Overview

Singapore has developed strong capabilities in print, broadcasting and production, positioning itself as one of the key media centres of the Asia-Pacific region. However, changes in the media landscape over the past few years are posing challenges to Singapore's media aspirations. Competition against globally dominant players is intensifying while the rapid convergence of media means there is now a need to develop a new, coordinated approach towards business development and content regulation. In addition, there is a need to balance the public's demand for choice and access to information against the need to protect against potentially offensive and harmful material.

Major milestones in the development of the media sector in recent years included the introduction of pay-TV in 1995 and the introduction of competition in the print and free-to-air TV markets in 2000. It is hoped that competition would invigorate local players and help them to be more efficient, creative and technologically savvy, which in turn benefits both viewers and advertisers.

MICA is responsible for formulating and administering regulatory and development policies through the Media Development Authority (MDA), which was formed on 1 January 2003 through the merger of the former Singapore Broadcasting Authority, the Films and Publications Department and the Singapore Films Commission. MDA's mission is to develop Singapore into a vibrant global media city so as to foster a creative economy and connected society.

In 2002, MDA launched Media 21, a strategic plan to establish Singapore as a global media hub with the development of both traditional and emerging media sectors including digital media. In the last few years, Singapore's media industry has made significant inroads into the international market, with a slate of co-production projects with leading international players across various platforms, and an increasing demand for Made-by-Singapore content. The Singapore media will continue to consolidate its presence in the global arena under a unified front called "Singapore Media Fusion" that showcases the industry's collective richness and diversity. Singapore Media Fusion enhances Singapore’s profile at the international level by projecting a unique voice that harnesses the collective strengths of our media industry, both in the traditional and new interactive digital media space.

State of the Media Sector

Singapore 's media sector covers broadcasting, film and video, publishing, music, online and mobile media, games and animation. These media industries generated value-added of $4.5 billion in 2004, employing some 54,000 workers. MDA will be working with key partner agencies to achieve the targets of growing the sector to contribute $10 billion value-added by 2015, and creating 10,000 new jobs,

Media-related acts:

1. Media Development Authority of Singapore Act 2002 Cap.172

Content Regulation

MICA oversees media and content policies that cater to the information and social needs of our community. We aim to provide diverse and quality media choices in films, video games, broadcast, publications and the arts. Our policies are guided by societal norms and values, as well as Singapore's multi-racial background and emphasis on nation-building. While we promote a free flow of information and diversity of choices, our policies also serve to maintain racial and religious harmony, protect our children and the young against harmful content, and safeguard national interests.

Like many other countries, we practise classification for films and video content, including video games. This is to enable access to different categories of content to different groups of consumers. In this way, more mature consumers can access more mature content while our young are protected from such content, but are able to enjoy content that is suitable for them. Likewise, we have similar guidelines for broadcast content for TV and radio . We also encourage industry self-regulation.

The Media Development Authority ( MDA) administers media and content regulation. MDA holds regular consultation with its various advisory committees and panels , which provide invaluable views to MDA on content standards and issues. These committees and panels comprise members of the public with diverse backgrounds.

MICA and MDA review our policies and guidelines regularly to ensure that they keep up with technological, social and industry developments. We convene the Censorship Review Committee (CRC) to review content regulation policies, standards and guidelines. The last review was conducted in July 2003. The recommendations of the CRC have been implemented by MDA, and these included the refinement of the film classification system and the introduction of M18 ratings for films; the introduction of NC16 and M18 rated programmes for cable TV; the classification of videos and video games; and the de-gazetting of Cosmopolitan. See the full CRC report and MICA’s response here.

The following are the media and content laws administered by the Media Development Authority ( MDA)

• Broadcasting Act Cap. 28
• Newspaper and Printing Presses Act Cap.206
• Films Act Cap.107
• Undesirable Publications Act Cap.338
• Public Entertainment and Meetings Act Cap.257

You may refer to the Acts at http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/

MDA also administers codes and guidelines for the media industry in the following areas:

• Arts Entertainment
• Audiotext
• Films
• Internet
• Publications/Audio Materials
• Radio
• Television
• Videos
• Video Games