KUALA LUMPUR, 5 January 2017 – Astro Awani, the No.1 news channel in Malaysia, is pleased to announce today the launch of HARI INI 8mlm, an all-new 60 minutes signature news programme in Bahasa Malaysia, which is live 8pm every day on Astro Awani (Channel 501) on Astro TV, Astro on the Go, Astro Awani website and mobile app.
Faizal Mansor, Chief Executive Officer of Astro Awani said, “HARI INI 8mlm is conceived to deliver breaking news that matters to progressive Malaysians. The programme illuminates on the ‘why’ behind today’s major stories, with our news anchors leading in-depth discussions with subject matter experts to dissect and examine the different facets of each story. Viewers can expect HARI INI 8mlm to deliver its unique brand of solution-focused journalism as it tackles a wide range of current affairs, political, economic, business, sports and entertainment news. Ultimately, HARI INI 8mlm aspires to be an indispensable source of news that helps viewers to make better and more informed decisions every day.”
HARI INI 8mlm is anchored by a group of experienced journalists, namely:
Ashwad Ismail has made his mark as a storyteller and is among the key faces of Astro Awani. His coverage of the Freedom Flotilla mission in Gaza was recognised with the Best TV News Coverage and the Best TV Reporter Awards in the 2011 Anugerah Sri Angkasa.
Cynthia Ng has been reporting on a wide range of local and international news for close to a decade, from the incidents involving Malaysia Airlines, the Malaysian general election to economic, market and finance news.
Hans Yusoff was the 2nd runner-up in Astro’s reality talent show ‘On Air’. His interest in broadcasting, politics and current affairs has led to opportunities to be a news presenter for Astro Awani and a moderator for the Debat Awani programme.
Adilla Azam’s track record in journalism includes writing for The New Straits Times and Malaysian Insider, where she wrote on social and human interest issues including wildlife poaching in forest reserves across Malaysia, the state of the Rohingnya community living in Malaysia and more. Adilla joined Astro Awani to diversify her talents from writing to anchoring.
Hilal Azmi has built a reputation for being amongst the first journalist to be at the site of major newsbreaks to deliver the latest updates and visuals. He was in Cameron Highlands and the East Coast as major floods struck and displaced thousands.
Asyraf Hasnan joined Astro Awani to realise his aspiration to bring the latest breaking news to Malaysians. He has covered major developments including the AirAsia incident in Indonesia and the passing of PAS’ spiritual guru Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
Astro Awani was launched in 2007 to provide round-the-clock and in-depth coverage of issues concerning Malaysia via its news bulletins and current affairs programmes, as well as documentaries, magazine programmes and talk shows. Astro Awani has also developed a significant presence in the digital space. Its website commands an average monthly 20 million page views from 4.5 million unique viewers, its app attracts an average monthly 5 million views and its social media platforms have a combined fan base of 3.1 million that registers an average monthly reach of over 60.0 million.
