13 April
The Grand Launch of Channel K was held at Mya Kyun Thar Park yesterday.
The event was formally opened by Union Minister for Information Dr. Pe Myint, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, Yangon Region Hluttaw Deputy Speaker U Lin Naing Myint, MRTV Director-General U Myint Htwe, Yangon City Development Committee Secretary Daw Hlaing Maw Oo, KMA Group of Companies Chairman U Khin Maung Aye, and other officials after they cut ceremonial ribbons.
The opening ceremony was started with a shadow theatre performance and video clip titled ‘Shu maw thar yar Mya Kyun Thar’ was played.
Dr. Pe Myint then delivered a speech. He said Ministry of Information is operating the state-run media and is also carrying out development of private media. The private media industry comprises of periodicals and TV channels. In the broadcast media sector, only Shwe Than Lwin and Forever companies received permission in the time of the previous government administration.
The incumbent government took measures to grant permission to further private media and has given permission to five channels to be operated with the MRTV and DVB T-2 Multi-Channel Playout System.
He continued to say that as there were many business personnel to operate the TV channels but MRTV could provide only five new private TV channels, the MoI hired a company to select winners for the TV channels accordingly. He said there were 42 applicants and the selection committee chose five out of them after careful screening processes. The five TV channels are currently running, he said.
The Union Minister said Channel K tested it broadcasts and is now broadcasting full programmes. He expressed his delight for Channel K’s progress. With emergence of TV channels, there would be competitions in the industry, he said, adding that some would enjoy success while some face challenges.
However, the competition conventionally drives improvement and development of quality TV programmes for the people in the future, he said.
Next, U Phyo Min Thein and U Khin Maung Aye delivered congratulatory speeches on Channel K’s launch.
The entertainment programme of the grand launch included a special presentation of Channel K’s theme song by the brand ambassadors, a Thingyan performance by Myo Shwe Man Thar Lay Poe Chit theatre troupe, a performance on the changing film landscape by music bands and artistes, another Thingyan performance by U Myo Min theatre troupe, song performances by Ni Ni Khin Zaw, Soe Pyae Thazin, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein and Sai Sai Kham Leng, and concluded with a rendition of ‘Shwe Pyi Thingyan’ by Yan Aung.
The Grand Launch event was attended by Hluttaw MPs, government departmental officials, artistes, invited guests, and media personnel. —Ye Kaung Nyunt, Zaw Gyi (Translated by GNLM)
