Broadcasting in Singapore
Encyclopedia
Broadcasting in Singapore began in 5 May 1923 when Radio Singapura
was established as the first local mass market radio service. Subsequently in 15 February 1963 before the withdrawal of the British Armed Forces
, and after the merger with Malaya
, Singapore launched her first television service began has Televisyen Singapura
(TV Singapura) for under owner by Radio Television Singapore
(RTS).
, the first local radio service was launched on 1 January 1932. The radio service shut down temporarily due to the World War II efforts, and radio frequencies were tightly controlled. The service resumed and flourished as Singapore gained gradual autonomy from the United Kingdom after the war.
Radio Singapura subsequently became part of Radio Television Singapore
(RTS), which in turn became part of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
(SBC). After SBC was fully privatised it became the Radio Corporation of Singapore
(RCS).
, introduced cable broadcasting service to Singapore in 1949. Rediffusion Singapore brought radio to housing areas which lacked decent radio reception with unrivalled sound quality compared to the conventional radio technologies at that time.
is managed by the SAFRA National Service Association, a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the welfare of National Service
men (colloquially called "NSmen"). SAFRA Radio runs two stations, Power98FM
and 883JiaFM
, broadcasting in English and Mandarin Chinese respectively. The stations cater to national and professional servicemen, and both radio stations are entertainment-based, featuring modern commercial music and the latest entertainment news.
is a joint radio broadcasting entity of SPH Multimedia
and NTUC Media
. It was created in 1 January 1994 as UnionWorks, relinquishing NTUC Media’s full ownership of 2 local radio stations Heart 100.3FM and 91.3FM The Most Music.
Heart 100.3FM was re-branded into UFM 1003, which had a striking similarity with SPH MediaWorks
’s Mandarin Chinese television free-to-air terrestrial channel, SPH MediaWorks Channel U
. 91.3FM The Most Music was re-branded as 'WKRZ 91.3', with considerable resemblance to the SPH MediaWorks TV Works
channel.
The letter "Z
" in the name of WKRZ 91.3 is pronounced "zee" as in the US, instead of the British "zed". The name of the station is pronounced as "W
", "K
", "R
", "Z
" individually to create an "Americanised" illusion, mimicking the naming conventions of radio stations in the United States.
In 2006, Singapore Press Holdings
increased its share in its radio subsidiary to 60 % and SPH UnionWorks is thus renamed to its present name. The radio stations under this subsidiary were also renamed as Radio 91.3 FM and Radio 1003, with new programming and lineup.
and present MediaCorp TV. The former eventually merged with the latter in 31 December 2004 only 1 television broadcasting companies have ever been created in Singapore. Televisyen Singapura
(TV Singapura), Televisyen Malaysia (Singapura)
(TV Malaysia (Singapura)), Radio Television Singapore
(RTS), Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
(SBC) and Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS), were the predecessors of the Media Corporation of Singapore
(MediaCorp Group), with each name change signifying a period of privatisation and liberalisation.
MediaCorp
is the direct successor of the SIM Group of Companies
based parent by Singapore International Media
(SIM) – the parent company of Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) and Radio Corporation of Singapore
(RCS) which in 12 February 2001 were renamed MediaCorp TV (network channel MediaCorp TV and MediaCorp TV12
) and MediaCorp Radio respectively owner by MediaCorp
their second satellite television broadcasting and radio broadcasting transmit receive earth station on Caldecott Broadcast Centre based in Singapore International Foundation regional broadcast venture Singapore International Television
(SITV) and Radio Singapore International
(RSI).
Several free-to-air terrestrial television channels are managed by companies that are directly affiliated with Televisyen Singapura
(TV Singapura), Televisyen Malaysia (Singapura)
(TV Malaysia (Singapura)), Radio Television Singapore
(RTS), Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
(SBC), Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) and MediaCorp TV.
under close regulation by a department within the government's Ministry of Culture in 15 February 1963. Formal inauguration of regular television broadcast took place in 2 April 1963 with four hours of English
programmes daily.
MediaCorp TV Channel 8 the second television channel was introduced in 23 November 1963 to broadcast programmes in Tamil
and predominantly in Chinese.
Both MediaCorp TV Channel 5 and MediaCorp TV Channel 8 are still in transmission today.
and Black Beauty
. Subsequently, the first live
colour telecast of the company the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final
between West Germany and The Netherlands via satellite
transmission took place in 7 July 1974.
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
With the passing of an Act of Parliament
and after much public effort, Radio Television Singapore
(RTS) was partially privatised and given autonomy and flexibility in its lineup of programmes and handling issues such as personnel, finance and production. Radio Television Singapore (RTS) became Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
(SBC) in 1 February 1980.
Immediately after the partial privatisation, the company managed breakthroughs that were hitherto impossible due to the direct influence of the Ministry of Culture. After two years, Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
(SBC) produced its first local drama for Channel 8
. SBC also produced various awarding-winning documentaries and current affairs talkshows; were however, criticised for her marginalised broadcast of news and current affairs, carrying news that are supporting the common misconceptions that are much silenced.
In 31 January 1984, SBC launched Singapore's third free-to-air terrestrial television channel, Channel 12
for name SBC TV12 as TV12 after the government announced its life to nurture a gracious and elegant society. Channel 12 carried mostly art and cultural programmes marking the inception of niche programming.
