz: Bintulu (Bukit Setiam; unconfirmed)

Reference: www.geocities.ws/unitspektrum

After 15 years hiatus, Wa FM comes back on One FM frequencies? Will One FM become "Wa FM 2.0" on 2nd August 2021?

 

Between 2003-2005, there was a Chinese language radio station, known as Wa FM which operated by ntv7 before being acquired by Media Prima in late 2005. As ntv7 faced financial crisis, ntv7 was acquired by Media Prima, meanwhile its radio station Wa FM was rebranded as Hot FM in 2006, a Malay language hot contemporary radio station under Media Prima (Ripple) to compete against Era from Astro Radio.

  

 

3 years later (In 2009), Media Prima Radio Networks launched a Chinese language music entertainment radio station, One FM. 

 

Ripple Media CEO hints with "Goodbye One FM" on Instagram. This means One FM will be fully rebranded with new radio station's name on 2nd August 2021. In my opinion, unlike current One FM, this all-new Chinese radio station will not fully go on music entertainment direction, maybe Chinese language infotainment radio station (mass scale target) like 988, and now defunct Wa FM.

 

No more One FM since 02.08.2021, together with Kool FM.

 

Mass scale targeted radio station means the broadcasters deliver content and music which targets Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z market, the listeners' age range is larger, from 15-45 years old demographics.

 

Tuning frequencies are still same as current One FM.

 

Is Wa FM back after 15 years hiatus? Will One FM become "Wa FM 2.0" on 2nd August 2021?

 

2nd August 2021, all new radio station, all new breakfast show, coming soon!

 

If One FM becomes "Wa FM 2.0", Ripple Chinese radio station can compete against MY, Melody and goXUAN from Astro Radio, and 988 from Star Radio Group.  In addition, by combining Gen X, Y and Z content into one station, at least the radio station is less slapstick and more balance in terms of content.

 

Here is a video of teaser of Fly FM, Hot FM, One FM and Kool FM.

已經沉寂15年的"嘩FM"會是否捲土重來嗎? One FM會變成"嘩FM 2.0"嗎?

2003-2005年之間, 馬來西亞曾經有家中文電台, 名字是"嘩FM", 這家電台當時是屬於ntv7. 由於ntv7面對財政危機而被首要媒體 (Media Prima) 收購, 嘩FM也在2006年變成馬來語電台Hot FM.

3年後的2009年, 首要媒體推出一家走娛樂路線的中文電台One FM.

如今One FM已經廣播12年, 電台表現最近都開始"嘛嘛地". 同時首要媒體廣播網(Ripple)得到新的管理層, 加上管理層對進行旗下電台進行大改革.

中文電台one FM在2021年8月2日會以全新品牌向聽眾見面. 

Ripple執行長給暗示, 在Instagram 發布預告片"Goodbye One FM". 這意味著One FM在2021年8月2日以新的電台名稱出發, 跟One FM不同的是, 這家新的中文電台不走One FM的娛樂路線, 我猜測它會走988大眾市場的路線.

 

大眾市場電台的內容涵蓋X, Y和Z時代聽眾需求, 聽眾年齡群的範圍是很大的, 15-45歲. 

收聽頻率跟目前的One FM是一樣的.

沉寂15年的嘩FM回歸廣播? One FM是否會變成"嘩FM 2.0" 嗎?

 

8月2號, 新電台, 新早晨節目, 敬請期待!

8月2日後, 沒有One FM這家電台名字. 如果問我甚麼電台名字, 我會建議 "嘩FM", 因為這家電台對我很有意思, 它的路線是混合了娛樂和資訊.

 

如果One FM變成"嘩FM 2.0", 首要媒體的中文電台可以對抗Astro大台的MY, Melody和goXUAN, 並增強競爭力. 同時, "嘩FM 2.0" 也會跟988競爭.

以下是首要媒體Ripple Media旗下的Fly FM, Hot FM, One FM和Kool FM的大轉型預告短片.

Ripple is overhauling Hot FM, Fly FM, One FM and Kool FM. What are the future of Kool FM?

