Development Broadcasting in Malaysia and Thailand: An Analysis of Concept and Strategies

Abstract

Broadcasting has played a significant role in motivating, educating and mobilizing the population of a country for social and economic development. This distinctive role of broadcasting is termed as Developmemt Broadcasting. The analytical approach was used via documentary studied relevant to the development broadcasting as mentioned earlier. This paper will discuss the concept of Development Broadcasting as it has been applied in Malaysia and Thailand. It will also analyze and compare the approaches and strategies of using broadcasting for development in the two countries. As the two countries are politically and socially different so are their broadcasting system. Broadcasting in Malaysia has been a driving force in term of social engineering and political commitment that has contributed to the country's development. Through broadcasting the country was united in facing the threat of communist insurgency in 1944-1960's. After that broadcasting was mobilized to set the stage for economic development through motivational and educational programs. Both radio and television have significantly played their roles in shaping the past and present achievement of Malaysia. Unlike Malaysia, Thailand has specific agency to carry out educational or development broadcasting. Educational Broadcasting Network of Thailand has dedicated radio stations throughout the country which broadcast in-school programs, non-formal education programs, in-service teacher training, Open University programs, agricultural extension programs, health programs and news relayed from National Broadcasting Station. Besides that, there is the Agricultural Extension Service Radio operated by the Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives. Many Thai television broadcast special agricultural programs for the rural population. Especially Radio Thailand program has its weekly talk directly from the Prime Minister on every Saturday morning to inform and wrap up any important event to the general Thai people to provided motivation and knowledge that enhanced positive attitudes towards national development among the population of Thailand.