SBC continued to innovate, and eventually introduced the Star Search contest in 1988, which launched the career of some of today's most recognised local artistes. The trend of innovating accelerated when the company was totally privatised in the early 1990s.
based parent by Singapore International Media
(SIM) has : Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) took over the television broadcasting arm of Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
(SBC), Radio Corporation of Singapore
(RCS) took over thr radio broadcasting arm of Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
(SBC) while TV12
(TV12 Singapore) under name STV12
(Singapore Television Twelve) operated Channel 12
manager by Prime 12
(Perdana 12
) and Premiere 12
their second satellite television broadcasting and radio broadcasting transmit receive earth station on Caldecott Broadcast Centre based in Singapore International Foundation regional broadcast venture Singapore International Television
(SITV) and Radio Singapore International
(RSI).
In 1995 MediaCorp TV Channel 5 and MediaCorp TV Channel 8 began 24-hour transmission and 2 new free-to-air terrestrial television channels were created from Channel 12
began name such Prime 12
(Perdana 12
) and Premiere 12
. MediaCorp TV Channel 8 dropped its Tamil language
programmes these were moved to the new Prime 12
(Perdana 12
). For the first time in the history of Singaporean broadcasting, there were 4 free-to-air terrestrial television channels broadcasting programmes in all 4 official languages.
In 1999, the SIM Group of Companies
restructuring exercise Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) became one of its Strategic Business Units (SBU). STV12 underwent an entire makeover, and the MediaCorp TV12 Suria
The new Malay language
channel with programming similar to MediaCorp TV Channel 5 channel replaced Prime 12
(Perdana 12
) as a channel for the entertainment needs of the Malay
community, while Premiere 12
became MediaCorp TV12 Central
a channel separated into 3 sections according to the time slot given at different part of a day as
The STV12 channels did not commence 24 hour transmissions, despite rumours, while Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) such : MediaCorp TV Channel 5 and MediaCorp TV Channel 8 continued their 24-hour transmission with significant reform to their programming for late evenings. SportCity, a channel dedicated to sport programmes, was introduced by Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) in 31 January 2000 and subsequently renamed CityTV in May 2001 and introducing programmes catering to a larger range of audience, before being shut down in January 2002 due to economic recession and a lack of viewership.
In started launched 1 March 1999, MediaCorp News Channel NewsAsia International was launched Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) latest offering of a free-to-air terrestrial television channel in Singapore while the channel is available overseas via a post-paid service on Asia Cable TV
.
underwent a corporate restructure exercise in 2001. The Group was reorganised to become the Media Corporation of Singapore (MediaCorp Singapore). Television Corporation of Singapore
(TCS) was renamed has MediaCorp TV
, Radio Corporation of Singapore
(RCS) was renamed has MediaCorp Radio
and TV12
(TV12 Singapore) under name STV12
(Singapore Television Twelve) operated Channel 12
manager by Prime 12
and Premiere 12
was renamed MediaCorp TV12
became two individual Strategic Business Units (SBU) under the new corporation.
(SPH) began preparing to introduce an alternative broadcaster to challenge the well-established MediaCorp
. In 6 May 2001, SPH announced the creation of SPH MediaWorks
, which would transmit 2 new free-to-air terrestrial television channels has : Channel U
and SPH MediaWorks TV Works
broadcasting in Mandarin Chinese and English respectively. The process of establishing the 2 new channels entailed one of the largest staff crossovers in Singapore. A significant number of MediaCorp TV employees moved to SPH MediaWorks
including renowned producers celebrated artistes and notably the media veteran Man Shu Sum one of the pioneers in the local broadcasting industry.
With the launch of SPH MediaWorks Channel U
and SPH MediaWorks TV Works
in 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks
immediately began a long and excruciating ratings war. Survey results by research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres
showed MediaCorp
launched has : MediaCorp TV Channel 5, MediaCorp TV Channel 8, MediaCorp TV12 Suria
, MediaCorp TV12 Central
, Channel NewsAsia, and CityTelevision
to be constantly in the lead. However, SPH MediaWorks rebutted this with figures by another research firm AC Nielson, which showed that SPH MediaWorks Channel U
was in the lead.
Due to the different research figures used by the two companies, ratings were often biased towards the company using them. In 2003 after Singapore Broadcasting Authority
becomes the MDA
both companies stopped presenting the ratings of the rival either in their web sites or on air; MDA introduced its own ratings as well showing MediaCorp
channels in the lead.
In 3 March 2002, SPH MediaWorks TV Works
was renamed SPH MediaWorks Channel i
in an attempt to revamp the English television channel. It had suffered considerably in the ratings war and became the channel with the lowest viewership. SPH MediaWorks
was awarded the "Broadcaster of the Year" in the 2001 Asian Television Awards
an award clinched by MediaCorp
previously while Channel U received the "Channel of the Year" an award previously received by MediaCorp
has : Channel 5.
In 17 September 2004, Singapore Press Holdings
(SPH) and MediaCorp
announced the possibility of merging the broadcasting arms of the respective companies. It was eventually agreed that a new holding company, MediaCorp Television Broadcasting Arm
would be created to operate the MediaCorp
and SPH MediaWorks
channels affected by the merger, namely MediaCorp
has : MediaCorp TV Channel 5, MediaCorp TV Channel 8, MediaCorp TV Channel U, MediaCorp TV TVMobile, MediaCorp TV12 Suria
, MediaCorp TV12 Central
, MediaCorp News Channel NewsAsia, and MediaCorp News Teletext. SPH had previously said that SPH MediaWorks Channel i
was unprofitable and the merger agreement excluded SPH MediaWorks Channel i
was closing ceremony dissloved disestablishment off the air and closedown sign-off the end shut down stop late night final ceased transmission on Saturday (Weekend), 1 January 2005 at 01:30 am early dawn morning time (UTC+8
).
