A recent forum for freelancers from various media industries discussed the idea of setting up an organisation to represent them. Freelancers face common challenges such as strengthening their legal rights and the need for training and accreditation. The dialogue was convened by the Institute of Policy Studies at the request of the Media Development Authority. Full Story
The controversial handcuffing of a press photographer who was shooting the recent floods was not intended to censor the media, the Government has said. “In this particular case, the issue was not about the photographer taking pictures of the flood, but about public safety,” Second Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam told Parliament on 16 August. The perceived heavy-handedness of the Police had sparked disquiet in the press. “Looking at this incident with the benefit of hindsight, I think both parties could have handled the situation better,” the minister acknowledged. Full Story
Newspaper readers might one day enjoy editorial and advertising content tailored to their needs and interests, media expert Vin Crosbie has said. Full Story
The People’s Action Party’s official organ Petir garnered two Magnum Opus awards from Contentwise, a leading interactive publication covering best practices in media content production, and the acclaimed Missouri School of Journalism. Full Story
Opposition politician Chee Soon Juan has been told that his letters would not be carried in the Straits Times Forum page until he withdrew his “serious and unfounded" criticisms of the national newspaper's integrity. Chee's SDP website had attacked the way his letters had been edited before publication. Full Story
The government has denied allegations that Al Jazeera International was removed from Singapore screens because of the news channel's critical reports on Singapore. There had been speculation that a scathing news report on homeless Singaporeans was what led to Al Jazeera International's removal from Singtel's mioTV menu. Full Story
At the end of his eight-day visit to Singapore, United Nations official Githu Muigai criticised the Republic's limits on free speech. "It is absolutely necessary in a free society that restrictions on public debate or discourse and the protection of racial harmony are not implemented at the detriment of fundamental human rights, such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly," said the UN's Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. Full Story