Singapore Broadcasting Authority

The Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA), was set up on 1 October 1994 as a statutory board under the former Ministry of Information and the Arts (currently Ministry of Information, Communications and The Arts) with the passing of the Singapore Broadcasting Act 1994. It plays a central role in the regulation and promotion of the broadcast industry in Singapore.

=History=

The SBA was formed with the privatisation of Singapore's broadcasting industry to meet the challenges posed by foreign competition. The corporate mission of SBA is to develop quality broadcasting and make Singapore a dynamic broadcasting hub, so as to help build a well-informed, culturally-rich, socially cohesive and economically-vibrant society. Starting off with staffing of about 120 and a ten-member Board of Directors, its role is to develop a creative and responsible broadcasting authority in Singapore. SBA works closely with the Economic Development Board, the National Computer Board and the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore to develop Singapore as a regional broadcasting hub. It encourages foreign broadcasting and broadcast-related companies to set up their operations in Singapore. It also monitors developments in the broadcast industry to determine the pace at which the market could be further liberalised.

=Function=

Among its tasks, SBA licenses and regulates broadcast services, regulates use of receiving apparatus, ensures adherence of public service broadcasting obligations by broadcasting licensees, establishes guidelines for programming and collects license fees. It regulates not only traditional broadcast services, but also new forms such as the Internet, digital audio broadcasting and digital television. SBA keeps in touch with public opinion on TV and radio programmes by working together with various advisory committees and grassroots organisations, comprising members representing a cross-section of society. It is also the Singapore government's representative in international broadcasting matters.

On 1 January 2003, a new statutory board, the Media Development Authority (MDA), was formed by the merger of the SBA, the Films and Publications Department (FPD) and the Singapore Film Commission (SFC).

=See also=

=References= (Call no.: RSING 343.5957099 MAS) (Call no.: RSING q302.23095 AS) (Call no.: RSING 959.57 SIN) (Call no.: RSING 384.5409595 SBAAR)
 * Ang, P. H., & Yeo, T. M. (1998). Mass media laws and regulations in Singapore. Singapore: Asian Media Information & Communication Centre.
 * Goonasekera, A., & Lee, C. W. (2001). Asian Communication Handbook 2001. Singapore: Asian Media Information & Communication Centre.
 * Singapore (pp. 277-9). (1998). Singapore: Ministry of Information & The Arts.
 * Singapore Broadcasting Authority. (1996/1997). Annual Report. Singapore: Author.
 * Broadcasting overhaul will give Govt wider powers. (1994, July 26). The Straits Times, Parliament, p. 20.
 * Media competition code to be out by June; It will be enforced by a new statutory board which will ensure fair competition, regulate and develop the industry. (2002, November 1). The Straits Times.
 * 10-member broadcasting authority board named. (1994, September 30). The Straits Times, Home, p. 28
 * Media Development Authority (MDA). (2004). About us. Retrieved January 1, 2005, from www.mda.gov.sg/wms.www/aboutus.aspx
 * SBC restructured into several govt-owned firms. (October 1, 1994). The Straits Times, p. 29.

=Acknowledgements=

This article was written by Bonny Tan and published in the National Library Board's Singapore Inforpedia.