Dated: 21 January 2010
The Media Development Authority (MDA) refers to the recent letters and commentaries in the press on the World Cup telecast rights negotiations.
While the telecast of World Cup 2010 is a commercial decision as with previous World Cups, MDA understands the anxiety of football fans and has been monitoring the developments closely as well as encouraging SingTel, StarHub and MediaCorp to continue their negotiations with FIFA to telecast the World Cup in Singapore. We hope the negotiations will reach a sensible outcome that will benefit all football fans. We also urge fans to be patient to allow the negotiations to take its course.
The government's funding for content on free-to-air TV goes towards a large number of public service broadcast (PSB) programmes that promote social objectives and national harmony. It would therefore be difficult to meet requests for funding the World Cup broadcasts which do not meet these objectives.
Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Trusted Global Capital for New Asia Media. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote industry growth in film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg.
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