SAC Vice Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win attends 79th Anniversary of MRTV of Ministry of Information

NAY PYI TAW February 15

The 79th Anniversary of Myanma Radio and Television, which of the first-ever  media of Myanmar, under the Ministry of Information took place at the head  office of MRTV in Tatkon of Nay Pyi Taw this morning, with an address by Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win.

Also present at the ceremony were council members, Union ministers, Union-level dignitaries, senior Tatmadaw officers, deputy ministers, staff of MRTV, retirees of MRTV, officials from Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization, Myanmar Press Council and Myanmar Comedians’ Association, media, artistes and guests together with staff from MRTV of Yangon and TV re-transmission stations through online.

The Vice-Senior General and entourage were warmly welcomed by Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn and party, officials of MRTV, ethnic service personnel from ethnic channel of MRTV, and artistes.

At the Auditorium hall from the main building of MRTV, LED animation was screened to launch the 79th  Anniversary of MRTV. Staff from MRTV performed dances with the song titled “Peaceful Myanmar”. A video clip titled “State media which is striving for the sake of the State and the people” was presented.

The Vice-Senior General pressed the button to launch the MRTV Entertainment Channel of MRTV, Mahar HD channel in addition to 12 TV Hight Definition (HD) channels in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw (Pyinmana) and Sagaing (Mandalay) through MRTV DVB-T2 system, and posting of MRTV Radio Application online.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Senior General said that the beginning of  Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV) was originally called "Rangoon Radio." It was later renamed "Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS)" on 15 February 1946. This date has since been designated as the anniversary of Myanma Radio and Television, and annual commemorative ceremonies have been held yearly.

The 62nd Anniversary celebration of MRTV was first held in Nay Pyi Taw, and  this year marks the 18th time it has been celebrated there. The Vice- Senior General expressed his pleasure to deliver a speech at this event.

MRTV is a long-standing State-owned media organization that has been a pillar in the country for many years.

Throughout different eras, it has dutifully served for both the nation and the people. At the same time, it has adapted and evolved in line with advancements in technology and expertise, continuously modernizing itself to keep pace with the changing times. Therefore, reaching this significant milestone of its 79th Anniversary is a moment of great pride and recognition.

During MRTV’s anniversary celebrations, it has been able to introduce improvements and innovations year after year, making continuous progress. It is also gratifying to see that it has been increasingly effective in informing, entertaining, and educating the public.

At the 76th  Anniversary of MRTV in Nay Pyi Taw, Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, personally attended and inaugurated the uniquely significant “MRTV Diamond Jubilee Museum”, which has become a new attraction. Moreover, the Senior General also launched the “MRTV News Channel”, a dedicated news channel similar to major international television networks, as well as "MRTVDTH," a digital Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasting system that enables nationwide  coverage.

This event highlighted the government's strong support and recognition of  State-owned media, demonstrating the high level of importance placed on State-owned broadcasting.

Similarly, at the 77th  Anniversary Ceremony, it was observed that the MRTV  News Channel, which had been broadcasting from a backup studio, was able to inaugurate a new dedicated “MRTV News Channel Studio” for exclusive use in its broadcasts.

The Ministry of Information also announced at the 78th Anniversary Ceremony  that, in line with the agreement among ASEAN countries to cease analogue broadcasting and switch to digital systems referred to as “Analogue Switch Off  (ASO)” a pilot project was launched to begin halting analogue broadcasts from three relay stations in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, and Mandalay. Additionally, it was noted that in these three major cities, the number of TV channels broadcasting in High Definition (HD) quality under the Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial- 2 (DVB-T2) system was upgraded from the original two channels to eleven  channels.

Furthermore, it was proudly observed that the number of channels broadcast via the Direct To Home (DTH) system was expanded from seven to nineteen channels.

At today’s 79th  Anniversary Ceremony, it was announced that MRTV’s DVB-T2 broadcasting system, which originally aired 18 channels, has expanded by adding one more channel.

A new channel, “MRTV Entertainment Channel (me),” has been launched today, broadcasting in High Definition (HD) quality. Additionally, in the three major cities of Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, and Mandalay, three Standard Definition (SD)  channels have been upgraded to High Definition (HD) quality, one of which has been allocated to Mahar TV and was also launched today.