It was also agreed that MediaCorp
would retain 80 % stake in the new holding company, while Singapore Press Holdings
(SPH) would cash in for a 20 % stake. The agreement also included the end of the free newspaper battle; MediaCorp TV12 Suria
, MediaCorp TV12 Central
and Channel NewsAsia (CNA) would continue to be operated solely by the MediaCorp
, with MediaCorp TV12 Suria
and MediaCorp TV12 Central
under MediaCorp TV12
and MediaCorp News Channel NewsAsia International (CNAI) under MediaCorp News
.
On 31 December 2004, it was announced that the merger was completed and the new company would begin operations on 1 January 2005. The merger was one of the largest in the local market to date. SPH MediaWorks
was closing ceremony dissloved disestablishment off the air and closedown sign-off the end shut down stop late night final ceased transmission on Saturday (Weekend), 1 January 2005 at 01:30 am early dawn morning time (UTC+8
).
and SPH MediaWorks
from mass market
free-to-air terrestrial television channel and free daily national newspaper operations on 31 December 2004, MediaCorp
the first local broadcaster once again became the monopoly in the free-to-air
terrestrial channels broadcasting market after four years.
Private ownership of satellite
dishes is illegal although international TV channels (such as BBC World News and CNN International News
) are available on StarHub TV based in Cable Television and SingTel's mio IPTV services.
and control over the language used have resulted in programmes which have been severely edited and dubbed in the name of protecting national interests.
In accordance with the state policy of promoting Mandarin Chinese local television channels have been banned from showing programmes in Chinese
dialect for years. These programs, such as popular television serials from Hong Kong
which use Cantonese
have to be dubbed into Mandarin; local television series or programmes may not use any form of dialect and are subjected to tight censorship. Similarly, local newspapers were not allowed to carry listings for Malaysia's TV3
, which showed Cantonese
programmes. Ironically, Malaysia state-run Radio Televisyen Malaysia
(RTM) has : RTM TV1 (TV1) and RTM TV2
(TV2) did broadcast programmes in Cantonese
for a period of time. Although these were not meant for viewers in Singapore, Singapore could still receive the television signals. (Since 1 January 2007, RTM TV2
(TV2) is no longer free-to-air in Singapore, due to its broadcasting foreign copyrighted programmes) Hong Kong
's TVB, broadcasting in Cantonese
is now available on cable. As of now, RTM TV1 (TV1) is now officially free-to-air in Singapore.
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
was established as the first local mass market radio service. Subsequently in 15 February 1963 before the withdrawal of the British Armed Forces
British Armed Forces
The British Armed Forces are the armed forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.Also known as Her Majesty's Armed Forces and sometimes legally the Armed Forces of the Crown, the British Armed Forces encompasses three professional uniformed services, the Royal Navy, the...
, and after the merger with Malaya
Federation of Malaya
The Federation of Malaya is the name given to a federation of 11 states that existed from 31 January 1948 until 16 September 1963. The Federation became independent on 31 August 1957...
, Singapore launched her first television service began has Televisyen Singapura
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(TV Singapura) for under owner by Radio Television Singapore
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(RTS).
Radio Singapura (1923–1963)
Radio SingapuraMediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
, the first local radio service was launched on 1 January 1932. The radio service shut down temporarily due to the World War II efforts, and radio frequencies were tightly controlled. The service resumed and flourished as Singapore gained gradual autonomy from the United Kingdom after the war.
Radio Singapura subsequently became part of Radio Television Singapore
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(RTS), which in turn became part of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(SBC). After SBC was fully privatised it became the Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore was the largest radio broadcasting company in Singapore existing from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2001; predecessor of MediaCorp Radio successor of the radio broadcasting arm of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 January 1994...
(RCS).
Rediffusion Singapore
With the success of Radio Singapura another key player in the broadcasting industry in the pre-independence Singapore, Rediffusion SingaporeRediffusion Singapore
Rediffusion Singapore is a company which originally pioneered cable radio in Singapore, and is currently a digital radio service. The company has touted itself as Singapore's only subscription radio service and the "1st in the WORLD to broadcast on .....
, introduced cable broadcasting service to Singapore in 1949. Rediffusion Singapore brought radio to housing areas which lacked decent radio reception with unrivalled sound quality compared to the conventional radio technologies at that time.
SAFRA Radio
SAFRA RadioSAFRA Radio
SAFRA Radio, established since 1994, is a Singaporean radio broadcaster owned by the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association . SAFRA Radio broadcasts Power98FM and 883JiaFM, claiming over 300,000 listeners a week....
is managed by the SAFRA National Service Association, a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to the welfare of National Service
National service
National service is a common name for mandatory government service programmes . The term became common British usage during and for some years following the Second World War. Many young people spent one or more years in such programmes...
men (colloquially called "NSmen"). SAFRA Radio runs two stations, Power98FM
Power98FM
Power98FM is an English radio station of SAFRA Radio in Singapore. It is a 24-hour English entertainment station which features contemporary pop music with a pinch of oldies plus the latest entertainment news and sports updates...
and 883JiaFM
883JiaFM
883 Jia FM is a Chinese radio station of SAFRA Radio in Singapore. It features contemporary, popular music, latest traffic news, weather report, and news as well as entertainment news. News is reported hourly from morning 7 am to evening 6 pm. Latest traffic news are constantly reported to update...
, broadcasting in English and Mandarin Chinese respectively. The stations cater to national and professional servicemen, and both radio stations are entertainment-based, featuring modern commercial music and the latest entertainment news.
SPH UnionWorks
SPH UnionWorksSingapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings Limited is a media organisation in Singapore with businesses in print, Internet and new media, television and radio, outdoor media, and property. SPH has over 4,000 employees, including a team of approximately 1,000 journalists, including correspondents operating around...
is a joint radio broadcasting entity of SPH Multimedia
Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings Limited is a media organisation in Singapore with businesses in print, Internet and new media, television and radio, outdoor media, and property. SPH has over 4,000 employees, including a team of approximately 1,000 journalists, including correspondents operating around...
and NTUC Media
Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings Limited is a media organisation in Singapore with businesses in print, Internet and new media, television and radio, outdoor media, and property. SPH has over 4,000 employees, including a team of approximately 1,000 journalists, including correspondents operating around...
. It was created in 1 January 1994 as UnionWorks, relinquishing NTUC Media’s full ownership of 2 local radio stations Heart 100.3FM and 91.3FM The Most Music.
Heart 100.3FM was re-branded into UFM 1003, which had a striking similarity with SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
’s Mandarin Chinese television free-to-air terrestrial channel, SPH MediaWorks Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U as called name Channel U was defunct Chinese language television channel in Singapore which began broadcasts on 6 May 2001...
. 91.3FM The Most Music was re-branded as 'WKRZ 91.3', with considerable resemblance to the SPH MediaWorks TV Works
SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i as called by the name Channel i is a defunct Singapore English language television channel which began broadcasting on 20 May 2001. It was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks TV Works as called name TV Works...
channel.
The letter "Z
Z
Z is the twenty-sixth and final letter of the basic modern Latin alphabet.-Name and pronunciation:In most dialects of English, the letter's name is zed , reflecting its derivation from the Greek zeta but in American English, its name is zee , deriving from a late 17th century English dialectal...
" in the name of WKRZ 91.3 is pronounced "zee" as in the US, instead of the British "zed". The name of the station is pronounced as "W
W
W is the 23rd letter in the basic modern Latin alphabet.In other Germanic languages, including German, its pronunciation is similar or identical to that of English V...
", "K
K
K is the eleventh letter of the English and basic modern Latin alphabet.-History and usage:In English, the letter K usually represents the voiceless velar plosive; this sound is also transcribed by in the International Phonetic Alphabet and X-SAMPA....
", "R
R
R is the eighteenth letter of the basic modern Latin alphabet.-History:The original Semitic letter may have been inspired by an Egyptian hieroglyph for tp, "head". It was used for by Semites because in their language, the word for "head" was rêš . It developed into Greek Ρ and Latin R...
", "Z
Z
Z is the twenty-sixth and final letter of the basic modern Latin alphabet.-Name and pronunciation:In most dialects of English, the letter's name is zed , reflecting its derivation from the Greek zeta but in American English, its name is zee , deriving from a late 17th century English dialectal...
" individually to create an "Americanised" illusion, mimicking the naming conventions of radio stations in the United States.
In 2006, Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings Limited is a media organisation in Singapore with businesses in print, Internet and new media, television and radio, outdoor media, and property. SPH has over 4,000 employees, including a team of approximately 1,000 journalists, including correspondents operating around...
increased its share in its radio subsidiary to 60 % and SPH UnionWorks is thus renamed to its present name. The radio stations under this subsidiary were also renamed as Radio 91.3 FM and Radio 1003, with new programming and lineup.
Company names
Only 2 television broadcasting companies have ever been created in Singapore since 1 January 2005 has SPH MediaworksSPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
and present MediaCorp TV. The former eventually merged with the latter in 31 December 2004 only 1 television broadcasting companies have ever been created in Singapore. Televisyen Singapura
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(TV Singapura), Televisyen Malaysia (Singapura)
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(TV Malaysia (Singapura)), Radio Television Singapore
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(RTS), Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(SBC) and Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS), were the predecessors of the Media Corporation of Singapore
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(MediaCorp Group), with each name change signifying a period of privatisation and liberalisation.
MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
is the direct successor of the SIM Group of Companies
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
based parent by Singapore International Media
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(SIM) – the parent company of Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) and Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore was the largest radio broadcasting company in Singapore existing from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2001; predecessor of MediaCorp Radio successor of the radio broadcasting arm of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 January 1994...
(RCS) which in 12 February 2001 were renamed MediaCorp TV (network channel MediaCorp TV and MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
) and MediaCorp Radio respectively owner by MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
their second satellite television broadcasting and radio broadcasting transmit receive earth station on Caldecott Broadcast Centre based in Singapore International Foundation regional broadcast venture Singapore International Television
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(SITV) and Radio Singapore International
Radio Singapore International
Radio Singapore International was the official international broadcasting station of Singapore and the largest radio international broadcasting company in Singapore existing from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2001...
(RSI).
Several free-to-air terrestrial television channels are managed by companies that are directly affiliated with Televisyen Singapura
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(TV Singapura), Televisyen Malaysia (Singapura)
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(TV Malaysia (Singapura)), Radio Television Singapore
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(RTS), Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(SBC), Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) and MediaCorp TV.
