Kool 101
Kool 101 was a Malay-language radio station in Malaysia owned and operated by Media Prima Audio, a subsidiary of Media Prima Berhad, that broadcast from July 2023 to November 2025 across FM frequencies including 101.3 FM in the Klang Valley, 90.2 FM in Penang, 107.3 FM in Alor Setar, and 104.3 FM in Kuching.[1] The station targeted Malaysians aged 25 to 44, delivering a mix of relaxed entertainment, social commentary, current affairs, and familiar music from the 1980s and 1990s under the tagline "Social and Current," with popular segments such as the morning show Pagi on Point hosted by Haiza and Muaz, and the afternoon drive PM Kool 101 led by Hanif and Marsila.[1][2] The station's roots trace back to March 1, 2016, when it launched as Kool FM, Media Prima's fourth radio brand at the time, initially emphasizing hit songs from the 1980s and 1990s to appeal to the lucrative 25- to 44-year-old Malay demographic.[2][3] On August 2, 2021, amid a broader restructuring of Media Prima Audio's portfolio, Kool FM was rebranded as Buletin FM to position it as a dedicated news and talk outlet focused on credible, up-to-date reporting and community issues.[4] This news-heavy format lasted until July 2023, when listener feedback prompted another shift: Buletin FM became Kool 101 to introduce fresher, more engaging content blending information with entertainment, aiming to better meet evolving market demands for relatable discussions on everyday Malaysian life.[1] In November 2025, Kool 101 underwent its latest rebranding to Kool FM on November 3, adopting the tagline "Malaysia Dah Kool" to reflect a progressive, inclusive vibe centered on real stories, national pride, and modern lifestyles, while expanding to additional frequencies (87.6 FM in Ipoh, 88.1 FM in Melaka and northern Johor, and 105.3 FM in Johor Bahru) and digital access through the Audio+ app, YouTube channel Kool FM TV, and the website www.koolfm.audio.[](https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2025/11/1307636/showbiz-media-prima-audio-rebrands-kool-101-kool-fm-fresh-identity) During its tenure, the station fostered community engagement through initiatives like the "Superintis Usanita" contest in partnership with Usanita Sdn Bhd, which supported women's entrepreneurship with prizes totaling RM20,000, underscoring Media Prima Audio's commitment to blending broadcasting with social impact.[1]History
Launch and classic hits era (2016–2019)
In October 2015, Media Prima Berhad, through its subsidiary Synchrosound Studio Sdn Bhd, acquired a 100% stake in Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd for a cash consideration of RM20 million.[5] This acquisition brought Ultra FM and Pi Mai FM under Media Prima's portfolio, enabling the merger of the two stations into a single entity as part of efforts to expand the company's radio offerings and achieve synergies in sales, marketing, and operations.[5] The merged station relaunched as Kool FM on March 3, 2016, operating on 101.3 FM in the Klang Valley and 90.2 FM in other regions.[6] The launch was announced by Media Prima Radio Network CEO Seelan Paul at the Sime Darby Convention Centre, marking it as the company's fourth radio station after Hot FM, Fly FM, and Eight FM.[6] Initial programming featured three DJs transferred from Hot FM, emphasizing a fresh approach to capture untapped listeners.[6] Kool FM adopted a classic hits and adult contemporary format in the Malay language, primarily targeting Generation X listeners aged 25 to 44 with music from the 1980s and 1990s, alongside trending local and international tracks.[6] The playlist highlighted Malaysian pop hits, such as those in the dangdut genre, blended with international classics like 1980s rock and 1990s ballads, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary vibe for its audience.[6] This focus differentiated it from youth-oriented Gen Y stations, positioning Kool FM as a go-to for mature urban listeners seeking familiar tunes.[6] The station received positive initial reception, quickly establishing a strong foothold among Malay Gen-X listeners in the Klang Valley through its relatable music selection and engaging broadcasts.[7] Early listener growth was evident in the region's competitive radio market, with the format's emphasis on evergreen hits contributing to steady audience buildup during its first years.[7]Transition to talk radio (2020–2021)
In early 2020, Kool FM underwent a significant format shift from its classic hits programming to a talk radio model, launching on January 6 with the tagline "Suara Semasa" (Voice of the Present), emphasizing current issues, social matters, and community news. This transformation retained key announcers such as AG, Haiza, Muaz, and Linda Onn while introducing dedicated segments like the morning show Kool FM AG, Haiza & Muaz (6 a.m.), which covered local and global topics including policy, technology, sports, lifestyle, health, and community concerns; the midday Kool FM Rea (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) focused on lifestyle, viral stories, motivation, and entertainment; and the afternoon Kool FM Linda Onn (3 p.m.–7 p.m.), addressing national and international issues, entrepreneurship, sports, and casual discussions. Evening programming included Refleksi Kool (7 p.m.–8 p.m.) for religious reflections and music from the 1980s onward until midnight, fostering two-way listener engagement through call-ins and interactive content.