 

In June 2021, Ripple (Media Prima Radio Networks) gets all new management team. Mr Nazri Noran is new Ripple CEO, meanwhile Datuk Jake Abdullah is consultant of Ripple. The new management team members are mostly former Astro Radio talents.

 

Recently many existing DJs within Ripple radio networks such as Fly FM, Hot FM, One FM and Kool FM resigned and some of their employment contracts are not renewed, this indicates Ripple is performing a full overhaul of its radio stations to keep the company growing and deliver relevant as well as fresh content to the listeners.

 

Kool FM, the 4th radio station from Ripple. Pi Mai FM 90.2MHz and Ultra FM 101.3MHz were acquired by Media Prima, and both were rebranded as Kool FM, launched in March 2016. Kool FM was Malay language Gen X radio station, playing songs from 1980s till today, its rival station is Sinar FM. On January 2020, Kool FM rebranded to talk radio station with the tagline "Suara Semasa" (Current Voices), while radio announcers were retained as well as it plays 1980s, 90s, 2000s and current songs.

 

Talk about coverage availability of Kool FM on radio, unlike Hot FM, One FM and Fly FM, Kool FM has less frequencies because many regions have no available frequencies. Hence, MCMC does not accept frequency application due to spectrum traffic is full.

 

Kool FM initially starts with FM 101.3MHz Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Sungai Besi) and FM 90.2MHz Penang (Bukit Penara) on its first day on air, later it expanded to Kuala Terengganu on FM 93.6MHz (Bukit Besar) in July 2016, Kota Bharu on FM 88.6MHz (Peringat) in October 2016, Alor Setar on FM 107.3MHz (Menara Alor Setar) and latest Kuching on FM 104.3MHz (Bukit Djin) in 2017.

 

Until today, Kool FM is not available of its frequencies in:

1. Ipoh (Gunung Kledang)

2. Seremban (Gunung Telapak Burok/Bukit Gun)

3. Johor Bahru (Gunung Pulai)

4. Melaka (Gunung Ledang)

5. Kuantan (Bukit Pelindung)

6. Kota Kinabalu (Bukit Karatong)

 

Taiping (Bukit Larut) is less important as the town can receive Kool FM on 90.2MHz from Bukit Penara, Penang.

 

By performing basic FM bandscan with radio receiver to check vacant frequency, there are unavailable frequencies in Seremban, Melaka, and Johor, so I don't even think Kool FM will get frequencies in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. Under this situation, Kool FM can only expand coverage to Kuantan, and Kota Kinabalu, meanwhile Ipoh is not really available.

 

In addition, Kool FM Klang Valley frequency 101.3MHz coverage is not fully covering whole Selangor state because it is transmitted from Bukit Sungai Besi. To cover more areas, Kool FM 101.3MHz should be transmitted from Gunung Ulu Kali.

 

However, this won't really affect listeners to tune to Kool FM because Kool FM can be tuned on digital platform alternatively such as Kool FM mobile app, YouTube LIVE streaming, and MYTV myFreeview. When it comes digital listening platform, I would choose YouTube LIVE streaming to listen to Kool FM because YouTube is very straightforward and easy to me. 

 

Talk back of its frequencies coverage expansion, it is difficult to get frequencies in Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka and Johor due to spectrum is fully occupied. Look at its sister radio station, One FM, frequency coverage expansion in Johor Bahru is basically transmitted from Gunung Pulai, but due to unavailable frequencies, Media Prima already spent two years to get One FM Johor Bahru frequency, so One FM finally got its Johor Bahru frequency FM 105.3MHz, however transmitter site is located in Johor Bahru City (Taman Sentosa) and operating at low power transmission instead.

 

Future of Kool FM is my question actually.

 

Will Kool FM merged into Hot FM, then Hot FM becomes unformatted Malay language radio stations to target Gen X, Y and Z Malay listeners, also classify as "mass scale radio station"?

 

Currently Ripple performs transformation on One FM, Kool FM, Fly FM and Hot FM, I'm thinking if Kool FM will remain same branding or dissolve, or even rebrand to another format radio station?