Radio Television Singapore (1963–1980)
The Television service began with a 1.5 hour monochrome service launched on Channel 5MediaCorp TV Channel 5
MediaCorp Channel 5 or Channel 5 is a 24-hour free-to-air English and Malay language television channel based in Singapore....
under close regulation by a department within the government's Ministry of Culture in 15 February 1963. Formal inauguration of regular television broadcast took place in 2 April 1963 with four hours of English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
programmes daily.
MediaCorp TV Channel 8 the second television channel was introduced in 23 November 1963 to broadcast programmes in Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
and predominantly in Chinese.
Both MediaCorp TV Channel 5 and MediaCorp TV Channel 8 are still in transmission today.
Colour transmission
The first colour television signal was transmitted in 1 May 1974 the first colour programmes being the The Mary Tyler Moore ShowThe Mary Tyler Moore Show
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is an American television sitcom created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977...
and Black Beauty
Black Beauty (1971 film)
Black Beauty is a 1971 British drama film, based on the Anna Sewell novel of the same name. This movie is the fourth feature film adaptation of Anna Sewell's story....
. Subsequently, the first live
Live television
Live television refers to a television production broadcast in real-time, as events happen, in the present. From the early days of television until about 1958, live television was used heavily, except for filmed shows such as I Love Lucy and Gunsmoke. Video tape did not exist until 1957...
colour telecast of the company the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final
1974 FIFA World Cup Final
-References:...
between West Germany and The Netherlands via satellite
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
transmission took place in 7 July 1974.
Singapore Broadcasting CorporationSingapore Broadcasting CorporationSingapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(1980–1994)
With the passing of an Act of ParliamentAct of Parliament
An Act of Parliament is a statute enacted as primary legislation by a national or sub-national parliament. In the Republic of Ireland the term Act of the Oireachtas is used, and in the United States the term Act of Congress is used.In Commonwealth countries, the term is used both in a narrow...
and after much public effort, Radio Television Singapore
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(RTS) was partially privatised and given autonomy and flexibility in its lineup of programmes and handling issues such as personnel, finance and production. Radio Television Singapore (RTS) became Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(SBC) in 1 February 1980.
Immediately after the partial privatisation, the company managed breakthroughs that were hitherto impossible due to the direct influence of the Ministry of Culture. After two years, Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(SBC) produced its first local drama for Channel 8
MediaCorp TV Channel 8
MediaCorp Channel 8 is a 24-hour free-to-air Mandarin Chinese general entertainment television channel in Singapore...
. SBC also produced various awarding-winning documentaries and current affairs talkshows; were however, criticised for her marginalised broadcast of news and current affairs, carrying news that are supporting the common misconceptions that are much silenced.
In 31 January 1984, SBC launched Singapore's third free-to-air terrestrial television channel, Channel 12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
for name SBC TV12 as TV12 after the government announced its life to nurture a gracious and elegant society. Channel 12 carried mostly art and cultural programmes marking the inception of niche programming.
SBC continued to innovate, and eventually introduced the Star Search contest in 1988, which launched the career of some of today's most recognised local artistes. The trend of innovating accelerated when the company was totally privatised in the early 1990s.
Television Corporation of Singapore (1994–2001)
SBC was fully privatised in 1 October 1994 and split into 3 individual companies under the SIM Group of CompaniesMediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
based parent by Singapore International Media
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(SIM) has : Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) took over the television broadcasting arm of Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(SBC), Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore was the largest radio broadcasting company in Singapore existing from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2001; predecessor of MediaCorp Radio successor of the radio broadcasting arm of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 January 1994...
(RCS) took over thr radio broadcasting arm of Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(SBC) while TV12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
(TV12 Singapore) under name STV12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
(Singapore Television Twelve) operated Channel 12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
manager by Prime 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
(Perdana 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
) and Premiere 12
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
their second satellite television broadcasting and radio broadcasting transmit receive earth station on Caldecott Broadcast Centre based in Singapore International Foundation regional broadcast venture Singapore International Television
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
(SITV) and Radio Singapore International
Radio Singapore International
Radio Singapore International was the official international broadcasting station of Singapore and the largest radio international broadcasting company in Singapore existing from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2001...
(RSI).
In 1995 MediaCorp TV Channel 5 and MediaCorp TV Channel 8 began 24-hour transmission and 2 new free-to-air terrestrial television channels were created from Channel 12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
began name such Prime 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
(Perdana 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
) and Premiere 12
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
. MediaCorp TV Channel 8 dropped its Tamil language
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
programmes these were moved to the new Prime 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
(Perdana 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
). For the first time in the history of Singaporean broadcasting, there were 4 free-to-air terrestrial television channels broadcasting programmes in all 4 official languages.
