Bandar Seri Begawan - Positive changes to Brunei's airwaves are currently taking shape as the government broadcaster, Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB), embarks on several new projects that will see an improved service to meet the needs of the people.

Speaking during the launch of this year's RTB Media Carnival (RTBMC) that took place at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre yesterday, Acting Director of RTB, Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu, announced that the state organisation has set its sights on bringing in not just more local content but also the utilisation of technology that will bring RTB closer to its viewers.

The acting director explained that RTB will introduce a new android smartphone application known as RTB-Tvku that will give viewers the chance to access RTB's TV guide and to provide viewers with enhanced sound and picture quality, the installation of a digital transmission station in Andulau along with the upgrading of the current transmission station in Bukit Subok whereby both "will provide complete coverage of Digital RTB throughout the Sultanate".

"The transfer to digital transmission is among the country's commitment in adopting the digital transmission system within all of Asean's 10 nations as of 2015-2020 whereby Brunei Darussalam is the pioneer for this change," expressed Haji Muhammad Suffian.

Staying true to its mission, "Shaping a community that is informed and knowledgeable through quality programmes and to, together, cultivate the Malay Islamic Monarchy and a Zikir Nation", it was also revealed that RTB will continue to focus on its contents based on viewers' feedback.

There are plans to gradually increase local content from the current 51 per cent up to 70 per cent for RTB1 and from 13 per cent to 40 per cent for RTB2 whilst programmes produced by the private sector "will be evaluated not just from its quality and script but also based on its technicality with the aim to make these programmes marketable and meet regional and international standards".

Towards improving programme scripts, RTB has also assembled a Script Evaluation Panel comprising skilled personnel and, at the same time, will also commit to airing more children and youth friendly programmes as well as dramas.

For added value to benefit the population, RTB will also continue to air programmes such as Wawasan 2035 and National Development Plan, standalone news for each district and increase local sports news.

Attributing the achievements that have been made thus far to the highly skilled people working behind the scenes, the acting director also stated that the organisation's Training Development Centre, will also carry on to organise human resource capacity building programmes for its people with international training institutions.

The fourth in a series since it was introduced in 2009, the RTBMC, meanwhile, will be held until this Sunday and members of the public are welcome to take part in and witness the various activities that have been scheduled to take place including show rehearsals and stage performances, workshops and seminars, competitions for both adults and children, auditions and an audience survey to provide RTB with the opportunity to better understand viewer's needs. Among the highlights of the free-entry event will be the Gala Night tomorrow at 8pm; Early Selection for Bintang Kecil on Sunday at 10am, the Indie Band finals at 2pm and a 'Bermukun' session at 4pm.

Among the main objectives of this year's RTBMC, said Haji Muhammad Suffian, "Is to be among one of RTB's platforms that will give staff to interact with the public in promoting RTB's products, programmes and plans", along with, "Strengthening ties between the government and the people in general and especially with RTB".

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin