In this Q&A, TDM Chairman António José de Freitas reflects on where the TV and radio broadcaster is now – and the factors shaping its future.
Macao’s first television company, Teledifusão de Macau (TDM) celebrates the 40th anniversary of its first TV broadcast this year. Since then, the public broadcaster has absorbed two radio stations and offers five free-to-air television channels – the main ones being the Chinese-language TDM-Ou Mun and the Portuguese Canal Macau. Its radio stations are the Chinese-language Ou Mun Tin Toi and Rádio Macau, in Portuguese.
TDM also offers some programming in English, on its Portuguese-language channels, and has a dedicated English version of its news website and an App.
Macao magazine recently interviewed the chairman of TDM’s board, António José de Freitas, to discuss new partnerships, how the company helps Macao position itself as a Sino-Lusophone platform, and the importance of credible public broadcasting in a world awash with ‘fake news’.
First of all, how big is TDM’s audience and how many people does it employ?
About 70 percent of Macao residents (more than 422,400 people) watch TDM’s television stations, according to our third-party audience survey from 2023. Approximately 30 percent of residents (more than 179,700 people) listen to Rádio Macau. Both figures show we have significantly bigger audiences in Macao than other local and neighbouring stations.
Feedback in general is that TDM’s television and radio channels are residents’ main source of important information, and we are recognised for our accuracy and timeliness.
As of February 2024, TDM had 632 staff in total: 132 of them work for the Chinese-language TV news and 28 work on Chinese radio news; 38 worked for the Portuguese TV news station and 14 for Rádio Macau. The others in behind-the-scenes roles, related to production, finance, communications and the like.
What is TDM's involvement in the Greater Bay Area?
TDM pays close attention to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). We have long relationships with TV and radio stations in Guangdong Province, spanning news and current affairs, in-depth programming and joint productions.
Last October, TDM received approval from the National Radio and TV Administration to launch its TDM Ou Mun TV channel in the Pearl River Delta. Soon, a whole new audience will be able to watch our channel 24 hours a day, seven days a week, inclusive of news and current affairs, live events, programs and so on.
This channel aims to promote diversified development of Macao to the people in Guangdong Province and to keep Macao people in the province continuously updated. I strongly believe TDM Ou Mun could be the bridge between Guangdong and Macao, as it works to increase understanding between different cities within the Greater Bay Area.
In 2025, the National Games of China are taking place across the GBA. TDM looks forward to working with TV stations in Guangdong and Hong Kong to showcase the beauty of games.
And in the broader mainland?
As for the broader mainland, TDM has a wide range of partnerships with the likes of CCTV (China Central Television) and its parent, China Media Group (CMG). We carry some CCTV channels in Macao, helping people in Macao keep up to speed with the latest developments in our motherland. We have also been granted very good CCTV programmes, like Aerial China – Macau.
In recent years, TDM has been granted broadcasting rights for some mega sporting events. This year, CMG has granted TDM rights for the 2024 Paris Olympics – including three quotas for TDM staff to make programmes on the events in France, in person.
How are things progressing in Hengqin?
We are very pleased to say that TDM got approval from the All-China Journalists Association to open a newsroom and news studio in Hengqin this past January (trial operations kicked off in August 2023).
The facility allows TDM journalists to write stories, edit videos, conduct interviews and even broadcast live – making the working process in Hengqin more efficient and effective. In turn, this development lets our audience better understand the development going on in Hengqin and the GBA.
Tell us about your recent collaborations with media in Portuguese-speaking countries.
In September 2023, TDM invited representatives from public service TV stations in Portuguese-speaking countries including Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé to come to Macao for a ‘Programme Exhibition Week’. This event resulted in new partnership agreements being signed.
Since then, we have received more than 60 hours of TV programming produced by stations in Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde and Mozambique – some of which have already aired. Many of these programmes reflect the culture, music, literature and wildlife of Portuguese-speaking countries.
In return, we have sent them more than 12 hours of our own Portuguese-language programming to broadcast to their audiences.
Aside from that, how is TDM helping Macao perform as a Sino-Lusophone platform?