In 1999, the SIM Group of Companies
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
restructuring exercise Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) became one of its Strategic Business Units (SBU). STV12 underwent an entire makeover, and the MediaCorp TV12 Suria
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
The new Malay language
Malaysian language
Malaysian or Standard Malay is the official language of Malaysia and a standardized form of the Malay language of the Austronesian family. It is over 80% cognate with Indonesian and is spoken natively by over 10 million people...
channel with programming similar to MediaCorp TV Channel 5 channel replaced Prime 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
(Perdana 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
) as a channel for the entertainment needs of the Malay
Malay language
Malay is a major language of the Austronesian family. It is the official language of Malaysia , Indonesia , Brunei and Singapore...
community, while Premiere 12
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
became MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
a channel separated into 3 sections according to the time slot given at different part of a day as
- MediaCorp TV12 Kids CentralMediaCorp TV12 CentralMediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
(formerly known as Kids Premiere 12MediaCorp TV12 CentralMediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
) – The children's channel, with enriching educational & animation programming - MediaCorp TV12 Vasantham CentralMediaCorp TV12 CentralMediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
(formerly known as Vasantham Premiere 12MediaCorp TV12 CentralMediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
) – The new Tamil languageTamil languageTamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
channel with programming similar to MediaCorp TV Channel 8 - MediaCorp TV12 Arts CentralMediaCorp TV12 CentralMediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
(formerly known as Arts Premiere 12MediaCorp TV12 CentralMediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
) – A channel that showcases art, cultural and largely foreign award-winning productions, and incorporated a significant amount of niche programming, making the channel rather distinctive compared to the others.
The STV12 channels did not commence 24 hour transmissions, despite rumours, while Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) such : MediaCorp TV Channel 5 and MediaCorp TV Channel 8 continued their 24-hour transmission with significant reform to their programming for late evenings. SportCity, a channel dedicated to sport programmes, was introduced by Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) in 31 January 2000 and subsequently renamed CityTV in May 2001 and introducing programmes catering to a larger range of audience, before being shut down in January 2002 due to economic recession and a lack of viewership.
In started launched 1 March 1999, MediaCorp News Channel NewsAsia International was launched Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) latest offering of a free-to-air terrestrial television channel in Singapore while the channel is available overseas via a post-paid service on Asia Cable TV
Indovision
Indovision is a subscription-based direct broadcast satellite or direct-to-home satellite television and radio service initially in Indonesia. Indovision is currently owned by PT MNC Skyvision.-History:Indovision began operations in 1994....
.
MediaCorp TV (2001–present)
SIM Group of CompaniesMediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
underwent a corporate restructure exercise in 2001. The Group was reorganised to become the Media Corporation of Singapore (MediaCorp Singapore). Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore
Television Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
(TCS) was renamed has MediaCorp TV
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
, Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore
Radio Corporation of Singapore was the largest radio broadcasting company in Singapore existing from 1 January 1994 to 31 December 2001; predecessor of MediaCorp Radio successor of the radio broadcasting arm of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 January 1994...
(RCS) was renamed has MediaCorp Radio
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
and TV12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
(TV12 Singapore) under name STV12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
(Singapore Television Twelve) operated Channel 12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
manager by Prime 12
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
and Premiere 12
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
was renamed MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
became two individual Strategic Business Units (SBU) under the new corporation.
SPH MediaWorks (2001–2004)
With the liberalisation process near completion, Singapore Press HoldingsSingapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings Limited is a media organisation in Singapore with businesses in print, Internet and new media, television and radio, outdoor media, and property. SPH has over 4,000 employees, including a team of approximately 1,000 journalists, including correspondents operating around...
(SPH) began preparing to introduce an alternative broadcaster to challenge the well-established MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
. In 6 May 2001, SPH announced the creation of SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
, which would transmit 2 new free-to-air terrestrial television channels has : Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U as called name Channel U was defunct Chinese language television channel in Singapore which began broadcasts on 6 May 2001...
and SPH MediaWorks TV Works
SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i as called by the name Channel i is a defunct Singapore English language television channel which began broadcasting on 20 May 2001. It was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks TV Works as called name TV Works...
broadcasting in Mandarin Chinese and English respectively. The process of establishing the 2 new channels entailed one of the largest staff crossovers in Singapore. A significant number of MediaCorp TV employees moved to SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
including renowned producers celebrated artistes and notably the media veteran Man Shu Sum one of the pioneers in the local broadcasting industry.
With the launch of SPH MediaWorks Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U as called name Channel U was defunct Chinese language television channel in Singapore which began broadcasts on 6 May 2001...
and SPH MediaWorks TV Works
SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i as called by the name Channel i is a defunct Singapore English language television channel which began broadcasting on 20 May 2001. It was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks TV Works as called name TV Works...
in 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
immediately began a long and excruciating ratings war. Survey results by research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres
Taylor Nelson Sofres
Taylor Nelson Sofres is a leading market research and market information group. Formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index, the firm was acquired by WPP Group in October 2008 for 1.6 billion pounds.-History:...
showed MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
launched has : MediaCorp TV Channel 5, MediaCorp TV Channel 8, MediaCorp TV12 Suria
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
, MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
, Channel NewsAsia, and CityTelevision
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
to be constantly in the lead. However, SPH MediaWorks rebutted this with figures by another research firm AC Nielson, which showed that SPH MediaWorks Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U
SPH MediaWorks Channel U as called name Channel U was defunct Chinese language television channel in Singapore which began broadcasts on 6 May 2001...
was in the lead.
Due to the different research figures used by the two companies, ratings were often biased towards the company using them. In 2003 after Singapore Broadcasting Authority
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
becomes the MDA
Media Development Authority
The Media Development Authority is a statutory board of the Singapore Government, under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts .-History:...
both companies stopped presenting the ratings of the rival either in their web sites or on air; MDA introduced its own ratings as well showing MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
channels in the lead.
