Dec 3, 2009
MDA ensures 3,000 hours of wholesome TV content every year
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I REFER to Dr Ng Liang Wei's letter, 'Impose a quota on wholesome media content' (Nov 18). Dr Ng had asked for more wholesome content to be made available here, and asked how media could be used 'as a tool for a better world'.
The Media Development Authority (MDA) works closely with MediaCorp to serve up about 3,000 hours of public services programming across seven free-to-air multi-language TV channels each year. These programmes not only aim to provide wholesome entertainment to family viewers, but also place a strong emphasis on promoting national interests and core social values important to Singapore.
MediaCorp is required by its broadcast licence to produce and telecast a certain quota of such public service broadcast (PSB) programmes, a portion of which is Singapore-made content and is supported by MDA. The bulk of these PSB programmes are Singapore-produced, and include factual and educational content targeting children, youth and the general population to serve the viewing interest of the public.
These programmes include Why Didn't I Think of That Too?, an educational series presenting brain teasers and puzzles through skits, promoting both logical problem solving and creative thinking skills among young viewers; and Saving Gaia, an educational series featuring environmental champions in the local community,
In his letter, Dr Ng also suggests that 'core values' should be the 'yardstick that we use for our media climate'. We would like to inform Dr Ng that broadcasters (including free-to-air TV and radio) are required to abide by content programme codes which are drafted to reflect community standards and values.
These codes are drafted in consultation with the industry and MDA's programmes advisory committees whose members comprise a wide cross-section of society. This co-regulatory approach also gives flexibility for broadcasters to provide more content choices for adults while protecting the young from inappropriate content.
We are encouraged to see parents like Dr Ng take an active interest in quality programmes for children and community, and we thank him for his feedback.
Seah Wee Thye
Deputy Director
Public Service Broadcast
Media Development Authority
MDA ensures 3,000 hours of wholesome TV content every year
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I REFER to Dr Ng Liang Wei's letter, 'Impose a quota on wholesome media content' (Nov 18). Dr Ng had asked for more wholesome content to be made available here, and asked how media could be used 'as a tool for a better world'.
The Media Development Authority (MDA) works closely with MediaCorp to serve up about 3,000 hours of public services programming across seven free-to-air multi-language TV channels each year. These programmes not only aim to provide wholesome entertainment to family viewers, but also place a strong emphasis on promoting national interests and core social values important to Singapore.
MediaCorp is required by its broadcast licence to produce and telecast a certain quota of such public service broadcast (PSB) programmes, a portion of which is Singapore-made content and is supported by MDA. The bulk of these PSB programmes are Singapore-produced, and include factual and educational content targeting children, youth and the general population to serve the viewing interest of the public.
These programmes include Why Didn't I Think of That Too?, an educational series presenting brain teasers and puzzles through skits, promoting both logical problem solving and creative thinking skills among young viewers; and Saving Gaia, an educational series featuring environmental champions in the local community,
In his letter, Dr Ng also suggests that 'core values' should be the 'yardstick that we use for our media climate'. We would like to inform Dr Ng that broadcasters (including free-to-air TV and radio) are required to abide by content programme codes which are drafted to reflect community standards and values.
These codes are drafted in consultation with the industry and MDA's programmes advisory committees whose members comprise a wide cross-section of society. This co-regulatory approach also gives flexibility for broadcasters to provide more content choices for adults while protecting the young from inappropriate content.
We are encouraged to see parents like Dr Ng take an active interest in quality programmes for children and community, and we thank him for his feedback.
Seah Wee Thye
Deputy Director
Public Service Broadcast
Media Development Authority