Over the past few years, we have used Canal Macau to showcase an increasing number of programmes reflecting China’s broader development. We believe the investment made in translating the mainland’s TV programs into Portuguese is starting to pay off as these high-quality documentaries give Portuguese-language viewers a better understanding of the nation’s development – economically, technologically, socially and culturally.
TDM has also been adding Portuguese subtitles to CCTV programmes and sending them to TV stations in Portuguese-speaking countries. This is so their audiences can understand more about the mainland. In 2023, we did this with the six-episode documentary Remarkable Constructions, and we will do similar things in 2024.
In addition, Canal Macau has started broadcasting a weekly news bulletin about the African Portuguese-speaking countries. This program is produced by Portugal’s public broadcaster, Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP) and its wide network of local correspondents across the lusophone countries in Africa. The bulletin is tailor-made to meet the needs of TDM’s audience.
RTP had a fundamental role in setting up TV broadcasts in Macao 40 years ago. It has been a core institutional partner for TDM and played a huge role in TDM’s operations. On the other hand, RTP, being a public service broadcaster, is very much aligned with the TDM’s core values of integrity, impartiality and fairness.
In terms of entertainment, we have bought TV programmes also from SIC and TVI, which are two commercial broadcasters based in Portugal.
Rádio Macau also has a long history of producing programmes that highlight the music scene from Portuguese-speaking countries. These programmes range from pure music to interview formats. We have also been live broadcasting all the shows as part of Festival da Lusofonia, which is one of the highlights of our radio activities.
How is TDM adapting to challenges in the new, digitalised media landscape?
Due to rapidly changing audience behaviour and the rise of smart devices, traditional media does encounter challenges from so-called new media every day. To stay engaged with our audiences, TDM has made a lot of effort to improve our TV and radio content – as well as adapt much of our content to digital media platforms.
We have our official website and the TDM app, which were both reworked in 2021. Of course, TDM also uses WeChat, Weibo, Facebook, YouTube and so on to extend our services’ reach.
What role do you see TDM playing in Macao over the next five years?
Due to efforts by both the government and society, Macao’s economy is bouncing back from the pandemic very quickly. The number of tourists climbed to over 28 million in 2023. Their numbers will continue to climb as we position ourselves as a ‘City of Sports’ and ‘City of Performing Arts'. And for sure TDM will be there, contributing our services to the development of Macao.
On a more serious note, many people get much of their information from social media these days. But when a critical situation strikes – say, a typhoon hits Macao – what’s often fake news on these platforms can be very confusing. That’s why TDM believes that, as a public broadcaster with credibility, our professional newsroom is crucial for the stability of society. It's a role of increasing importance.
TDM Over the Years Timeline
1980 - Ou Mun Tin Toi (Chinese Channel) was officially launched
Ou Mun Tin Toi (Chinese Channel) was officially launched, broadcasting in Portuguese (FM) and Cantonese (AM) respectively
1983 - Teledifusão de Macao was established
Teledifusão de Macao was founded in 1983 to broadcast radio programmes in Portuguese and Cantonese. The Chinese channel broadcast 18 hours a day from 6 am to midnight
1984 - Launch of TDM TV channel in Chinese and Portuguese
In May, TDM TV channel was launched. On the same channel at separate time slots, it broadcast news and programmes in Chinese and Portuguese, and also major events such as the Macao Grand Prix
1985 - Ou Mun Tin Toi extended to FM stereo broadcasting
In addition to AM broadcasting, Ou Mun Tin Toi developed FM stereo broadcasting in 1985
1985 - 24-hour broadcast
Ou Mun Tin Toi began to serve the public with 24-hour broadcasting service
1990 - Opening of TDM office in the Nam Kwong Building
The TDM office in Nam Kwong Building began operations in 1990. Since then TDM Chinese and Portuguese radio and related technical and engineering departments have been operating there, providing 24-hour broadcasting services to the public
1999 - Application of NICAM
The use of NICAM technology provides a two-track sound option to enrich the audio experience of programmes, especially for sports events
2000 - Launch of TDM’s official website
TDM’s official website first launched in 2000. It provided 24-hour news and information, and also live webcasts and replays of its TV and radio channels
2003 - The 1st TDM - Best of the Pop music awards
To encourage the development of Macao’s original pop music, TDM produced the 1st TDM - Best of the Pop music awards. The awarding ceremony took place on 31 July, with the first “Best of the Pop Golden Award” going to Filipe António da Silva Baptista Tou for his song “Montage”