MRTV’s broadcast media, including TV and Radio, which previously aired through traditional platforms, have now adapted to modern trends by making their content accessible via mobile phones through the “MRTV Application.” Furthermore, the radio segment has been separated, and the “MRTV Radio Application” has been launched as part of this initiative.

These achievements are the result of the Ministry of Information and MRTV staff prioritizing the interests of the nation and its people, working with innovation, unity, and dedication to fulfill their responsibilities. This success is a testament to their collective efforts.

Today, MRTV is aligning with the Ministry of Information’s reforms, striving to embody a youthful, dynamic, and modern state media model. It continues to fulfill its three core objectives: disseminating news and information, sharing knowledge, and providing entertainment.

Through television, radio, and news online media platforms, MRTV delivers content and actively participates in national celebrations and major events, showcasing its pride and commitment to serving the public.

Additionally, MRTV has been actively engaging in public relations activities, such as providing entertainment and boosting morale for Tatmadaw members who are courageously fulfilling the nation’s defence and security duties, even performing at frontline battlefields and military camps. They also entertain civil servants studying at the Civil Service Academy to help them relax and rejuvenate.

Furthermore, MRTV organizes performances at recreational centers to uplift the spirits of future leaders who will be the pillars of the nation.

These efforts reflect MRTV’s deep commitment to public relations. Moreover, MRTV takes pride in broadcasting in 20 languages, including 18 ethnic languages, which is a commendable achievement.

Given the current global situation and the realities of Myanmar, it is crucial for the Ministry of Information to lead and for the media to collectively support efforts to foster unity and harmony among all ethnic groups, ensure the eternal stability of the Union, and prevent the disintegration of national unity. It  is important to emphasize that in Myanmar, over a hundred ethnic groups have lived together for thousands of years, sharing the same land and water, enduring hardships and joys together, and maintaining unbroken bonds of friendship and solidarity. This is a well-known fact.

Historically, whenever the Union of Myanmar, built by the collective efforts of states and regions, faced threats of disintegration, the people of Myanmar, who deeply love their nation and its citizens, stood united with the Tatmadaw. With a shared “We are Myanmar” spirit—a sense of unity, solidarity, and unwavering determination they protected and preserved the nation. This collective spirit has always been evident in times of crisis.

To honor the good traditions of Myanmar’s history, we must fulfill our historical responsibilities, ensuring that the Union of Myanmar’s future remains bright and prosperous. We must work together with a unified national spirit to achieve equal development and progress alongside other nations, safeguarding our sovereignty and building a strong, united future.

The stability, peace, and development of the nation are the true desires of all ethnic people across the country. Ethnic  groups in both mountains and plains wish to live together in love and unity as brothers and sisters.

However, domestic and foreign interventions are creating suspicion, division, and hatred among ethnic groups through discord, incitement, and terrorist attacks.In particular, the spread of false reports, fake news, and rumors by subversive media poses a serious threat to the country.Therefore, I strongly request the Ministry of Information, Myanmar Radio and Television, and other related departments to persist in their efforts to safeguard the unity of the Union, reinforce sovereignty, and continue serving the state and the people, in line with their responsibilities as state media.

I would also like to acknowledge that MRTV and its past employees have fulfilled their responsibilities in their respective eras, contributing to the welfare of the state and the people.The new generation of MRTV employees should continue fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure the rapid, peaceful, and prosperous development of the Union of Myanmar, securing its long-term sustainability.

Broadcasting must be professional, and the programs should be of interest to the public, easy to understand, and memorable for all, young and old.It is essential to continue studying international news broadcasts and transform weaknesses into strengths. Today is the era of technology, and the age of AI has arrived.

MRTV operates on a technologydriven foundation, and employees must stay current with the technology and skills of the times.In addition, as television broadcasting demands substantial experience and a wide range of knowledge, it is essential for employees to make studying and reading a regular habit.

In addition, when the tone and intonation of the voice are accurate, punctuation is correctly used, and the appearance is confident, gentle, and appealing to the audience, broadcasts will be more impactful and effective.

