Mediacorp

The history of radio broadcasting in Singapore began with the formation of the Amateur Wireless Society of Malaya (AWSM) in April 1925, which launched shortwave transmission from a studio in the Union Building at Collyer Quay using a 100-watt transmitter lent by the Marconi Company under callsign 1SE (One Singapore Experimental).{{Cite news |date=11 March 1925|title=LETTERS TO THE EDITOR |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/singfreepresswk19250311-1.2.17 |access-date=2021-04-03 |via=NewspaperSG |newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (Weekly)|language=en-SG}}{{Cite news |title=Listening-In|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19250507-1.2.76|access-date=2021-04-03 |via=NewspaperSG |newspaper=The Straits Times |language=en-SG}}{{Cite news |date=8 April 1925|title=Wireless in Malaya |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19250408-1.2.75 |access-date=2021-04-03 |via=NewspaperSG |newspaper=The Straits Times|language=en-SG}} The transmissions could be received as far as Penang, albeit with atmospheric interferences at times.{{Cite news |date=25 June 1925|title=Singapore Broadcasting |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19250625-1.2.42 |access-date=2021-04-03 |via=NewspaperSG |newspaper=The Straits Times|language=en-SG}} In 1930, Sir Earl from the Singapore Port Authority commenced its short wave broadcast every fortnight either on Sundays or Wednesdays. The Empire Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC) was inaugurated on 19 December 1932, broadcasting on shortwave{{cite news|last= Repa|first= Jan|title= Analysis: BBC's voice in Europe|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4375652.stm|access-date= 16 July 2012|work= BBC News|date= 25 October 2005|archive-date= 27 July 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080727002945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4375652.stm|url-status= live}} and aimed principally at English speakers across the British Empire. In his first Christmas Message (1932), King George V characterised the service as intended for "men and women, so cut off by the snow, the desert, or the sea, that only voices out of the air can reach them".{{cite web|title= Historic moments from the 1930s|url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specials/1122_75_years/page2.shtml|publisher= BBC World Service|access-date= 16 July 2012|archive-date= 2 May 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130502144345/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/specials/1122_75_years/page2.shtml|url-status= live}} First hopes for the Empire Service were low. The Director General, Sir John Reith, said in the opening programme:

Don't expect too much in the early days; for some time we shall transmit comparatively simple programmes, to give the best chance of intelligible reception and provide evidence as to the type of material most suitable for the service in each zone. The programmes will neither be very interesting nor very good.Transcribed from recording on World Service 75th Anniversary DVD; full extract transmitted as part of opening program – the Reith Global Debate – of the 'Free to Speak' 75th anniversary season

In 1933, Radio ZHI was launched as the first professional shortwave broadcasting station in Singapore. Owned by the Radio Service Company of Malaya, it was a shortwave radio station that delivered static-free broadcasts. Radio ZHI acquired a loyal following in Singapore and abroad. Despite its success, the station closed at the end of December 1936 when its license expired{{cite news|title=Why Kill ZHI?|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19361218-1.2.69|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942)|date=18 December 1936}} because the British Malaya Broadcasting Corporation was granted the status of having the radio monopoly.{{cite news|title=MONOPOLY GRANTED TO B-M-B-C-|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19361219-1.2.65|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=19 December 1936}}

The British Malaya Broadcasting Corporation (BMBC) was created on 12 April 1935 with a nominal capital of $500,000,{{cite news|title=BROADCASTING STATION IN SINGAPORE.|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19350412-1.2.57|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=12 April 1935}} formed on 21 July 1935 and awarded a broadcasting license by the British crown on 1 June 1936 as a radio network.{{cite web|url=https://www.radioheritage.com/radio-malaysia-celebrates-75-years/|title=Radio Malaysia Celebrates 75 Years|website=radioheritage.com|date=3 June 2021|author=Adrian Petersen}} The station was initially scheduled to start broadcasting in 1935, but was subsequently delayed to 1936 due to initial government uncertainties.{{cite news|title=Radio Station Delay|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19350821-1.2.13|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942)|date=21 August 1935}} The station broadcast from the hill on Thomson Road.{{cite news|title=Malayan B. B. C. 's Building On Hill Off Thomson Road|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19360531-1.2.125|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942)|date=31 May 1936}} ZHL made its first broadcast of Chinese music on 10 June 1936 as an experiment.{{cite news|title=CHINESE MUSIC ON THE AIR.|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19360609-1.2.74|access-date=22 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=9 June 1936}} The BMBC conducted auditions in November 1936.{{cite news|title=Auditions For Local Radio Stars.|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19361111-1.2.140.5|access-date=22 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=11 November 1936}} On 1 March 1937 at 6pm, its studios and transmitters at Caldecott Hill were officially opened by Governor of the Straits Settlements Shenton Thomas, aiming at a potential target audience of 10,000 listeners.{{cite web |title=Broadcasts, Dramas and Dreams… Caldecott Hill in 80 Years |url=https://remembersingapore.org/2017/04/16/caldecott-hill-broadcasts-dramas-dreams/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003044856/https://remembersingapore.org/2017/04/16/caldecott-hill-broadcasts-dramas-dreams/ |archive-date=October 3, 2017 |access-date=September 23, 2023 |publisher=Remember Singapore |quote=The new entity received complaints that its acronym SBC was easily confused with the Singapore Bus Service (SBS). Others sarcastically mocked that SBC stood for “si bei cham” (damn terrible in Hokkien).}}{{cite news|title=OPENING BY GOVERNOR ON MARCH 1.|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19370221-1.2.77|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=21 February 1937}}{{cite news|title=RADIO ZHL INAUGURATION TO-DAY|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/morningtribune19370301-1.2.37|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=Morning Tribune|date=1 March 1937}}{{cite news|title=SIR SHENTON THOMAS OPENS SINGAPORE'S NEW BROADCASTER.|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19370302-1.2.84|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2 March 1937}}

