8TV (Simplified Chinese: 八度空间; Pinyin: Bā Dù Kōng Jiān) is a private Malaysian television station previously known as Metrovision. Metrovision had ceased transmission in 2000, but resumed broadcasting on January 8, 2004 as 8TV after being bought by Media Prima Sdn Bhd.
| File:8tv logo.gifFile:8tv chi logo.gif | |
| Type | Private broadcast Terrestrial television |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Availability | National |
| Owner | Media Prima Berhad |
Launch date | 2004 |
Former names | MetroVision Channel 8 |
Official website | www.8tv.com.my |
8TV is the sister channel of TV3. It currently shares facilities with TV3 at its headquarters, Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama.
8TV, together with TV3 and local English daily the New Straits Times and Malay daily Berita Harian form the largest media group in Malaysia, collectively known as Media Prima. It is currently headed by Ahmad Izham Omar. Its Director of Network Operations is Paul Moss, a recording executive who is also a judge on Malaysian Idol.
8TV currently broadcasts under UHF (Ultra High) Frequency. In the Klang Valley, the UHF channel is 25. 8TV is also available over Astro on Channel 18 and MiTV on Channel 8.
Broadcast Hours (Monday - Friday) : 6:30am till 3:00am the next day; (Saturday - Sunday): 8:30am till 3:00am the next day.
Features
8TV targets the younger block of viewers with a "one station, two channels" concept whereby the first session of the broadcasts are the Chinese channel, while the second session of the broadcasts is mostly English-language programmes. A third part of the broadcast features interactive SMS games, with some music videos in English, Malay and Chinese.
It has a popular slogan, "We're different," and has attempted to show this by offering a large variety of popular series and movies that focuses on youth, urban and Chinese as the targeted audiences.
Events
Mascot
In early 2006, 8TV introduces its new mascot, a toddler named "Pow Pow" who graces some of 8TV's promo ads as well as the main page of its official website. He was originally just called the "8TV baby" until a name search contest was held to look for a suitable proper name, and eventually the name "Pow Pow" was selected. Pow Pow is always seen wearing a crimson collared shirt with the 8TV logo on its front, decorated by an orange cape with the 8TV logo again on it, as well as a diaper. Sometimes he is seen sporting an electric guitar.
8TV's Programmes
Here are some of 8TV's most-watched primetime programmes.
Locally produced programmes
In alphabetical order
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English and Malay programmes
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Chinese programmes
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International programmes
In alphabetical order
Comedy/Drama
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Reality/Competition
- America's Next Top Model
- American Idol
- The Apprentice
- The Bachelor
- The Bachelorette
- Extreme Makeover
- Project Runway
- Queer Eye For The Straight Guy
- So You Think You Can Dance
- The Swan
Sports
- A1 Grand Prix (discontinued abruptly after three races of second season)
- Formula One