Thestar.com.my

Thestar.com.my

Thestar.com.my is the online portal of The Star, one of Malaysia's leading English-language newspapers. Here's a comprehensive explanation of The Star and its online presence:

History and Background

The Star was first established in 1971 as a regional newspaper in Penang, Malaysia[1]. It expanded to national circulation in 1976 when it set up an office in Kuala Lumpur[1]. In 1981, the newspaper headquarters moved to Petaling Jaya, where it remains today[1].

The Star Online (Thestar.com.my) was launched on June 23, 1995, making it Malaysia's first news website4. This early adoption of digital media has helped The Star maintain its position as one of the country's top English news portals.

Ownership and Management

The Star is owned by Star Media Group Berhad, a publicly listed company on the Malaysian stock exchange[1]. The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), a political party, has historically been a major shareholder in the company through its investment arm[1].

Content and Features

Thestar.com.my provides a wide range of content, including:

1. Breaking news and current affairs 2. Business and financial news 3. Sports coverage 4. Lifestyle and entertainment content 5. Opinion pieces and editorials 6. Regional and international news

The website offers several features to enhance user experience:

- Customizable news feeds - Bookmarking capabilities - Audio news summaries - Dark mode for easier reading - Mobile app for iOS and Android devices[8]

Readership and Reach

As of 2017, The Star had a daily circulation of about 250,000 copies, making it the largest paid English-language newspaper in Malaysia[1]. The online portal, Thestar.com.my, reportedly has more than 11 million average monthly online users[5].

Digital Access and Subscriptions

The Star offers a paid digital membership called The Star Digital Access, which provides full access to content on the website and app, including premium articles[6]. They offer various subscription plans, including weekly, monthly, and annual options[6].

Mobile Application

The Star has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app offers features such as offline reading, customizable navigation menus, and breaking news alerts[8].

Reputation and Trust

According to a 2020 Reuters Institute poll, 56% of Malaysian respondents trusted reporting from The Star, tying it for the third-highest trust rating among 14 media outlets surveyed in the country[1].

Challenges and Controversies

Like many traditional media organizations, The Star has faced challenges in adapting to the digital age. In 1987, the newspaper's publication license was temporarily withdrawn during a government crackdown known as Operation Lalang[1]. After resuming publication in 1988, some observers noted that the paper lost some of its previous "liberal flavour"[1].

In conclusion, Thestar.com.my represents the digital evolution of one of Malaysia's most prominent English-language newspapers. It has successfully transitioned into the online space while maintaining a significant readership and trust among Malaysians. As with many news organizations worldwide, it continues to adapt to changing media consumption habits and the challenges of the digital era.