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BH (newspaper)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the publication in Singapore, see Berita Harian (Singapore).

BH
Front page of Berita Harian from 5 March 2020.
TypeDaily newspaper
FormatCompact
PublisherThe New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
Founded1 July 1957; 67 years ago (1957-07-01)
LanguageMalay
HeadquartersBalai Berita 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Circulation106,754 (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]
Websitewww.bharian.com.my[3]

BH (formerly Berita Harian)

BH, previously known as Berita Harian, is a Malay-language daily newspaper in Malaysia, published by the New Straits Times Press. It was first issued on 1 July 1957, marking its establishment as a significant publication in the country. Its Sunday edition, BH Ahad (formerly Berita Minggu), debuted on 10 July 1960. INMA

Overview

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Initially printed in broadsheet format, BH switched to a more compact format on 5 July 2008 to align with modern reader preferences. Over the years, the newspaper has undergone multiple transformations, including content restructuring and aesthetic updates.

On 1 July 2012, BH introduced changes such as renaming sections: 'Ekonomi' became 'Bisnes', 'Ratu' was rebranded as 'Famili', and 'Rona' changed to 'Kembara'. Adjustments were also made to typography, layout, and pagination.

History

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Editorial cartoon by Peng
Editorial cartoon by Peng, featured in the Berita Harian newspaper dated 7 September 1957, for the weekly column "Berita Harian Hidangan Hari Sabtu" (Berita Harian's Saturday Column).
Mat Jambul cartoon strip
"Mat Jambul Family" cartoon strip, published on 14 May 1961, in Berita Harian.

BH was the first romanized Malay morning newspaper when it launched on 1 July 1957. On 10 July 1960, it introduced Berita Minggu, the first romanized Malay Sunday newspaper. During its early years, the publication mirrored The Straits Times in content, was priced at RM0.15, and operated with a small editorial team of eight members. Abdul Samad Ismail was appointed as the first editor in April 1958.

Several milestones followed:

  • 1966: BH introduced a revised masthead.
  • 1968: The Sunday edition featured Lat's Keluarga Si Mamat cartoon series.
  • 1974: Page count increased from 10 to 12, allowing for expanded content, including trade, photography, and foreign news.
  • 1975: Price raised to RM0.25.
  • 1981: A comprehensive redesign introduced new sections and increased entertainment coverage. The price increased to RM0.35, then to RM0.45 in 1983.
  • 1985: Berita Harian and Berita Minggu were consolidated into Berita Harian Sdn Bhd.
  • 1989: The sports section expanded with the launch of Jaguh, a 16-page pullout.
  • 1992: Special daily supplements like Berita Pelajar, Berita Wanita, and Berita Teknologi were introduced.
  • 1993: A new subsection on computing was launched, later evolving into Berita Komputer.
  • 1995: A major overhaul introduced changes to fonts, images, and layouts, shifting focus from regional to national and international news.
  • 2001-2003: The newspaper expanded its educational sections and introduced the youth-oriented IKON pullout.
  • 2004: Daily circulation reached approximately 238,000 copies. Regional editions gained front-page stories tailored to different areas.
  • 2008: BH transitioned from broadsheet to compact format.
  • 2009: BH became Malaysia’s most visited online newspaper by October 2010.

Digital Transformation

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With the rise of digital media, BH expanded its online presence and introduced mobile services to offer real-time news updates. By 2010, it became one of the leading digital newspapers in Malaysia.

Editorial Leadership

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Several notable journalists have led BH, including Abdul Samad Ismail, Adibah Amin, and Datuk Manja Ismail. Their editorial direction contributed to the newspaper’s evolving focus and content strategies.

Format Changes

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In 2008, BH switched from broadsheet to a compact format to cater to evolving reader preferences. This transition included structural updates and the introduction of youth-focused content.

Circulation and Regional Reach

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By 2004, Berita Harian had a daily circulation of around 238,000 copies. Pricing strategies were adjusted to accommodate readers in different regions, such as Sabah and Sarawak.

Educational Contributions

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BH introduced several educational initiatives, such as the Berita Pelajar and Minda Pelajar pullouts, which were designed to engage students. The newspaper also launched Berita Komputer in 1994 to provide technology-focused content for readers interested in computing and digital literacy.

BH continues to be a key player in Malaysia’s media landscape, adapting to changing reader preferences while maintaining its commitment to delivering news and information.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "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.
  2. ^ "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)
  3. ^ "Redaksi | Berita Harian".
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