[8][9] The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 amplified the demand for informative talk content, aligning with the station's new focus and contributing to a broader surge in Malaysian radio listenership. Nationwide, radio consumption rose, with 14.3 million listeners tuning in at home—a 4% increase from prior surveys—and overall weekly reach hitting 20.3 million for an average of 13 hours and 44 minutes, as people sought reliable updates amid lockdowns. Kool FM adapted by incorporating health updates, economic discussions on pandemic effects, and public service announcements (PSAs) in collaboration with broader Media Prima initiatives, including a month-long April–May 2020 campaign across Kool FM, Fly FM, and Hot FM to promote local businesses impacted by restrictions, reaching 91 products and services. Listener call-ins became a key feature for sharing experiences and queries related to movement control orders and health guidelines.[10][11] This period saw strong listener feedback and performance gains for Kool FM, solidifying its position as Malaysia's top Malay talk radio station by late 2020. According to GfK audience measurements, weekly listeners grew 92% to 454,000 (aged 25+), with the 25-year-old age group expanding 104% to 231,000, reflecting positive reception to the talk-oriented segments amid the crisis. While the shift from music-heavy content likely resulted in some loss among traditional classic hits fans, overall engagement surged, with no reported dips in core talk audience; the station's emphasis on timely discussions helped it outperform competitors in addressing pandemic-driven needs.[12]Buletin FM rebranding (2021–2023)
In August 2021, Media Prima Audio rebranded its radio station Kool FM to Buletin FM, positioning it as Malaysia's premier dedicated news outlet in the Malay language market. The change, announced on August 2, emphasized a shift toward comprehensive news bulletins, current affairs analysis, and talk programming to address a gap in localized, timely information for Malay-speaking audiences. This rebranding formed part of a larger company-wide revamp, including the launch of a new mobile app and refreshed identities for other stations, aimed at bolstering Media Prima's audio portfolio amid evolving listener preferences.[4][13] Buletin FM introduced several key programming elements to support its news-centric identity, including daily news hours anchored by Buletin Utama for in-depth current affairs coverage, political commentary segments discussing national policies and events, and community-oriented talk shows addressing social issues. These additions provided a mix of hard news, infotainment, and interactive discussions, with shows like Tanyalah Ustaz offering expert insights on religious and societal topics from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The format prioritized credible, bulletin-style reporting to foster informed public discourse.[13][14] To execute this vision, Media Prima Audio expanded its news operations by onboarding radio industry veterans, including CEO Nazri Noran, Aaron Pinto, and Datuk Jake Abdullah in June 2021, who brought expertise in content strategy and broadcasting. The station also deepened collaborations with Media Prima's broader news ecosystem, such as TV3 and Berita Harian, enabling shared resources for cross-platform reporting and enhanced coverage of breaking stories.[15] Buletin FM's performance during this phase demonstrated growing appeal, with weekly listenership reaching 232,000 by November 2021—impressive for a new entrant—and rising to 263,000 by mid-2022, up 13% from the prior survey wave. This growth underscored the demand for dedicated Malay news radio, though no major industry awards were documented for the station in this period.[13][16]Revival as Kool 101 (2023–2025)
On July 3, 2023, Media Prima Audio rebranded its radio station from Buletin FM to Kool 101, marking a shift from a primarily news-oriented format to a more relaxed and entertaining Malay-language talk radio station targeting urban listeners aged 25 to 45.[1] This revival drew on the original Kool FM's legacy while incorporating elements of adult contemporary music, including occasional Malay hits from the 1980s and 1990s, alongside discussions on social and current affairs to appeal to nostalgic yet contemporary audiences.[17] The change was prompted by listener feedback indicating a desire for less rigid news content and more engaging programming, allowing the station to better accommodate evolving market demands. Kool 101 introduced themed shows to enhance its appeal, such as the morning program Pagi on Point hosted by Haiza and Muaz, which blended lively conversations, celebrity interviews, and light-hearted segments to foster listener interaction.[1] Other programming included blocks dedicated to retro music discussions and urban lifestyle topics, building on Buletin FM's news legacy by integrating occasional bulletins with entertainment-focused content. The station's talents, including veteran hosts like Datuk Aznil Nawawi, contributed to themed episodes featuring celebrity guests and nostalgic reflections on Malaysian pop culture.[18] The rebrand proved successful, with Kool 101 achieving a 22% increase in weekly listeners by mid-2024,[19] attributed to its refreshed focus on relatable, urban-centric talk and music integration. This period of revival solidified the station's position among Malaysia's top radio outlets, emphasizing community engagement through social media tie-ins and listener-driven content until further evolutions in 2025.Relaunch as Kool FM (2025–present)