 

As Kool FM can't expand coverage under FM radio in West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia due to unavailable frequencies spectrum, 

 

1. If Kool FM closes down existing West Coast frequencies (107.3MHz Alor Setar, 90.2MHz Penang and 101.3MHz Klang Valley), the frequencies would be returned to MCMC. However, if Kool FM retains its existing East Coast frequencies (93.6MHz Kuala Terengganu and 88.6MHz Kota Bharu), then adds Kuantan frequencies, Kool FM will become Malay language East Coast radio station. This can compete with THR Gegar and Manis FM in east coast region.

 

If 107.3MHz Alor Setar, 90.2MHz Penang and 101.3MHz Klang Valley are closed and returned to MCMC, MCMC can make open tender to new broadcasters on those defunct frequencies.

 

2. If Kool FM dissolves, existing west coast frequencies are closed down and east coast frequencies becomes Malay East Coast radio station to compete with Gegar and Manis FM, then its Kuching frequency 104.3MHz becomes Fly FM. Hence, with adding Kota Kinabalu frequency, Fly FM already enters East Malaysia region at the first time and ends monopoly of Hitz, Mix and Lite from Astro Radio in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

 

3. If while Kool FM rebrands its existing Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu frequencies to Malay East Coast radio station, then West Coast existing frequencies become Tamil radio station to compete with Raaga, I don't think it would happen because Ripple can't expand further coverage in West Coast Peninsular region (Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka, Johor) for Tamil radio stations due to unavailability frequencies.

 

If Kool FM is still alive, and its frequencies lineup still exists, Ripple has to continue concentrating digital platform in order to keep the radio station in relevant condition. 

 

While the transformation is on going, we have to just wait and see about Ripple's new plan and direction in near future after the overhaul is done.

List of Media Prima (Ripple) radio stations which are not available in certain territories like competitor.

 

Ripple (formerly known as Media Prima Networks) currently owns Fly FM, Hot FM, One FM and Kool FM. Due to its lineup, I call it as FHOK (Fly + Hot + One + Kool) as short form term. 

 

Among all its radio stations, in terms of broadcast coverage, Hot FM is the most completed radio station as it has transmitters as much as its competitor, Era (except Langkawi, Miri, Sandakan and Sibu). 10 years ago, Hot FM added Taiping on the frequency 90.5MHz from Bukit Larut, and the coverage was completed.

 

Meanwhile, Fly FM, One FM and Kool FM coverage are not completed as Hot FM due to certain reasons.

 

So, I compare Fly FM, One FM and Kool FM with Hot FM in terms of coverage availability.

 

1. Fly FM

* Taiping: Not available (but receivable on FM 89.9MHz from Penang Bukit Penara)

* Kota Kinabalu: Not available

* Kuching: Not available

 

2. One FM

* Taiping: Not available (but receivable on FM 87.8MHz from Gunung Jerai)

* Kota Bharu: Not available

* Kuala Terengganu: Not available  

 

One FM is not available in Kota Bharu, and Kuala Terengganu as Hot FM, Fly FM and Kool FM because these two towns have no commercial value to One FM. In addition, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu are not Chinese market town as they're Malay majority areas.

 

3. Kool FM

*  Taiping: Not available (but receivable on FM 90.2MHz from Penang Bukit Penara)

* Ipoh: Not available

* Kuantan: Not available

* Kota Kinabalu: Not available

* Seremban: Not available

* Melaka: Not available

* Johor Bahru: Not available 

 

For Kool FM case, I understand that the radio station is unable to expand broadcast coverage on FM frequencies due to unavailability of spectrum at the moment. 

 

If I compare the coverage availability between Ripple and Astro Radio in overall, all of its radio stations have no additional frequencies in Langkawi, Sibu, Miri and Sandakan. 

 

I don't think Ripple will expand coverage to Sibu, Miri and Sandakan in Borneo states as Hot FM, and One FM doesn't have localized branch in Sabah and Sarawak like what their competitors did.

 

For now, technically all Ripple radio stations are available nationwide, but on MYTV DVB-T2 Lite platform. Listeners can tune to Fly FM, One FM, Kool FM and Hot FM on MYTV alternatively, even online streaming, mobile app and YouTube as digital listening platforms.