In 3 March 2002, SPH MediaWorks TV Works
SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i as called by the name Channel i is a defunct Singapore English language television channel which began broadcasting on 20 May 2001. It was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks TV Works as called name TV Works...
was renamed SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i as called by the name Channel i is a defunct Singapore English language television channel which began broadcasting on 20 May 2001. It was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks TV Works as called name TV Works...
in an attempt to revamp the English television channel. It had suffered considerably in the ratings war and became the channel with the lowest viewership. SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
was awarded the "Broadcaster of the Year" in the 2001 Asian Television Awards
Asian Television Awards
The Asian Television Awards is an appreciation to recognize and reward programming and production excellence in the Asian television industry. Held every December, the Awards draws about 1,400 entries each year from a wide range of broadcasters, including free-to-air TV stations and pay-TV...
an award clinched by MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
previously while Channel U received the "Channel of the Year" an award previously received by MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
has : Channel 5.
In 17 September 2004, Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings Limited is a media organisation in Singapore with businesses in print, Internet and new media, television and radio, outdoor media, and property. SPH has over 4,000 employees, including a team of approximately 1,000 journalists, including correspondents operating around...
(SPH) and MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
announced the possibility of merging the broadcasting arms of the respective companies. It was eventually agreed that a new holding company, MediaCorp Television Broadcasting Arm
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
would be created to operate the MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
and SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
channels affected by the merger, namely MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
has : MediaCorp TV Channel 5, MediaCorp TV Channel 8, MediaCorp TV Channel U, MediaCorp TV TVMobile, MediaCorp TV12 Suria
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
, MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
, MediaCorp News Channel NewsAsia, and MediaCorp News Teletext. SPH had previously said that SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i as called by the name Channel i is a defunct Singapore English language television channel which began broadcasting on 20 May 2001. It was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks TV Works as called name TV Works...
was unprofitable and the merger agreement excluded SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i
SPH MediaWorks Channel i as called by the name Channel i is a defunct Singapore English language television channel which began broadcasting on 20 May 2001. It was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks TV Works as called name TV Works...
was closing ceremony dissloved disestablishment off the air and closedown sign-off the end shut down stop late night final ceased transmission on Saturday (Weekend), 1 January 2005 at 01:30 am early dawn morning time (UTC+8
UTC+8
UTC+08:00 is an identifier for a time offset from UTC of +08:00. In ISO 8601 the associated time would be written as .With an estimated population of 1.53 billion living within the time zone, roughly 22.5% of the world population, it is the most populous time zone in world, as well as a possible...
).
It was also agreed that MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
would retain 80 % stake in the new holding company, while Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings
Singapore Press Holdings Limited is a media organisation in Singapore with businesses in print, Internet and new media, television and radio, outdoor media, and property. SPH has over 4,000 employees, including a team of approximately 1,000 journalists, including correspondents operating around...
(SPH) would cash in for a 20 % stake. The agreement also included the end of the free newspaper battle; MediaCorp TV12 Suria
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
, MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
and Channel NewsAsia (CNA) would continue to be operated solely by the MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
, with MediaCorp TV12 Suria
MediaCorp Suria
MediaCorp Suria is a Malay language channel featuring local and acquired Malay dramas and popular programmes. Suria has achieved recognition outside the Malay community drawing media attention in Singapore and abroad....
and MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central
MediaCorp TV12 Central or Central was an English and Tamil language Television channel in Singapore it was launched on 31 March 1996 replacing Premiere 12 it was launched since on 1 January 1994 as Television Corporation of Singapore since 1994.The channel was a combination of 3 distinct...
under MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12
MediaCorp TV12 is a subsidiary of MediaCorp. It operates the Suria, Vasantham and okto channels, which cater to specific groups in Singapore. It once operated Central...
and MediaCorp News Channel NewsAsia International (CNAI) under MediaCorp News
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
.
On 31 December 2004, it was announced that the merger was completed and the new company would begin operations on 1 January 2005. The merger was one of the largest in the local market to date. SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
was closing ceremony dissloved disestablishment off the air and closedown sign-off the end shut down stop late night final ceased transmission on Saturday (Weekend), 1 January 2005 at 01:30 am early dawn morning time (UTC+8
UTC+8
UTC+08:00 is an identifier for a time offset from UTC of +08:00. In ISO 8601 the associated time would be written as .With an estimated population of 1.53 billion living within the time zone, roughly 22.5% of the world population, it is the most populous time zone in world, as well as a possible...
).
The return of market monopoly
After the merger of MediaCorp TVMediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
and SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks
SPH MediaWorks Ltd was an ephemeral free-to-air terrestrial television broadcaster in Singapore. In 6 May 2001, SPH MediaWorks brought 2 alternative free-to-air terrestrial television channels to the audience in Singapore, operating SPH MediaWorks Channel U and SPH MediaWorks Channel i.A...
from mass market
Mass market
The mass market is a general business term describing the largest group of consumers for a specified industry product. It is the opposite extreme of the term niche market.-General:...
free-to-air terrestrial television channel and free daily national newspaper operations on 31 December 2004, MediaCorp
MediaCorp
Media Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
the first local broadcaster once again became the monopoly in the free-to-air
Free-to-air
Free-to-air describes television and radio services broadcast in clear form, allowing any person with the appropriate receiving equipment to receive the signal and view or listen to the content without requiring a subscription or one-off fee...
terrestrial channels broadcasting market after four years.
Private ownership of satellite
Satellite television
Satellite television is television programming delivered by the means of communications satellite and received by an outdoor antenna, usually a parabolic mirror generally referred to as a satellite dish, and as far as household usage is concerned, a satellite receiver either in the form of an...
dishes is illegal although international TV channels (such as BBC World News and CNN International News
CNN International Asia Pacific
CNN International Asia Pacific is the Asia-Pacific edition of the CNN International pay-TV cable network. The feed originates from Hong Kong.CNN International began transmissions in August 1989....