Myanmar Radio and Television, which has evolved alongside the nation’s history, must adapt to changing and advancing technologies while striving to create and deliver public services with fresh perspectives and innovative formats.

MRTV should strive to become a hub for producing media professionals, artists, and experts in Myanmar, a garden where all kinds of flowers bloom and flourish, and a fourth pillar of the nation, providing reliable services that the people can trust.

It is essential to share knowledge, including information, provide entertainment, and leave a lasting impression on the hearts of the audience, not only for all ethnic people living in the Union of Myanmar but also for Myanmar citizens abroad and for people and citizens around the world.Best wishes were extended for the 79th Anniversary of Myanmar Radio and Television, with hopes for its continued development, success, and longevity, spreading the fragrance of good news for many centuries to come.

Then, the Vice-Senior General presented Ks-7.5 million for the ceremony to mark the 79th Anniversary of the MRTV to Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn.

Afterward, the union minister presented an emblem commemorating the 79th Anniversary of the MRTV to the Vice-Senior General.

Then, the Vice-Senior General presented honorary awards for staff to staff officer Daw Aye Aye Kyin, who accepted the awards on behalf staff of Earth Station of Technical Division, who exerted efforts to expand MRTV Multiplayout Package from 18 channels to 19 channels, staff of transmitter maintenance section, who managed to broadcast three more HD channels in Nay Pyi Taw (Pyinmana), Yangon and Sagaing (Mandalay) and staff of MI Channel, who won an outstanding award under the title of Major Workforce of MRTV at AUB Diversity and Inclusion Award 2024 organized by the AUB, Asia-Pacific Union of Broadcasting, in Istanbul in Turkey, and an honorary award to staff officer Daw Su Thet Hmu, who the first prize in the unforgettable tour article competition organized by the CGTN.

Then, the Vice-Senior General and party enjoyed music and dances performed by artists from Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, staff of the  MRTV, Myawady Band of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare and professional artists in conjunction with the national orchestra, the national Saing orchestra and the modern music band of the MRTV.

Afterward, the Vice-Senior General presented an honorary flower basket for artists and entertainment bands and greeted them warmly.

Then the Vice-Senior General and party inspected news studios, broadcasting rooms and the convergence newsroom of the MRTV, shooting and broadcasting MSME promos in Myanmar and ethnic languages, research on broadcasting TV with the use of AI technology and the recording for radio play “the face of a doll and the face a flower” and gave necessary instructions on reports of officials.

Afterward, the Vice-Senior General and party enjoyed lunch at the luncheon commemorating the 79th Anniversary of the MRTV together with staff of the MRTV.

Then, the Vice-Senior General and party visited the diamond jubilee museum of the MRTV and officials conducted the Vice-Senior General and party around the museum.

The MRTV is the first radio and television broadcasting enterprise in Myanmar and has been broadcasting programs under the objectives - to inform, to educate and to entertain.

On 15 February, 1946, its parent organization Rangoon Radio was renamed as Burma Broadcasting Services – BBS and started broadcasting colour television programs on 1 November, 1980. At present, it has been broadcasting TV channels including MRTV HD, MRTV News, MRTV NRC, MRTV Farmers’, MRTV Parliament, MRTV Sports channels and MITV, an English language joint venture and radio programs including Myanmar Radio, Thapyay Radio, English language Myanma Radio and ethnic language programs covering 17 languages of ethnic national races.

To enable the public to enjoy high quality programs with clear images and sound, the MRTV broadcast 18 HD quality channels through the current DVB T2 system and launched Mahar HD channel today.

Moreover, a total of 19 channels including those owned the MRTV and private channel, are being broadcast on the MRTV DTH platform of the MRTV and a new exclusive entertainment channel called MRTV Entertainment Channel was launched.

Similarly, the MRTV has also broadcast through Online media to keep up with the changing times by using the MRTV Application, the MRTV Web Portal, Facebook, Telegram, Tiktok and the MRTV Radio App for exclusive radio programs.

The MRTV, which started broadcasting in 1946 with the objectives- to inform, to educate and to entertain, has turned 79 and has been standing tall as a state-owned media giant with progressive changes in successive eras.

Source: Myawady Web Portal