THE Malaysian Television Producers' Association (PTVM) has outlined four steps for television producers to achieve an ecosystem conducive to an efficient broadcasting industry.
Its president, Datuk Jurey Latiff Rosli, revealed this at a recent engagement session with the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya.
"PTVM has proposed four important steps for the ministry to implement, so that we, television producers, will have a good ecosystem that takes the television broadcasting industry higher," he said.
"First, evaluate the need to control the number of companies registered with the ministry in order to participate in pitching sessions with Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
"Secondly, ensure that production companies have a licence from the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) before their staff undergo courses or skills training under the Malaysian Creative Capacity Enhancement Programme (MyCAP).
"Third, realise international cooperation initiatives that utilise Finas and RTM resources.
"Finally, export RTM content through government and private collaborations."
The meeting was chaired by the ministry's deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin and was also attended by PTVM honorary secretary Anuar Che Embi and committee member Omar Ahmad.
Jurey said PTVM strongly believes that the industry needs to be restructured to enhance competitiveness and the ability to attract domestic and foreign investors.
"The proposal to adopt the method implemented by the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) is seen as the best for TV production companies when it comes to RTM's procurement methods
"A comprehensive study needs to be done if the ministry wants to see a more dynamic industrial landscape.
"It must take into account the policy of the Madani government, which has already begun targeted subsidy restructuring for the people's benefit.
"The TV industry also needs to be restructured to ensure that experienced, capable and competitive companies continue to be given the opportunity to get government contracts," he said.
Jurey added that the industry should provide accreditation to each industry player, via the creative industry recognition framework as implemented by Finas, the Human Resource Development Corporation and the Malaysian Skills Development Department.
"Healthy competition will open fairer opportunities and there will be a win-win situation between industry players and the government."
Last year, PTVM called on Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to consider helping producers faced with a tough situation due to a lack of jobs from RTM.
Jurey said there has been no announcement by the minister on an additional budget to aid TV producers.
He further lamented that during the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, the government had injected substantial funds to stimulate the industry but it has since stopped.
PTVM, he explained, has proposed that RTM carry out a payment system similar to private TV stations, whereby a down payment of 30 per cent is paid out to the producer and the remaining would be given once the product is completed.