On November 3, 2025, Media Prima Audio officially relaunched the station as Kool FM, reverting to its original branding from 2016 while introducing an enhanced adult contemporary format focused on Malaysian hits from the 1990s to the present, alongside select Indonesian and English tracks.[20][21] The rebranding, accompanied by the tagline "Malaysia Dah Kool," aims to blend entertainment and information to reflect contemporary Malaysian rhythms, building on the station's historical roots in classic hits for Generation X listeners.[20][7] The relaunch expanded the station's broadcast footprint with new frequencies in Ipoh at 87.6 MHz, Malacca and northern Johor at 88.1 MHz, and Johor Bahru at 105.3 MHz, replacing those previously used by Eight FM after its cessation on October 27, 2025.[20][22] These additions complement existing transmissions in the Klang Valley (101.3 MHz), Penang, Alor Setar, and Kuching, enabling wider national coverage. Prior to the relaunch, Kool 101 had opened new studios at Balai Berita in Bangsar on February 14, 2025, as part of Media Prima Audio's upgrade featuring AI-driven technology for multiple stations including Hot FM, Fly FM, and Kool 101.[21][23] The Kool FM relaunch integrates these facilities with enhanced digital streaming options, available live via the official website www.koolfm.com.my and platforms like radioonline.my, allowing on-demand access for mobile and online audiences.[20] Initial post-relaunch metrics indicate strong listener engagement, with the station building on Kool 101's pre-rebranding base of approximately 387,000 weekly listeners reported in late 2024 surveys, and early feedback highlighting increased streaming sessions and social media interactions following the November expansion.[24][7] As of mid-November 2025, the broader reach has contributed to Media Prima Audio's overall radio portfolio surpassing 5.9 million weekly listeners earlier in the year, with Kool FM positioned for further growth through its refreshed identity.[25]Ownership and operations
Ownership structure
Kool FM (formerly Kool 101) is wholly owned by Media Prima Berhad through its subsidiary Media Prima Audio, following the 2015 acquisition of Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd, which held the licenses for the station's predecessor frequencies.[26] Media Prima Audio, established in 2005 as a dedicated radio arm, oversees the operations of multiple stations including Hot FM, Fly FM, Eight FM, Molek FM, and Kool FM, while leveraging synergies across Media Prima's broader ecosystem of television networks (such as NTV7, 8TV, and TV9) and digital platforms for integrated content distribution, cross-promotion, and audience engagement.[27] The radio operations fall under the strategic oversight of Media Prima Berhad's board of directors, chaired by Datuk Seri (Dr) Syed Hussian Syed Junid, with day-to-day leadership provided by Nazri Noran as Chief Executive Officer of Media Prima Audio.[28][29] As a licensed broadcaster, Kool FM complies with regulations set by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, including adherence to broadcasting licenses, content standards, and spectrum allocation requirements. In November 2025, the station was rebranded from Kool 101 to Kool FM, maintaining the same ownership structure while expanding digital presence via the Audio+ app and other platforms.[20]Studios and technical operations
Kool FM's primary studios were located at Sri Pentas in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, from its launch in 2016 until the end of 2024, serving as the hub for audio production and operations within Media Prima's facilities.[30] In February 2025, the station relocated to new studios at Balai Berita in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, as part of Media Prima Audio's broader move to consolidate operations in a modernized broadcast center.[23] This relocation introduced advanced digital audio workstations and AI-optimized tools to enhance production efficiency and content delivery.[23] The technical setup at the Bangsar studios features DHD SX2 audio production mixers, which support low-latency signal distribution and seamless audio management across multiple channels.[31] Automation systems, including AI-driven features for scheduling and playout, enable streamlined operations and the integration of Malaysia's first AI DJ for dynamic broadcasting.[32] Backup protocols incorporate resilient automation to ensure continuous transmission, with redundant systems for failover during disruptions.[33] Transmission equipment is designed for high-reliability FM broadcasting, supported by remote monitoring and control (RMC) solutions that allow oversight from off-site locations.[34] As part of Media Prima Audio's network, the studios facilitate content sharing among its five radio brands—Hot FM, Fly FM, Kool FM, Molek FM, and Eight FM—through integrated digital infrastructure for cross-station collaboration.[23] Daily operations follow a 24/7 shift schedule to maintain round-the-clock programming, with automated tools handling routine tasks like time alignment and content queuing.[31] Remote broadcasting capabilities, enabled by the RMC system, support live contributions from external locations via secure IP connections, ensuring flexibility during events or technical needs.[34]Programming and format
Current format and music focus
