COMMUNICATION and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil should not interfere in disputes that commercial affairs television stations have with their suppliers, said free-to-air Malaysian television channel Awesome TV.
This comes after the Lembah Pantai MP urged Awesome TV to complete its obligations on unpaid debts and any lawsuits involving the publisher as soon as possible.
“The outstanding debt has affected drama producers or programmes financed by MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd, which is an agency under the ministry,” Malaysiakini reported Fahmi as saying.
Awesome TV stated yesterday (May 30) that the parties responsible for the development of television programmes and payment to production businesses are intermediary companies or agents selected by the television station, not the station itself.
On matters related to MyCreative Ventures, the private free-to-air channel stressed that it does not have any dealings with the agency.
Awesome TV is of the opinion that it’s not appropriate for neither Fahmi nor MyCreative Ventures to make any statements.
“We strongly object to the statement issued by Fahmi recently about Awesome TV. The minister should do further research before spewing unfair and negative words at Awesome TV.
“As a television station that firmly adheres to the principles of integrity, Awesome TV has conducted company operations in compliance with the rules and guidelines set and will take legal action against those who unfairly tarnish Awesome TV’s image,” it said.
Moreover, it also expressed hopes that the media and society can fully understand the real context of the situation and not make judgements that may result in defamation.
“We remain committed to providing high-quality content and making a significant contribution to the broadcasting industry.”
Earlier on May 24, Awesome TV was fined RM250,000 by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for a number of violations, including operating without a valid licence.
In February, it was reported that the MCMC was probing Awesome TV for a broadcast that claimed the government planned to lay off 800,000 civil personnel.
Awesome TV claimed that some social media practitioners distorted the Berita 757 report that it produced. – May 31, 2023