 

As I wrote previous article, under brand new management team of Ripple who are former talents of Astro Radio, in order to compete against Hitz and MY from Astro Radio, I doubt Ripple will expand coverage to Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu for One FM, meanwhile Kota Kinabalu and Kuching for Fly FM in the future or not. 

Will Fly FM get Kota Kinabalu and Kuching frequencies in the future under brand new Ripple (Media Prima Radio Networks) management after a major transformation?

 

In June 2021, Media Prima Radio Networks aka Ripple appointed former Astro Radio talents as its brand new management team. Former Astro Radio CEO Datuk Jake Abdullah is appointed as consultant of Ripple to assist in content, branding and audience strategies, meanwhile Mr Nazri Noran is the all-new Ripple CEO.

 

Hence, Ripple management team consists all Astro Radio ex-staff to lead the company, effective from June 2021. Under brand new management, Ripple's radio stations FHOK (Fly FM, Hot FM, One FM and Kool FM) will go a full transformation soon, in terms of station branding, content and DJs lineup.

 

Recently many DJs from Hot FM, Kool FM and One FM are leaving the stations, I believe this is part of full transformation for all radio stations under Ripple.

 

Fly FM will be likely transformed. Currently it is an English radio station to target 15-30 years old listeners, its main competitor is Hitz from Astro Radio, also partly Mix.

 

Future of Fly FM? Becoming a mass listeners radio station to target larger group from Gen X, Y and Z by playing English songs from 1980s till today? I'm uncertain about it.

 

If Fly FM is transformed as unformatted English radio station to target larger group listeners (15-50 years old), I believe Fly FM can compete against these formatted radio stations from Astro Radio such as Hitz, Mix and Lite.

 

About Fly FM's broadcast coverage, currently it broadcasts only in Peninsular Malaysia, but there is no Fly FM in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and Kuching, Sarawak like Hitz, Mix and Lite.

 

It is about Fly FM's broadcast license condition actually. If Fly FM runs nationwide license, it can expand to East Malaysia.

 

Under all new Ripple management team.... New boss, new management, new pattern and new branding.

 

In order to compete against Hitz, Mix and Lite more, Ripple can expand Fly FM broadcast coverage to Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. The advantage is Ripple can end the monopoly of Astro Radio English radio stations' segment in KK and Kuching. In addition, listeners in KK and Kuching will get more choice of tuning English radio stations.

 

Transmitter site in Kuching is Bukit Djin, meanwhile Kota Kinabalu is Bukit Karatong.

 

首要媒體Ripple的管理層換了人. 新管理層, 新作風. One FM是否會在瓜拉登嘉樓和哥打峇魯設有頻道來對抗MY FM和Melody FM?

 

Media Prima 廣播網 (Ripple)在2021年5月開始已經有全新的管理層人員陣容. 新的執行長(CEO)是Nazri Noran, 然後前Astro Radio執行長Datuk Jake Abdullah 則是 Ripple集團的顧問.

 

前Ripple執行長Seelan Paul則是ntv7的執行長 (ntv7 在2022年或許回歸廣播).

 

繼旗下電台Hot FM, Kool FM和One FM 很多主持人不獲挽留而離職, Media Prima 廣播網現在對四家電台進行巨型的改革, 這種的改革涵蓋了電台內容, 品牌方向/定位和聽眾市場群.

 

One FM是一家鎖定15-30歲聽眾的中文電台, 播放最新的中文流行歌曲, 西洋和韓國音樂, 其主要競爭對手是MY FM和goXUAN. 廣播覆蓋範圍方面, One FM已經差不多覆蓋全國, 目前它擁有9個發射站覆蓋主要華裔市場地區.

 

* 87.8MHz 吉打, 玻璃市, 檳城, 太平和霹靂北部 (Gunung Jerai)

* 87.6MHz 怡保和霹靂中部 (Gunung Kledang)

* 88.1MHz 雪隆區, 霹靂南部, 彭亨西部, 吉蘭丹話望生 (Gunung Ulu Kali)

* 88.3MHz 芙蓉 (Bukit Gun)

* 88.1MHz 馬六甲, 柔佛中北部和森美蘭其餘地區 (Gunung Ledang)

* 105.3MHz 新山 (Taman Sentosa)

* 100.4MHz 關丹 (Bukit Pelindung)

* 95.7MHz 亞庇 (Bukit Karatong)

* 98.3MHz 古晉 (Bukit Djin)

跟對手MY FM不一樣的地方是One FM沒有瓜拉登嘉樓和哥打峇魯頻道.