) are available on StarHub TV based in Cable Television and SingTel's mio IPTV services.
Language
The issue of language used in broadcasting has caused many controversies in the short but significant history of local broadcasting. Tight censorshipCensorship in Singapore
Censorship in Singapore mainly targets sexual, political, racial and religious issues, as defined by out-of-bounds markers.-Implementation:The Media Development Authority approves publications, issues arts entertainment licences and enforces the Free-to-air TV Programme Code, Cable TV Programme...
and control over the language used have resulted in programmes which have been severely edited and dubbed in the name of protecting national interests.
In accordance with the state policy of promoting Mandarin Chinese local television channels have been banned from showing programmes in Chinese
Standard Cantonese
Cantonese, or Standard Cantonese, is a language that originated in the vicinity of Canton in southern China, and is often regarded as the prestige dialect of Yue Chinese....
dialect for years. These programs, such as popular television serials from Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
which use Cantonese
Standard Cantonese
Cantonese, or Standard Cantonese, is a language that originated in the vicinity of Canton in southern China, and is often regarded as the prestige dialect of Yue Chinese....
have to be dubbed into Mandarin; local television series or programmes may not use any form of dialect and are subjected to tight censorship. Similarly, local newspapers were not allowed to carry listings for Malaysia's TV3
TV3 (Malaysia)
Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad or TV3 began broadcasting on 1 June 1984 as Malaysia’s first commercial television station. It is part of Media Prima Berhad group of companies. It now transmits opened broadcasting business private 24-hours a day, 7 days a week since 1 January 2010...
, which showed Cantonese
Standard Cantonese
Cantonese, or Standard Cantonese, is a language that originated in the vicinity of Canton in southern China, and is often regarded as the prestige dialect of Yue Chinese....
programmes. Ironically, Malaysia state-run Radio Televisyen Malaysia
Radio Televisyen Malaysia
The Department of Broadcasting, Malaysia, DBA Radio Televisyen Malaysia , is a Malaysian state-owned public broadcaster. It owns and operates a number of radio and television stations in Malaysia, based in Kuala Lumpur...
(RTM) has : RTM TV1 (TV1) and RTM TV2
TV2 (Malaysia)
RTM2, also known as TV2 is a television station in Malaysia owned and operated by the Radio Television Malaysia, a division of the Malaysian Government. RTM2 is now broadcasting for 24 hours a day effective January 2006.- History :...
(TV2) did broadcast programmes in Cantonese
Standard Cantonese
Cantonese, or Standard Cantonese, is a language that originated in the vicinity of Canton in southern China, and is often regarded as the prestige dialect of Yue Chinese....
for a period of time. Although these were not meant for viewers in Singapore, Singapore could still receive the television signals. (Since 1 January 2007, RTM TV2
TV2 (Malaysia)
RTM2, also known as TV2 is a television station in Malaysia owned and operated by the Radio Television Malaysia, a division of the Malaysian Government. RTM2 is now broadcasting for 24 hours a day effective January 2006.- History :...
(TV2) is no longer free-to-air in Singapore, due to its broadcasting foreign copyrighted programmes) Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
's TVB, broadcasting in Cantonese
Standard Cantonese
Cantonese, or Standard Cantonese, is a language that originated in the vicinity of Canton in southern China, and is often regarded as the prestige dialect of Yue Chinese....
is now available on cable. As of now, RTM TV1 (TV1) is now officially free-to-air in Singapore.
See also
- Television in Singapore
- List of television stations in Southeast Asia
- Censorship in SingaporeCensorship in SingaporeCensorship in Singapore mainly targets sexual, political, racial and religious issues, as defined by out-of-bounds markers.-Implementation:The Media Development Authority approves publications, issues arts entertainment licences and enforces the Free-to-air TV Programme Code, Cable TV Programme...
- Communications in SingaporeCommunications in SingaporeThe telecommunication infrastructure of Singapore spans the entire city-state. Its development level is high, with close accessibility to the infrastructure from nearly all inhabited parts of the island and for all of the population, with exceptions...
- Media of SingaporeMedia of SingaporeThe media of Singapore play an important role in Singapore, one of the key strategic media centres in the Asia-Pacific region. This is in line with the government's aggressive push to establish Singapore as a media hub in the world under the Media 21 plan launched in 2002...
Existing companies
- MediaCorpMediaCorpMedia Corporation of Singapore, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making....
- StarHub TV
- SingTel Mio TVMio TVmio TV is a 24-hours pay-TV service, introduced by SingTel. It is transmitted through the company's SingNet broadband network via an IPTV service and uses Microsoft Mediaroom as its end to end software platform. It is a service that will allow multimedia content - including broadcast channels and...
- RediffusionRediffusion TelevisionRediffusion Television was the first television station in Hong Kong, established on May 29, 1957, making it both the first British colony and the first predominantly Chinese city to have television...
External links
- MediaCorp Singapore
- StarHub CableTV
- Rediffusion Singapore
- Media Development Authority
- The History of 40 years of Television in Singapore
- SPH corporate announcement of merger with MediaCorp
- SPH press release: "Channel i to close on 1 January 2005, Channel U and Channel 8 to have complementary programming"
- Singapore television discussion forum
- Remembering Rediffusion Singapore