2004 - Organising PBI Annual Conference
TDM hosted the PBI Annual Conference in October. Attended by representatives of public service broadcasters from nearly 30 countries and regions, the meeting discussed the roles and challenges of public service broadcasters, the use of resources, and the development of digital broadcasting technology
2008 - Establishing Forum 2 studio
TDM’s recording studio located in Forum 2 opened in 2008. With 650 square metres of floor area and a total capacity of 341 viewer seats, the studio became an important milestone in Macao’s television industry, allowing the production of a wider range of programmes that accept audience participation
2008 - The 84th ABU Administrative Council Meeting
TDM hosted the 84th Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Administrative Council Meeting. Attended by members from various countries and regions, the meeting reviewed administrative matters of ABU and discussed future development plans
2009 - Completion of digital television broadcasting development plan
TDM marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR with the launch of Ou Mun-Macao satellite TV channel, followed by TDM Sport and TDM Life (now known as TDM Info) in October. Together with the three existing digital terrestrial TV channels namely TDM Ou Mun, Canal Macao and TDM HD (now known as TDM Entertainment), TDM completed its digital TV broadcasting development plan in 2009. Through operating six TV channels, TDM serves the public with a wider range of audiovisual choices
2009 - CCTV News being broadcast in Macao on an independent TV channel
TDM and CCTV (currently known as CMG) have established a cooperation agreement that allowed, as of 1 October 2009, the channel to transmit CCTV News (CCTV-13) on an independent TV channel. Local citizens could now have faster access to information about the mainland and the international communities
2009 - Hosting Asian Media Summit 2009 in Macao
TDM organised the 6th Asia Media Summit in May, more than 400 representatives from the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, Europe, and the US were invited to exchange ideas on media development. It was the first time the summit was held outside of Malaysia
2010 - Transmission of CCTV News and Hunan TV World
TDM signed the cooperation agreements with CCTV (currently known as CMG) and Hunan Television, under which TDM would transmit CCTV News (now known as CGTN) and Hunan TV World channels respectively on two independent TV channels. The transmission would provide the public with more diversified information and facilitate the dissemination of news
2010 - Organised the 9th AIBD General Conference
TDM organised the 36th Annual Gathering, and the 9th Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development General Conference & Associated Meetings. The July meetings attracted more than 70 members and leaders from Asia-Pacific broadcasting organisations joined the serial discussions, seminars and forums to exchange ideas on the development of television broadcasting in the region
2011 - The first live current affairs programme Macao Forum
Aiming to promote the social development of Macao, TDM launched the first live current affairs TV programme Macao Forum. According to the topic of each episode, related government officials, experts, and academics were invited to discuss and interact with the public in open sessions
2011 - Transmitting Haixia Satellite Channel
From April, Haixia Satellite Channel began to broadcast through TDM on an independent channel, helping the public to understand news and information about Fujian Province, its social situation, history and culture, and to satisfy Fujian residents’ concern for their hometown
2011 - TDM began to transmit CGTN-Documentary
Starting from November, TDM began to broadcast CCTV English Documentary Channel (currently known as CGTN-Documentary), providing information on the mainland’s culture, ways of life, and social conditions. It also helps to strengthen the connection with the motherland and broaden the vision of the audiences
2012 - Launching a new version of TDM official website
A new version of TDM Chinese website was launched in April, providing the audience a better experience in viewing news, TV/radio lives, programme replays, TDM updates and programme information, etc
2012 - Launch of TDM Facebook and Weibo pages
To provide more comprehensive and interactive communication platforms, TDM launched its Facebook and Weibo pages
2013 - Launch of TDM App and TDM WeChat account
In August, TDM launched the TDM App and TDM WeChat account, providing a more comprehensive experience for users
2014 - TDM being awarded the Medal of Merit - Culture
In recognition of TDM’s contribution to promote Macao’s communication and cultural industry, and also of TDM’s effort over the past 30 years, TDM was awarded the Medal of Cultural - Culture by the Macao SAR government in 2014
2014 - Hosting ABU General Assembly
