Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2^nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 837-9666

I wish to thank Members for their comments and suggestions. With their support and critical feedback, MITA aims to do more and hopefully better each year, to realize our goal of turning Singapore into a vibrant, global city of the arts and media hub. As time is short, I will confine my response to the main points. However, please be assured that my Ministry will look into every point raised by Members.

Impact of competition

Let me first touch on broadcasting and media issues raised by Mr Chew Heng Ching, Dr Toh See Kiat, and Mr Zulkifli. They have asked about the impact of competition on the media and how we should regulate the media in this Internet age. Last June, I announced that we will issue an additional broadcasting licence to SPH and a newspaper licence to MediaCorp. The liberalisation is to meet public desire for a greater variety of views and programmes as well as to inject some competition into our local media industry. The aim is to strengthen the local media so that they are better able to hold the attention of our local audience to share Singaporean viewpoints and experiences in the face of increasing competition from foreign media across all media platforms.

Constructive competition for the local media will attract much needed talent, augment consumer choice, and improve the quality of local content in the long term. Our media companies will have to be vigilant, innovative and adaptable to stay ahead of the competition. It is already evident that competition has injected new vigour to the local newspapers. Feedback has shown that Singaporeans welcome the expanded choice of newspapers and I am confident that each newspaper will find its place, with offerings from serious news to entertainment.

Nonetheless, there have been some concerns raised by Members and others on the need for standards to be maintained, given the proliferation of English newspapers and additional TV channels following the liberalisation. I can assure Members that MITA shares the concern and is closely monitoring the situation. We would like the local media to maintain high journalistic standards and make sound editorial judgements of what constitutes good taste and decency. Like Dr Toh See Kiat and Mr Chew Heng Ching, I have observed that there is an occasional tendency for some papers to publish pictures which cross the line for good taste and intrude into the privacy of some members of the public.

The two local media companies, in their drive to outdo each other, should also be mindful that biased, one-sided reporting is not in keeping with the spirit of fair competition and professional conduct, especially if third parties are hurt in the process. This is illustrated by the negative coverage of the recent Miss Singapore - Universe beauty pageant. I thought the contestants did reasonably well considering the pressure that they were under with the live telecast to many Singaporean viewers. However, the reports that came out blasted them for being "beauties without brains." This was unfounded, ungracious and unfair to the contestants. The organisers did make some slips in its first attempt at live broadcast of a beauty pageant. However, someone told me that the extremely negative reports in several newspapers could be partly because of the media competition. I am not sure if there is any truth in that. In any case, I would expect our media companies to compete fairly and professionally even if the report is about an event concerning their competitor. Our media should compete on the basis of better quality and not negative reporting.

With the proliferation of alternative viewpoints in the media, the public has to adopt a more discerning and critical attitude towards the information they receive. Any attempt by the local media players to dumb-down, sensationalise or stir up controversial issues may appeal to some readers or audience. However, it could also damage the media’s credibility and risk consumer backlash. On our part, MITA will encourage our media to set high standards of professionalism, accuracy and objectivity. We are assisted in our efforts by several advisory bodies, such as the Publications Advisory Committee and the Programme Advisory Committee which include members from a wide cross section of society to reflect public opinion.

Role of the Publications Advisory Committee

Mr Chew Heng Ching asked if the role of the Publications Advisory Committee will be stepped up. The PAC will continue to advise MITA on the content and trends of newspapers and publications, consider complaints by members of the public, and review newspaper and publishing guidelines. MITA intends to tap on the PAC on a more regular basis. The PAC will also submit an annual report of its findings to MITA, similar to the practice of the Programmes Advisory Committee for the broadcasting industry.

Media Watch Council

Foreign Media

Mr Seng Han Thong has also asked if MITA has any guidelines to protect Singaporeans from the undesirable outcomes of foreign media competition. Where the foreign media are concerned, the rules are simple. They operate here as a matter of privilege and not of right. We welcome them to come to Singapore and report on local developments, based on the principle of accuracy, fairness and balance. However, they must not engage in our domestic politics as this is the preserve of Singaporeans.

The Newspaper and Printing Presses Act already establishes this policy in relation to foreign newspapers and magazines. Foreign publications deemed to be engaging in domestic politics would have their circulation restricted. Over the years, the foreign media have come around to accept this policy and our right of reply.

MITA intends to extend this policy to include foreign broadcasts in Singapore. I will soon be introducing a Bill to amend the Singapore Broadcasting Authority Act to provide the Minister with the power to declare any foreign broadcasting service to be engaging in the domestic politics of Singapore, and to limit its distribution. The Minister can then impose conditions on errant foreign broadcasting services. The system of regulations on foreign broadcasts will be similar to that on foreign newspapers. Our aim is not to ban information but to restrict subscriber and advertising revenue to an errant channel.