 

其實One FM沒有在登嘉樓和吉蘭丹州有廣播頻道是因為兩地對One FM是沒有商業價值, 所以該台沒有在當地投資, 最終MY FM和Melody FM在吉蘭丹和登嘉樓壟斷中文電台市場, 另外988也沒有在當地有收聽頻道.

 

為了對MY FM產生更加大的競爭, 在新的管理層領導之下, 加上Ripple新的管理層是前Astro Radio的人才, One FM是否會在哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓設有頻道來提升競爭? 這個才是One FM的未來方向之一.

 

若One FM在哥打巴魯和瓜拉登嘉樓設有頻道, 這意味著One FM可以在當地結束Astro Radio旗下的MY FM和Melody FM的中文電台市場壟斷. 三台之間也的競爭力會增加.

One FM很多主持人不獲挽留和突然離巢. One FM進行大改革, 2021年8月以全新品牌姿態向聽眾見面?

 

今天是否是黑色星期五嗎? 

 

今天我在社交媒體無意中看到One FM Morning Kaki 主持人William 辛威廉宣布他今天是他最後一天在One FM當班, 許多聽眾和粉絲感到依依不捨.

 

 

 

然後我也閱讀了一則新聞報導One FM發生"大地震", 很多主持人不被挽留. <Morning Kaki>主持人Nicholas翁書尉和<Happy Hour>主持人Ding Ding丁丁也今天最後一天當班, 所以one FM從下個星期後剩下Angeline和Hana心怡.

 

我中學時期收聽的One FM, 當時的主持人陣容如Jeff, Jane, Yoon, Jack, Ryan, Kyan, Lucas, 和Sumi 等等都已經離開One FM很久了. 目前Nicholas是最前輩的主持人, William是第二位One FM的前輩主持人.

 

One FM大地震其實也發生在姐妹台Hot FM, Kool FM和Fly FM (FHOK), 主要原因是首要媒體電台網 (Ripple)管理層已經完全換人, 新的Ripple執行長現在對旗下四家電台 (FHOK)如火如荼地進行大改革來對抗Astro電台, 並增加競爭力.

因為歌曲不斷重複的關係, 我已經有一段時間沒有收聽One FM, 大約5年吧! 從2021年6月, 我開始回歸收聽One FM, 雖然重複性還有在, 但歌曲循環率有點進步.

另外, Media Prima Ripple的全新管理層都是前Astro電台的人, 所以四家電台肯定會有大型改革. 

 

大改革正如火如荼地進行, One FM是否會在8月份以全新的品牌姿態? 

 

大革新? 大方向? One FM會不會變成一家大眾性的中文電台呢? 變成一家X, Y和Z時代聽眾的綜合電台來對抗988, MY, Melody和goXUAN?

 

這個就很難解答. One FM是主要與MY FM競爭的電台. 收聽率表現方面, One FM是收聽率最低的中文電台, 受到對手988, MY FM, Melody和2017年推出的網紅電台goXUAN大大地打擊.

 

這裡有些建議, 為了提高競爭和為One FM做出大翻身, One FM必須停止播放同樣的歌曲, 然後歌曲必須多樣化, 所以這也可以吸引聽眾收聽, 然後聽眾不會對歌曲重複問題而厭倦. 

 

收聽頻道覆蓋範圍方面, One FM目前已經差不多覆蓋全國, 除了吉蘭丹(哥打峇魯)和登嘉樓(瓜登). 為了大大力對抗My FM和Melody FM, 首要媒體是否會為One FM設有哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓頻道嗎? 實際上, 因為華裔人口低的關係, One FM在哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓的市場並不大, 目前為止One FM是沒有哥打峇魯和瓜拉登嘉樓頻道.  

William辛威廉和Nicholas翁書尉已經沒有在one FM主持, 為了歡送他們, 這是我與他們在2015年9月的ntv7園遊會拍下的照片.