BH (newspaper)
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 Front page of Berita Harian from 5 March 2020. | |
| Type | Daily newspaper |
|---|---|
| Format | Compact |
| Publisher | The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd |
| Founded | 1 July 1957 |
| Language | Malay |
| Headquarters | Balai Berita 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Circulation | 106,754 (daily) 109,811 (BH Ahad) 3,766 (daily E-paper) 3,765 (BH Ahad E-paper) *Source: Audit Bureau of Circulations, Malaysia – July to December 2015[1][2] |
| Website | www |
BH (newspaper)
BH, formerly known as Berita Harian, is a Malay-language daily newspaper published in Malaysia. The newspaper, which is owned by the New Straits Times Press, was first published on 1 July 1957, and it has since become one of the most prominent daily newspapers in Malaysia. Its Sunday edition, BH Ahad (formerly Berita Minggu), was introduced on 10 July 1960. BH has transitioned over the years, embracing digital platforms and undergoing several major rebrandings to maintain its relevance among Malaysia's diverse readership.
Overview
[edit]History
[edit]BH was first launched on 1 July 1957 as Berita Harian, making it the first romanized Malay morning newspaper in Malaysia. The newspaper was established to cater to the Malay-speaking community and initially mirrored the content of the Straits Times. It was sold for RM0.15 and employed a small team of eight staff members during its early days. The Sunday edition, Berita Minggu, was launched on 10 July 1960. The newspaper's first editor, Abdul Samad Ismail, took charge in April 1958.[citation needed]
Over the decades, BH has undergone numerous changes. In 1966, the newspaper's masthead was revised, and in 1974, the page count was increased from 10 to 12 pages, allowing for more comprehensive coverage of trade, entertainment, and foreign news.[citation needed]
Notable cartoon strips such as "Keluarga Si Mamat" by famed cartoonist Lat were introduced in the Sunday edition during the late 1960s, enhancing the newspaper's appeal to a wider audience.[citation needed] The newspaper has also seen a succession of notable editors, including Abdul Wahab Zain (1972), Abdul Samad Said (1976), Salim Kajai (1978), and Adibah Amin (1983).
Transition to Compact Format
[edit]On 5 July 2008, BH transitioned from a traditional broadsheet format to a more compact tabloid size. This change was driven by the need to cater to modern readers who preferred a more manageable and accessible newspaper format.[1]
Rebranding and Modernization
[edit]In an effort to modernize its branding, BH underwent a significant transformation on 1 July 2012. The name Berita Harian was shortened to BH, and various sections were renamed to better reflect the evolving interests of its readers. For instance, the 'Ekonomi' section was rebranded as 'Bisnes,' while 'Ratu' was renamed 'Famili' and 'Rona' became 'Kembara.' The newspaper also updated its layout, typography, and pagination to enhance readability and visual appeal.[citation needed]
Digital Expansion
[edit]With the rise of digital media, BH adapted to the changing landscape by launching its online platform. By October 2010, BH had become the most-read online newspaper in Malaysia. The online version of the newspaper provided readers with instant access to news, catering to the growing demand for real-time information. This digital shift allowed BH to expand its reach beyond print, appealing to a broader, tech-savvy audience.[citation needed]
Content and Supplements
[edit]BH has continually evolved its content to meet reader preferences. In 1989, the newspaper launched the Jaguh sports section, a 16-page pullout dedicated to sports coverage. Over the years, BH has introduced several other pullouts and supplements, including educational sections like Berita Pelajar and technology sections such as Berita Komputer, which became a standalone pullout in 1994. In 2003, the newspaper further expanded its youth-focused content by adding IKON, a Saturday pullout aimed at younger readers.
Price Adjustments and Circulation
[edit]The price of BH has seen several adjustments over the years, starting at RM0.15 in 1957 and rising to RM1.50 by 2004. In Sabah and Sarawak, the price was set at RM2.00 to accommodate distribution costs. Despite the increase in price, BH maintained strong circulation figures, with daily sales reaching 238,000 copies by the early 2000s.[citation needed]
Current Position
[edit]Today, BH remains one of Malaysia's most trusted sources of news, offering a mix of national, international, business, sports, and entertainment content. With a strong online presence and a loyal readership, BH continues to be a key player in Malaysia’s media industry, balancing its traditional print roots with modern digital growth.
See also
[edit]- Other newspapers in Malaysia published in the Malay language:
- Utusan Malaysia
- Harian Metro
- Kosmo!
- Utusan Borneo, a newspaper serving the states of Sabah and Sarawak
- Sinar Harian
- List of Malaysian television stations
- List of Malaysian radio stations
References
[edit]- ^ "Circulation Figures: Newspapers - West & East Malaysia" (PDF). Audit Bureau of Circulations Malaysia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Redaksi | Berita Harian".
External links
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