Censorship Policy

Mr Chew Heng Ching has suggested that we review our censorship policy with regards to violence as portrayed in our mass media. The next review of censorship policy will certainly focus on this important issue, amongst others. Concerning violence in TV programmes, MITA and SBA have received very few public complaints as broadcasters have generally conformed with the guidelines on TV violence stipulated by SBA’s TV Programming Code. The code is constantly updated, incorporating feedback from SBA’s Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) and the public, to ensure that it meets current requirements and expectations. The PAC is mindful that action movies with violent themes or scenes are not appropriate for prime-time family viewing and SBA has advised broadcasters to exercise greater care and sensitivity when scheduling programmes. As for cartoon violence, no major areas of concern have been expressed by the public or SBA’s Children’s Programme Advisory Committee. Nevertheless, MITA will look into the cartoon called ‘Cow and Chicken’ that Mr Chew has raised. SBA currently funds some 1,500 hours of local children’s programmes annually. This should hopefully provide some balance. Concerning wrestling programmes on SportsCity, I am aware of the different opinions expressed in the forum pages on this issue. SBA will continue to monitor this area to assess if further guidelines and actions are necessary.

Censorship of Internet

Mr Zulkifli has spoken elegantly on the need to regulate the Internet. I would like to assure Members that the situation of censorship has not remained static but has moved with technology. We have also provided parents with tools like the Family Access Network which block out undesirable sites, and promoted their use. It is very difficult to control the Internet. That is why we have banned one hundred Internet sites as a symbolic and public indication of our society’s moral stance.

MITA takes a graduated approach towards different types of media and different audiences in setting censorship guidelines which are reviewed in the light of technological changes. This differentiated approach allows R(A) movies to be screened in cinemas while only PG rated videos are permitted, as we are aware that children have ready access to videos at home.

TV Charity Shows

Mr Seng Han Thong, raised a query with regards to the safety of MediaCorp artistes performing in charity shows, that efforts to attract audiences are not made at the expense of safety. I share the Member’s apprehension. I was quite concerned last year when I saw a motorcyclist perform an aerial jump over some local artistes lying on the stage. If any unforeseen accident had happened then, we would not be able to see some of our brightest stars on Caldecott Hill today. I asked my staff to check with MediaCorp whether this was necessary. They were told that the safety of the actors and actresses is a primary consideration. Whenever stunts are performed, maximum precautions are employed, and professional trainers are on hand to help the artistes execute the stunts comfortably and confidently. It does not make sense to have the artistes hurt as this would also harm MediaCorp's reputation and production efforts. Nonetheless, I have asked MediaCorp to be extremely careful in deciding whether certain stunts are necessary.

PSB Funding

Let me now turn to Dr Toh See Kiat’s query on PSB funding and licence fees. This has also been raised by several persistent writers in the forum pages. Let me say that almost all the funds collected go to paying for Public Service Broadcast programmes. These pertain to the production of current affairs, local drama, and minority language TV and radio shows which reflect our Singaporean values and way of life as well as local sports and selected arts programmes. Such local productions may cost up to 30 times more than canned entertainment programmes acquired overseas and cannot be funded by advertisements alone. For a multi-racial, multi-lingual society like Singapore, PSB programmes are a crucial element of our nation-building efforts.

PSB programmes can either be funded through the collection of radio and TV licence fees, or through government taxes. We have opted to collect radio and TV licence fees because it is still the best way to fund PSB programmes. The fee is not used to fund local entertainment programmes as these usually attract larger audiences. Compared to other countries such as the U.K which also collect TV licence fees, the licence fees in Singapore are relatively low and have remained unchanged since 1994 ($110 p.a. for a colour TV licence and $27 for a car radio licence). They are also low compared to the monthly fees for cable TV. In fact, most HDB residents who have not subscribed for cable TV have been enjoying much better TV reception through cable without having to pay a cent more.

TV Mobile

Dr Ho Tat Kin raised the issue of TV Mobile on buses and whether we should review the granting of such licences. Let me say that TV Mobile is part of the move to eventually introduce Digital TV services to Singaporean households. Traditional broadcasting services are giving way to better quality, interactive and mobile forms of digital entertainment and information in developed countries. Already, the US and Europe have launched full scale Digital TV services and are building up their digital programming capabilities with interactive services like email access via TV. Last month’s launch of TV Mobile in Singapore, a first in the world, was done after a two-year feasibility study by MediaCorp, Singapore Bus Services, and SMRT, and a one-month public trial in 1999 which received positive public responses. MediaCorp is also currently field-testing terrestrial digital television broadcasting with some 200 homes in preparation for a commercial DTV service launch in the near future. DTV allows numerous new and better services to be introduced, as well as higher quality broadcasts including High Definition TV.

