MDA fines MediaCorp for breaching Free-to-air Radio Programme Code

​The Media Development Authority (MDA) has fined MediaCorp $6,300 for breaching the Free-to-air Radio Programme Code.

As a free-to-air radio broadcaster, MediaCorp is expected to observe the requirements laid out in the Free-to-air Radio Programme Code which seeks to protect community interests by ensuring broadcast programming do not offend good taste or decency.

On 20 March 2014, a deejay on MediaCorp’s Class 95 ‘Morning Express’ programme used a derogatory term (a**hole) to describe a visually-impaired woman who said she was denied service at a fast food outlet. The same term was again used on air the following day by the same deejay.

The Free-to-air Radio Programme Code specifically states that “Obscene or offensive jokes, words, songs dialogue should not be broadcast”.

Upon investigation, MDA concluded the use of the derogatory term has contravened the Free-to-air Radio Programme Code, and has imposed a fine of $6,300 on MediaCorp for this breach.

Radio exerts a strong influence on the community. In Singapore, as a media platform for entertainment, information and education, radio broadcast reaches almost all homes and is easily accessible to all people, including the young. Because of its impact, programmes over radio must at all times maintain a standard that is acceptable to the community and does not offend good taste or decency.

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About Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the growth of globally competitive film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and interactive digital media industries. It also regulates the media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers, and promotes a connected society. MDA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Communications and Information (www.mci.gov.sg).