TDM hosted the 51st Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) General Assembly in October. About 600 leaders, experts, and academics from the Asia-Pacific broadcasting industry came to Macao to attend the meeting and discuss the development of the industry in various conferences and forums. Two major events, the ABU TV Song Festival and the ABU Prizes, were successfully held under the arrangement of TDM
2014 - The 30th Anniversary Gala Show of TV Broadcasting
TDM produced a special gala show to celebrate the 30th anniversary of TV Broadcasting in Macao, inviting local groups and talents from seven TV stations in the mainland and Taiwan to participate, bringing high quality and unique performances to the audience
2015 - Extension of programmes and information to public transport broadcasting platforms
In May, TDM started to collaborate with public transportation companies (TCM and Nova Era). Through screens installed on buses, selected programmes are broadcast in Chinese, Portuguese and English. TDM also provides selected programmes to Turbojet, which are displayed on screens installed onboard the ships on routes between Macao and Hong Kong
2016 - Broadcasting of CCTV- 1
TV channel CCTV-1 began broadcasting in Macao on the anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR. TDM provided technical support for the transmission of the channel, providing the public with more options and information about the mainland’s development
2016 - The full switch to HD encoding format for TV channels
In July, TDM upgraded all its six TV channels to the high-definition (HD) encoding format, offering better visual quality to the audiences
2016 - Ou Mun - Macao Satellite TV Channel launched in Japan
The satellite television channel Ou Mun - Macao was successfully launched in Japan, providing visitors and citizens in Japan with access to TDM news, information and programmes through two major residential and hotel television networks
2018 - Radio channel available on digital TV channel Channel 97
Since February, Ou Mun Tin Toi and Rádio Macao have been simulcast on digital TV channel Channel 97. Live video functions were also added to radio programmes, strengthening the integrated functions for radio and television, and providing more platforms for the public to enjoy TDM TV and radio programmes
2019 - TDM hosted the 107th ABU Administrative Council Meeting
TDM hosted the 107th Administrative Council Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), inviting leading representatives of the region’s media organisations to discuss ABU's core tasks, including the development plan, finance, administration, and the secretary general’s report
2019 - The 35th Anniversary of TV Broadcast in Macao Gala Show
To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of TV Broadcast in Macao, TDM held a large-scale gala show in May, showcasing a variety of great performances and TDM’s professionalism in producing large-scale programme
2019 - Founding of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Broadcasting Alliance
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Broadcasting Alliance was inaugurated in Guangzhou, comprising 21 GBA broadcasting media. Being elected as the vice-chairman, TDM would help to further deepen the cooperation among other members, facilitate the output of each other, and promote the cultural development of the Greater Bay Area
2019 - TDM broadcast “High Ground Evacuation Warning Signal during Storm Surge”
Starting from August, TDM cooperates with Civil Protection Action Center to broadcast High Ground Evacuation Warning Signal during Storm Surge on TV, radio and multimedia platforms. The arrangement will enhance the efficiency in announcing vital life-saving messages, allowing the public and tourists to take fast actions for safety and reduce property loss
2019 - CCTV Sports began to broadcast in Macao
China Media Group (formerly known as CCTV) authorised its television channel CCTV Sports (CCTV-5) to be broadcast through TDM in Macao in December
2020 - Launch of Telegram and YouTube channels
In 2020, TDM launched the TDM News Telegram channel and TDM YouTube channel
2021 - Authorised to broadcast live the Olympics and 100th Anniversary programmes of the CCP
In July, the China Media Group (CMG) launched the screening event of a series of CMG’s programmes themed on the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); at the same time, an agreement was also signed under which TDM was granted the broadcasting right of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, allowing Macao audiences to enjoy CMG’s live coverage of Olympic events in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Portuguese
2021 - Authorised to broadcast live the 14th National Games
CMG has authorised TDM to broadcast in Macao the 14th National Games, the 11th National Games for People with Disabilities and the 8th Special Olympics. Via TDM TV channels and its multimedia platforms, Macao audience can watch all the competitions, opening, closing ceremonies and medal ceremonies live
2021 - Completion of revamp project of TDM multimedia platforms