The introduction of new services often involves change in consumer behaviour. Given time, the benefits will become evident. We are living in exciting times; some projects will thrive and others will fail, but we must keep up with the changes and make them work for us. MediaCorp has already taken action to resolve the teething problems encountered with TV Mobile. They are installing additional transmitters to improve reception and also lowering the sound levels in buses. MediaCorp will also be looking into other suggestions by the public to improve TV Mobile. It is in MCS’ interest to win over the public to the value and benefits of TV Mobile. Licences for TV Mobile to be extended to the MRT and taxis will be considered in future.

Renaissance City and Arts Development

Let me now deal with issues raised by Mr Chew Heng Ching, Mr Ravindran and Mr Seng Han Thong regarding the arts scene. The development of Singaporean arts and artists lies at the core of our Renaissance City vision and the bulk of funding has gone into major grants for top arts organisations. The new Two-year and Annual Grant schemes are aimed at advancing the professional development of our local arts companies. With more support, arts companies will be able to improve the quality of their productions. To date, four companies have received the two-year grant and 13 companies the annual grant, totaling about $3.8m. This also means that funds previously channeled to these companies can now be made available to other arts companies. The four are: Singapore Dance Theatre, Theatreworks, The Necessary Stage, and The Theatre Practice.

More funds have also been expended on arts training. NAC has set up new schemes for skills development and professional arts scholarships. We recognise that arts practitioners, arts managers and production personnel are crucial to the production process of the arts. The Professional Skills Development fund is to provide opportunities for them to upgrade their skills through short-term training courses locally or abroad. NAC's Professional Scholarship Scheme has been set up to provide financial assistance to arts managers and practitioners who wish to pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies overseas.

We are also intensifying efforts to give international exposure to our top artists. Examples of arts groups that have performed overseas include the T’ang Quartet (Shanghai and Beijing, 1999), the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (Taiwan, 2000), TheatreWorks (Australia, 2000), and Singapore Dance Theatre (USA, 2000). Singapore will also be participating in the prestigious Venice Biennale this June. The Biennale features top and emerging visual artists like painters and sculptors from around the world.

Major arts events will be improved upon qualitatively and quantitatively. The SPH-NAC Golden Point award, for example, will include a poetry section for the first time this year, while the National Piano and Violin Competition has plans to go regional in the near future. Other activities that will contribute to the vibrancy of the arts scene include Nokia Singapore Art and the Singapore Writers Festival.

We have also intensified arts outreach to the masses by bringing the arts to the community in the heartlands. One of the activities targeted at the HDB heartland was the Community Arts Day last October, which was jointly organised by NAC and Sembawang-Hong Kah CDC. Another is the NAC-Shell Community Arts series of outdoor concerts, held at town centres, such as Clementi, Hougang and Yishun. NAC also actively collaborates with the private sector to bring the arts to the working population. NAC joins hands with Raffles City to bring Arts in the City, a series of regular lunchtime concerts at the Raffles City Atrium, now into its third year.

We have also expanded on our arts education programme to more schools and students. Currently we cover 86% of schools and more than 50% of the student population. The AEP, which aims to bring the arts to every student through exposure, experience and excursion programmes, was extended to Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs) for the first time last year. NAC hopes the AEP will reach out to all schools by 2005.

Similarly, NHB works closely with MOE to promote awareness of our multiethnic heritage among the younger generation. NHB's outreach activities include the Community Involvement Programme for schools, the Heritage Badge for uniformed groups, travelling exhibitions, educational workshops, talks, cultural performances and other activities. NHB will be holding the inaugural Heritage Festival this month. The activities of the week-long festival, such as talks, music and dance performances and demonstrations of traditional games, will take place in various parts of the island.

We are still at an early stage of our cultural development. In terms of the number of arts events, artists and audiences, we are behind cities like Melbourne and Hong Kong, let alone London and New York. The Renaissance funds increased per capita annual arts expenditure from about $7 in 1999 to $9 last year. This is still modest compared to the cultural capitals of the world. For example London’s per capita spending is S$108, 12 times higher than ours while Hong Kong’s is nearly four times higher at S$33. Nevertheless our modest increase of 30% last year is a relatively big step for us.

Role of NAC

I would like to thank Dr Jennifer Lee for her views. The NAC has been doing a good job and it is not a simple task managing arts venues and promoting the arts. MHA is already discussing moving the licensing of arts performances to MITA. This licensing role will be assumed by the Films and Publications Department while NAC continues to promote the arts.

I would like to assure all Members that in approving the staging of plays and in funding for the arts, we exercise sensitivity and flexibility, so that local and international works with artistic merit, even some difficult and provocative ones, could be encouraged in Singapore. But at the same time, we acknowledge that the public funding for the arts should be prudent so as not to project wrong social values and to cause societal conflicts. For example NAC did not fund the musical "Rent", as it presented alternative lifestyles as an accepted way of life. I would like to reiterate that MITA has clear guidelines and criteria for the support of arts productions. They include artistic merit and the track record of applicants. However, for private sponsorship of the arts, we would like to leave it to the respective corporations to decide.