EDITORIAL: Due to a lack of resources (time, personnel, and other rivals), we are probably unable to carry out our goals.
In reality, we don't want to tell you this, but perhaps the moment is right now. Let's first examine the beginning and development of the CInfo.
Our Introduction & History
When CInfo first began in August 2020, we used only Facebook Pages to spread family information to our immediate family members. A few days later, we transitioned to the fan-made/fiction era until we came across a fellow competitor from Australia in 2021 who has markedly more viewers and readers than us. This gave us a much-needed wake-up call and inspired us to treat our online presence seriously. In May 2021, we started the transition to an unbiased news side, just like our rivals. One of the first stories we posted on our Facebook page was one about the COVID-19 vaccine, and ever since then, though slowly, we have begun to expand.
Images: Our first news article on the Facebook page following the changeover to an unbiased news side, with Malay-language pictures. (CInfo / FB)
We have already accomplished a number of things, such as receiving the highest audience at the time with 5,000 views, the first airing of the CPrime programmed, the highest viewing of CInfo with 40,000 people watching the live telecast of the announcement of Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year (2021), and several more things that will be accomplished.
As of December 23, 2022, we had 191 subscribers on YouTube and 63,000+ views. We have 418 followers on Facebook, 187 followers on Instagram (the majority of whom are from Indonesia, and we want all of our citizens to follow us on IG), and 2 followers and 23 likes on TikTok, which is the newest and slowest growing of our platforms. These numbers and their achievements are far below those of our rivals.
Fierce Battle (not really) with our most talented rivals
Before we continue, let us say to our competitors who are reading this that we admire what you are doing and encourage you to keep doing it without feeling superior or comparing to us small outlets. And now let's move on. Although we have accomplished a number of things that are the best for us, we can admit that our Australian competitors are much better than us. Our competitor began their news operation in 2019, whereas we only began seriously in 2021, and they have more reporters and staff than we do—I am the only one in charge of it.
IMAGE: Australian flag
They have a wide range of shows, run from morning to night, and provide breaking news alerts around the clock. They've also interviewed a number of influential and political figures in their country; once, they even spoke with their prime minister, whereas we... didn't get very far. And finally, compared to them, we have few social media followers and viewers.
Even though we are a little envious of their successes (just kidding), we are still appreciative for what we have and continue to be inspired by them. As a result, we established CInfo, an unbiased news organization that focuses on facts rather than rumors for our dear Malaysians, in both English and Malay.
Why is our reputation falling?
As we've already stated, we lacked staff or resources, and it's possible that we won't be back. But why? You might wonder. We all have our limitations, which is one of the causes. We lack a business license, a media license, and a media pass in comparison to other media in this nation, so we are forced to borrow resources from other media, particularly from Astro Awani. I rarely do news broadcasts for a number of other valid reasons, including the fact that I started secondary school this year (2022), which could also be related to the fact that I started in the evening session.
You must also be wondering why you can't just register the media pass and the business certificate. Since I'm still in secondary school and must be at least 18 years old to do all of that, it might be challenging for me to register, obtain the certificate, and pass.
Additionally, we lack materials, tools, and resources. We only have a tripod that was purchased in 2020, which is already broken, and an outdoor microphone (although it is used inside). We lack a small microphone, lighting, and even a green screen for the newscast.
Is this really the end of CInfo?
Although it is still possible that CInfo will continue, we are making an effort to survive on this side of the news thanks to the high viewership achievement from live broadcasts, even if they do not follow or subscribe to us.
Even though some of the strategies we have tried to survive, such as mergers, have failed, we are still trying to get the attention of our rivals. If any unbiased or independent news organizations want to help us, please get in touch with us. For enthusiastic and objective young journalists, you can also join our team by emailing me directly at CInfo or sending me a DM.
Additionally, you can support us by "liking," "loving," "sharing," and "sharing" our content with your loved ones as well as by "following" or "subscribing" to us on YouTube and other social media websites. If you all support us as stated above, we might be able to open the donation next. Without your assistance and backing, CInfo will probably have to close, I'll probably move "next door," and an objective, independent, youth-owned news organization in Malaysia won't exist anymore. (Menteri/YB if you read this, plz help)
You decide below:
Do you believe CInfo should keep going?
Yes
No
Muhd Zaki is the Founder, Managing Director & Chief Presenter of CInfo Malaysia.