Kool FM operates in an adult contemporary format primarily in the Malay language, targeting listeners aged 35 to 55, particularly Generation X demographics seeking nostalgic and relatable content.[35][7] The station emphasizes hit songs from the 1980s through the 2000s, blending evergreen tracks with contemporary elements to foster emotional connections and community storytelling.[36][7] The daily schedule is structured to cater to commuters and homemakers, featuring a morning drive-time segment called Pagi On Point with real conversations and bold community discussions from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Midday programming shifts to Santai Kool, offering light-hearted, positive music blocks and informative segments until 2 p.m., followed by PM Kool in the afternoon for relevant topics and unique perspectives until 6 p.m. Evenings include variety shows such as Kooliah FM for inspirational messages and Cerita Malam Kita for soulful storytelling and relaxed tunes into the night. Weekends feature Kool FM Weekend for substantial talks and Power Retro Kool FM dedicated to 1980s and 1990s nostalgia.[36] The station's music policy prioritizes a curated selection of timeless hits, incorporating a mix of local Malaysian artists and international tracks to appeal to its core audience, with occasional spotlights on influential figures from the era such as P. Ramlee or regional pop icons.[36][7] This approach ensures cultural relevance while avoiding overly commercial playlists, focusing instead on tracks that evoke personal memories.[35] Digital extensions enhance accessibility through the Audio+ app, offering on-demand podcasts of key segments like Pagi On Point and Cerita Malam Kita for catch-up listening, alongside social media integrations on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok for short-form video clips and interactive fan engagement.[35][7] These features support the station's post-relaunch emphasis on multi-platform connectivity.[20]Evolution of programming
Kool 101's programming has undergone a thematic progression from predominantly music-driven content targeting mature audiences to hybrid formats blending news and talk, before reverting to entertainment-oriented broadcasts emphasizing community and personal narratives. This shift reflects broader adaptations in response to listener preferences for more relatable, story-based programming over traditional playlists.[7] Key format experiments have included the introduction of genre-specific playlists during music-focused periods, which curated tracks from adult contemporary and classic hits to appeal to Gen-X demographics, alongside interactive elements such as caller confessionals and social media integrations to foster real-time audience engagement. These innovations aimed to blend passive listening with participatory experiences, enhancing listener retention amid rising digital alternatives.[7] Programming decisions have been heavily influenced by audience data and market trends, including a documented 22.8% growth in weekly listeners reaching nearly 480,000, which underscored the demand for purpose-driven content amid competition from streaming services like Spotify and social platforms like TikTok. This data-driven approach prompted hybrids incorporating news and current affairs to complement music, ensuring relevance in a fragmented media landscape.[37][7] Throughout its evolution, non-music elements such as occasional news bulletins have been consistently retained to provide timely updates and maintain informational value, even as the core focus returned to entertainment with an emphasis on positivity and cultural connection.[38][20]Broadcast coverage
Radio frequencies
Kool FM operates on several FM frequencies across Malaysia, providing broadcast coverage to key urban centers as of November 2025. The primary transmission in the Klang Valley airs on 101.3 MHz from a site in Bukit Sungai Besi, serving the greater Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area. Additional frequencies include 90.2 MHz for Penang and surrounding regions from Bukit Penara, 107.3 MHz for Alor Setar, 104.3 MHz for Kuching, 87.6 MHz for Ipoh, 88.1 MHz for Melaka and northern Johor, and 105.3 MHz for Johor Bahru.[39][20][22] These frequencies deliver strong signal reception in densely populated urban zones, enabling reliable listening within city limits and nearby suburbs, though coverage may diminish in remote rural areas due to terrain and distance from transmitters. The network's effective radiated power and antenna configurations are optimized for regional dominance in these markets, though specific ERP values vary by site and are managed by Media Prima Audio to comply with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission regulations. Historically, Kool FM's frequency footprint expanded significantly during its 2025 relaunch, adding transmissions in Ipoh, Melaka, and Johor Bahru to repurpose slots previously held by other stations, thereby increasing nationwide reach from four core frequencies in early 2025 to seven by November. This growth aligned with the station's rebranding from Kool 101, enhancing accessibility for listeners outside the original Klang Valley, Penang, Alor Setar, and Kuching areas.[39][20]| Location | Frequency (MHz) | Transmitter Site (where known) |
|---|---|---|
| Klang Valley | 101.3 | Bukit Sungai Besi |
| Penang | 90.2 | Bukit Penara |
| Alor Setar | 107.3 | Alor Setar Tower |
| Kuching | 104.3 | Bukit Djin |
| Ipoh | 87.6 | Gunung Kledang |
| Melaka & North Johor | 88.1 | Gunung Ledang |
| Johor Bahru | 105.3 | Taman Sentosa |