National news agency Bernama is seeking help from Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek to solve the salary crisis that has hit Bernama TV (BTV).

BTV, a private entity owned by Bernama TV Synergy Sdn Bhd, last paid its journalists on Dec 24.

However, the general manager of Bernama , Zulkefli Salleh, told Malaysiakini that a solution should emerge within the next few days, noting that talks with Shabery were positive.

"I met him and explained the situation. We are working something out so that Bernama can help the (Bernama TV Synergy) workers," Zulkefli ( left ) said when contacted.

"It's not a total solution, but it will address their immediate needs," he added.

The national news agency, a minority shareholder of Bernama TV Synergy, stepped in to help pay wages because Bernama TV Synergy was running at a loss.

But Bernama ran out of funds to support the TV station last year.

"When it comes to salaries, it should be the company (Bernama TV Synergy) which pays, but for the past four years it has been Bernama that has done so... we are helping the workers," Zulkefli said.

In charge of operations as well

Bernama holds a 33 percent stake in Bernama TV Synergy through its subsidiary, Bernama Bhd, and is also in charge of operations.

The other 67 percent are held by three private companies - Redberry Sdn Bhd, Hallmax Entertainment Sdn Bhd, and Standard Code Sdn Bhd

Redberry, which also owns The Malay Mail , came to have a stake in BTV after it took over Silver Ridge Sdn Bhd's shares.

It took charge of operations in late 2010 and tried unsuccessfully to rebrand the station.

Then Information, Communication and Culture Minister, Rais Yatim later ordered the government, via Bernama, to take charge of operations in May 2011.

This happened after yet another wage crisis which saw BTV staff not getting their salaries.

 

Malaysiakini understands that while all four shareholders are on good terms, the private owners have put the onus of making money solely on Bernama .

Meanwhile, Zulkefli denied speculation that the cabinet met yesterday to decide whether or not to shut down the station.

"Why should cabinet decide (the fate) of a (private) company? If the government intervenes, it is on humanitarian grounds," he said.

As to whether those who had staged a demonstration yesterday would face disciplinary action, Zulkefli said it was unlikely, but it would be up to the Bernama TV Synergy management.

BTV's pay woes come just under two months after it solved its last wage crisis, but it is not the only media organisation having trouble maintaining its bottom line.

National broadcaster RTM is also having trouble paying its contract workers, forcing some to sell coconuts, work at fast food outlets and put their weddings on hold.

Astro Productions, a subsidiary of satellite television provider Astro, last month laid off 60 employees on a 24-hour notice.