Media
monopoly may end
South China Morning Post. March 11, 2000
BY BARRY PORTER in Singapore
THE government is considering ending its state-run television monopoly as part of Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's push to turn the island-state into a slightly more liberal "Renaissance city".
It is also expected to soon declare an end to Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) stranglehold on national newspapers.
"The idea is to be one of the top cities in the world to live, work and play in . . . where Singaporeans can be creative and well-rounded individuals," said Information and Arts Minister Lee Yock Suan. Mr Lee told parliament his ministry was studying how to create "a functional and competitive media industry" and would be ready with its conclusions later this year.
One option being considered is the possibility of allowing a second television operator to offer free-to-air or pay-television services.
At present, state-owned Media Corporation of Singapore owns all the republic's local television and radio stations, while SPH owns all the national newspapers.
SPH is privately owned but widely regarded as conservative and just as sympathetic to the government's cause as state-owned radio and TV.
The authorities have traditionally kept a tight rein on local media, openly using radio or newspapers to publicise the government line and carry out "nation-building".
This seems unlikely to change. Mr Lee said: "We need to consider how best to structure the industry so that our companies can be more competitive locally, grow regionally and compete effectively against global media players.
"Our local media will then be in a better position to hold their local audience and contribute to our nation-building efforts."