Before exploring the future of the television in Singapore, let's take a look at the features that it currently has to offer Singaporean consumers. Currently TV broadcasting in Singapore is solely monopolized by MediaCorp TV, which is fully owned by Temasek Holdings, and the local pay TV operators are StarHub TV and Singtel TV.

In recent years, with the explosion of smartphones, tablets and other internet connected devices, the TV viewership in Singapore has shown a slight decreasing trend. However if we look at the TV index ratings in 2016, the report stated that it saw an increase in overall TV viewership across all channels. Surprisingly, this did not mean that the internet usage has declined. On the contrary, internet usage has continued to steadily increase, mainly from instant messaging, watching movies, videos and news or e-newspapers. This statistic is surprising as it just goes to show that Singaporeans are able to use more of both mediums as compared to the previous year, and are becoming more efficient in the consumption of media.

Next let’s explore some of the reasons that may be contributing to the pick up rate for the TV as a medium in Singapore. In recent years, MediaCorp TV has introduced what they call “Digital TV”, which was meant to replace the traditional analog TVs island wide. The perks of the digital TV are extremely attractive. First of all, MediaCorp transmits all free-to-air channels in digital format. This means that consumers need not pay subscription fees for access to local channels. Digital TV also boasts superior technology as compared to analog TV and thus naturally, better quality pictures and videos, better sound, the introduction of the electronic programme guides and most importantly multi language subtitles. The introduction of the multi language subtitles may seem insignificant. This may be true if it were to be introduced in a country like America where the main spoken language is english. However in Singapore, being a multiracial country with a mix of many different ethnicities, the spoken language of each household will naturally differ. Although most Singaporeans are proficient in the english language, the older generation may struggle with reading english only subtitles while watching a TV show that is not of their mother tongue, and thus the multi language subtitle feature will aid them is enjoying shows from different channels.

Based on current trend, the TV seems to be picking up its viewership count in recent years, even as the internet usage is steadily rising. It seems that the current trend may indicate that though mobile videos, online viewership and other media platforms may continue in its steady rise in consumption, Singaporeans are getting more efficient at consuming large quantities of different media types concurrently.