Dated: 30 April 2003
In response to various media queries on the relaxed use of dialect on television and radio, the Media Development Authority (MDA) would like to clarify that it has not changed its policy on the use of dialect in the broadcast media. But in these exceptional circumstances, in order to reach out to every Singaporean in a language that he or she understands, it is necessary to make adjustments to programme guidelines so that everyone will be aware of the SARS problem.
There is a need to reach out to a group of elderly people who are dialect speakers and do not read the newspapers, and who may not be watching or listening to News programmes. MDA has therefore allowed the broadcasters to air public service announcements in dialect, and to use dialect in certain entertainment and information programmes, in order to convey critical information and advice about coping with SARS. This is in support of the national effort to educate every Singaporean about SARS.
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