To provide the audience with a better experience and enhance the integration of TDM's TV, radio and new media platforms, TDM revamped its multimedia platforms, which officially began to serve the public in the fourth quarter of 2021
2021 - China Media Group authorised TDM to broadcast a new round of mega sport events
In November, CMG and TDM signed an agreement for a
new round of the Games Broadcasting Rights in Guangzhou, under which TDM is authorised to broadcast CMG’s signals of the Olympic Games channel (CCTV-16) during the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Chengdu World University Summer Games
2022 - Continuous support to broadcast CCTV-5 in Macao
The Launching Ceremony of New Co-operation between the Macao SAR Government and China Media Group was held on August 15. CMG and TDM renewed their cooperation agreement, through which CCTV-5 sports channel will continue to be broadcasted in Macao with TDM’s technical support, transmitting high-quality sports events to local audiences. In view of the epidemic situation, the agreement was signed online
2022 - Promoting Chinese programs to Portuguese-speaking countries
Along with the second phase of the cooperation - “Portuguese Translation and Promotion of Chinese Programs” being launched in September, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR and TDM jointly organised in September the “Offering Ceremony of Documentaries on Chinese Culture - Joint Cultural Cooperation between the Media in China and the Portuguese Speaking Countries”. Three series of Chinese cultural documentaries, which were translated into Portuguese by TDM, were presented in the ceremony to TV stations of Portuguese-speaking countries, allowing China and Portuguese-speaking countries to reach a deeper level of exchange and cooperation
2023 - New round of cooperation between China Media Group and Macao
In March, the Spring Blossoms in Time – China Media Group’s Excellent Programme Screening in Macao and Media Rights Licensing Ceremony was held in Beijing, in which a number of quality programmes about the spirit of the 20th National Congress were presented by CMG to Macao, and will be broadcast through the various TDM TV channels. An agreement was also signed in the ceremony, with which CMG granted TDM the rights of broadcasting the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Paris Olympic Games in Macao, allowing Macao audiences to enjoy these sports events for free
2023 - TDM signs co-operation agreements with TV stations from Portuguese-speaking countries to deepen exchanges
In September, TDM signed a series of cooperation agreements with five television stations from Portuguese-speaking countries. The cooperation agreements mainly involved the exchange of news and information, technical training, etc., with the aim of promoting the exchange of knowledge and technologies by integrating the resources of both parties
2023 - TDM Ou Mun channel broadcasts in the Pearl River Delta Region
In October, TDM officially launched in the Pearl River Delta region, reaching a population of more than 100 million and marking the beginning of a new era in the development of Macao's broadcasting industry. Audiences of the Guangdong Broadcasting and Television Network can all the way watch TDM Ou Mun for news, live broadcasts of spectacular events, diversified programmes and advertising information, as well as all the programmes of TDM Ou Mun channel 24 hours a day via GOODO app (谷豆TV app)
2023 - The Ceremony for the Documentary Series Extraordinary Construction to the Television Stations in Portuguese-speaking Countries was successfully held
In November, Building a Modern World Together by Spreading the Craftsman's Spirit - a ceremony on which the documentary series Extraordinary Construction (Season 1) was successfully presented to TV stations of Portuguese-speaking countries. The documentary programmes were granted to Portuguese-speaking countries by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR, and translated into Portuguese, sent to the Portuguese broadcasters by TDM. The broadcast of the programmes in Portuguese-speaking countries will allow the citizens to learn more about China’s efforts for high-quality development
2023 - TDM and CTBM have completed their merger
TDM and Macao Basic Television Channels Limited (CTBM) completed their merger in December. Since then, TDM has been responsible for maintaining CTBM's operations by providing services to residents who receive the basic tv channels, which include a total of 45 digital tv channels and 29 analogue tv channels
2024 - TDM’s Hengqin Newsroom opens
TDM’s Hengqin Newsroom officially opened in January with the support of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Macao SAR Government, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, and of the Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. With Hengqin as its base, facing the In-depth Cooperation Zone and the Greater Bay Area, the establishment of the newsroom promotes the exchange of information between Hengqin and Macao, and further helps the city integrate into the GBA and the overall development of the country
Text Gonçalo César de Sá | Photos Lei Heong Ieong
