Singapore television and radio broadcasting have a list of laws and regulations that companies have to abide by, and these are some of the laws that are important to take note of regarding general broadcasting rules. IMDA in Singapore is a statutory body, and its laws and regulations are based on the Info-communications Media Development Authority Act. The Info-communications Media Development Authority Act was first enacted in 1994 and then revised recently in 2012. It establishes the IMDA, to provide for its functions and powers and for matter connected therewith.  

 

Other laws and regulations relevant to the IMDA and the broadcasting industry include, The Electronic Transactions Act, Films Act, Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, Postal Service Act, Public Entertainment and Meetings Act, Telecommunications Act and Undesirable Publications Act.

 

Singapore’s statutory board to govern the broadcasting industry was started in 1994. The Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA) was set up under the former Ministry of Information and the Arts after the Singapore Broadcasting Act was passed. The SBA plays an important role in the regulation of Singapore’s broadcasting industry. SBA’s mission 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. The SBA started off with about 120 staff members and a 10 member board of director, and its focus is to develop a creative and responsible broadcasting authority in Singapore.

 

SBA deals with licensing and regulation of broadcasting services, ensuring the adherence of public service broadcasting obligations by licensees, establishing guidelines for programs, collect license fees and also acting as the Singapore government’s representative in international broadcasting matters. It oversees the regulation traditional and non-traditional broadcasting services. Other than the usual radio and television broadcasting services, SBA also oversees the regulations for new forms like internet or digital audio broadcasting. The SBA works together with other committees and grassroots organizations to keep up with the public opinion on the broadcasting programs. SBA was eventually merged with the Films and Publications Department (FPD) and the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) to form the Media Development Authority (MDA), which merged with Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) to form Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

 

IMDA regulates the infocomm and media sectors in Singapore. The IMDA monitors local and global market trends, developments and regulatory measures to ensure that current policies, laws and regulations stay effective and relevant. IMDA regularly reviews its  policies to keep up with the ever changing technological developments and trends. IMDA  has put in place content classification standards to help consumers make informed choices.

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http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_861_2005-01-11.html

https://www.imda.gov.sg/regulations-licensing-and-consultations/overview