Dialect Usage on Free-to-air Radio and Television Services

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2024.

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Yip Hon Weng asked why dialects are restricted on free-to-air radio and TV and suggested lifting these rules to help elderly people who may lack access to pay TV or the internet.
Josephine Teo explained that the government promotes Mandarin as an official language, so free-to-air services must offer Chinese content in Mandarin, but dialect content is still available on specific channels, radio segments, and other platforms like streaming services and live performances.
A 2023 study found most respondents prefer Mandarin, with few choosing dialect exclusively, and over half across all ages want the current level of dialect content maintained, so there are no plans to increase dialect use on free-to-air services, though the government will monitor demand and may lift restrictions if needed, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Yip Hon Weng

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what are the reasons for the ongoing restriction of dialects on free-to-air (FTA) radio and television; and (b) considering the elderly's potentially limited access to pay TV and Internet for entertainment, whether the Ministry will consider fully lifting the dialect usage restrictions for FTA services.

Mrs Josephine Teo

The Government's longstanding policy is to promote the use of Mandarin, as one of our four official languages. Free-to-Air (FTA) TV and radio cater to a wide range of audiences and are, therefore, required to offer Chinese services in Mandarin.

Nonetheless, dialect content remains available. Mediacorp's Channel 8 provides a dedicated belt of dialect programmes every Friday morning. Its radio station, Capital 95.8FM, offers daily news bulletins in various dialects. Dialect is also allowed for operatic performances or when the Mandarin terms are not commonly used. Dialect content is available on other platforms as well, such as Mediacorp's meWATCH, online platforms like YouTube, videos and music albums in retail stores, as well as through outdoor and theatrical performances.

There are currently no plans to allow more dialect programmes on FTA TV and radio. A Ministry of Communications and Information study in 2023 found that almost seven in 10 respondents chose Mandarin as the language that they can read or listen in. A very small number chose dialect exclusively. In addition, more than half of the respondents across all age groups felt that the amount of dialect content on FTA TV and radio should remain at the current level.

That said, we will continue to monitor Singaporeans' views and demand towards dialect content and are prepared to lift the restrictions when the need arises, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate health-related information dissemination.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Yip Hon Weng asked why dialects are restricted on free-to-air radio and TV and suggested lifting these rules to help elderly people who may lack access to pay TV or the internet.
Josephine Teo explained that the government promotes Mandarin as an official language, so free-to-air services must offer Chinese content in Mandarin, but dialect content is still available on specific channels, radio segments, and other platforms like streaming services and live performances.
A 2023 study found most respondents prefer Mandarin, with few choosing dialect exclusively, and over half across all ages want the current level of dialect content maintained, so there are no plans to increase dialect use on free-to-air services, though the government will monitor demand and may lift restrictions if needed, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Dialect Usage on Free-to-air Radio and Television Services | PAPERCUTS

Dialect Usage on Free-to-air Radio and Television Services

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2024.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Yip Hon Weng asked why dialects are restricted on free-to-air radio and TV and suggested lifting these rules to help elderly people who may lack access to pay TV or the internet.
Josephine Teo explained that the government promotes Mandarin as an official language, so free-to-air services must offer Chinese content in Mandarin, but dialect content is still available on specific channels, radio segments, and other platforms like streaming services and live performances.
A 2023 study found most respondents prefer Mandarin, with few choosing dialect exclusively, and over half across all ages want the current level of dialect content maintained, so there are no plans to increase dialect use on free-to-air services, though the government will monitor demand and may lift restrictions if needed, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Yip Hon Weng

Mrs Josephine Teo

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Yip Hon Weng asked why dialects are restricted on free-to-air radio and TV and suggested lifting these rules to help elderly people who may lack access to pay TV or the internet.
Josephine Teo explained that the government promotes Mandarin as an official language, so free-to-air services must offer Chinese content in Mandarin, but dialect content is still available on specific channels, radio segments, and other platforms like streaming services and live performances.
A 2023 study found most respondents prefer Mandarin, with few choosing dialect exclusively, and over half across all ages want the current level of dialect content maintained, so there are no plans to increase dialect use on free-to-air services, though the government will monitor demand and may lift restrictions if needed, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Dialect Usage on Free-to-air Radio and Television Services

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Full Transcript

Yip Hon Weng

Mrs Josephine Teo

Summary

Questions Identified

Dialect Usage on Free-to-air Radio and Television Services

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Yip Hon Weng

Mrs Josephine Teo

Summary

Questions Identified