Dated: 1 September 2004
MediaCorp Radio has been fined for breaching the Radio Programme Code.
Following several letters of complaint from listeners in the forum pages of the local press about offensive remarks by Perfect 10 (98.7FM) DJs Sheikh Haikel and his co-host Daniel Ong on their Morning Madness programme, the Media Development Authority (MDA) found that the programme had contravened the Code on the two days that were the subject of listeners' complaints.
One complaint was about a programme aired on 28 July, during which one of the DJs advised a teenage boy on how to approach a girl that he liked. The DJ had told the boy to ask the girl about the type of underwear she wore and what she looked like under her uniform.
In addition, on the same day, the programme carried other sexually suggestive segments, including a discussion with listeners on how soon one should sleep with a partner, with a slant towards encouraging pre-marital sex and promiscuity. There was also an extensive discussion about pornographic movies offered in hotels with the DJ stating that he thinks about porn "everytime".
The MDA also investigated a second complaint which mentioned that one of the DJs related how pimps in the United States solicit clients. The programme in question was aired on 26 July, during which the DJ mimicked a pimp trying to solicit a client, using sexually suggestive words on air. The two programmes breached three clauses in the Radio Programme Code, which state that broadcasters must exercise sensitivity and that programmes should observe standards of good taste and decency. Obscene or offensive jokes and comments, and sexually suggestive and lewd dialogue should not be broadcast.
The MDA takes a serious view of these complaints and breaches, which were repeated over the course of two programmes. Taking also into consideration the fact that Perfect 10's target audience are young listeners, including school students, the MDA has therefore served MediaCorp Radio a notification of a fine of $30,000.
Media Contact:
Koh June May
Senior Manager
Corporate and Marketing Communications
Communications Division
Email: june_may_koh@imda.gov.sg
Fax: 6336 4142 ;Website : http://www.mda.gov.sg
About the MDA
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) was formed on 1 January 2003 to develop Singapore into a vibrant global media city, in effect fostering a creative economy and a connected society. The agency's Media 21 strategy aims to create a vibrant environment for the industry and public, via five key thrusts: to establish Singapore as a media exchange;to export "Made-by-Singapore" content;to internationalise local media companies;to nurture local media talents;and to develop digital media.
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