In a move to adjust its budget, BMBC cut the number of weekly hours in late June 1937, from the initial 34 3/4 hours to 28 3/4. The Sunday schedule was cut from seven hours to four: before the revision, the daytime period ran from 11am to 1:30pm and the evening period from 5:30pm to 10pm. This was cut to 11:30am to 1:30pm for the daytime period (reducing half an hour) and 6pm to 8pm for the evening period (cutting two and a half hours). On weekdays the schedule ran from 6pm to 10pm, simply cutting the last quarter hour on air (before then, the station closed at 10:15pm). On Saturdays, the afternoon period remained in the 12:45pm to 2pm slot, but the evening period, starting at 6pm, now ended at 9:35pm instead of 11:15pm. This also prompted ZHL to reduce the number of artists to those able to perform without paying fees. Juvenile sessions were dropped because the artists had paid more. The existing charter suggested that the daily schedule would last at least four hours, with extensions depending on listener feedback. Any potential expansion was hampered purely by lack of budget. The monthly income was of $3,500, $2,500 from the licence and $1,000 from the Municipality. There were hopes to increase the income due to the start of sponsored programmes.{{cite news|title=Corporation's Attempt To Balance Budget|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19370628-1.2.53|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942)|date=28 June 1937}} Plans for shortwave broadcasting had been outlined in July 1937, despite concerns over the quality of its reception.{{cite news|title=SHORT-WAVE BROADCAST TO COVER MALAYA B. M. B. C. POLICY OUTLINED|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19370702-1.2.86|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Malaya Tribune|date=2 July 1937}} In its first trimester on air, the BMBC was operating at a loss, a cause of "grave concern" for the staff.{{cite news|title=B.M.B.C. RUNNING AT A LOSS|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/pinangazette19370903-1.2.88|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle|date=3 September 1937}}

Work on the shortwave BMBC station started in October 1937, aiming at a March 1938 launch date. The station was to broadcast at a frequency of 31.48 meters daytime and 49.9 meters nighttime. The programming would be the same as the existing medium wave ZHL station.{{cite news|title=SHORT-WAVE RADIO STATION SOON|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19371003-1.2.99|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 October 1937}}

In January 1938, it was announced that the BMBC would cease receiving its monthly $1,000 grant from the municipality effective the end of February.{{cite news|title=B. M. B. C. Subsidy To Cease|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/morningtribune19380129-1.2.25|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Morning Tribune|date=29 January 1938}} In the year ending February 28, 1938, the BMBC was operating at a net profit of $275.88; compared to the loss of $5,368.67{{cite news|title=B.M.B.C. SHOWS $275 PROFIT|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19380502-1.2.105|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Malaya Tribune|date=2 May 1938}} The number of listeners now stood at 4,213, up from the initial figure of 2,598 - even so, the figure was relatively lower than the planned target of 10,000 in the formal launch the previous year.{{cite news|title=Radio Listeners Increase|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19380505-1.2.17|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Budget|date=5 May 1938}} Ahead of the start of the shortwave service, it was reported that it would be picked up by over 9,000 radio receivers in Malaya - combined with over 4,000 in Singapore, the number of potential listeners was going to increase threefold.{{cite news|title=ALL MALAYA WILL SOON HEAR SINGAPORE|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19380601-1.2.179.18|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Malaya Tribune|date=1 June 1938}} The station started on 19 July 1938 under the callsign ZHP (the "P" stood for "Progress") attracting an audience not just in Malaya, but also in Sarawak, Borneo and the Dutch Indies, especially in tin mines and rubber estates.{{cite news|title=P. For Progress|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19380720-1.2.77|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942)|date=20 July 1938}}

Thanks to the wider coverage range of ZHP, ZHL was able to broadcast more sporting events, namely horse races, tennis and the football, specifically the Malayan Cup. Before the change in policy, it was more likely for attendees to go to the matches.{{cite news|title=MORE SPORT BROADCASTS|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19380728-1.2.66|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942)|date=28 July 1938}}

The shortwave frequency moved in on 1 October 1938 from 30.96 meters to 48.58 meters, under the new callsign ZHO, at the request of the Posts and Telegraphs Department. The extant medium wave frequency (225 metres or 1333kc) remained unchanged.{{cite news|title=New B.M.B.C. Short Wave Transmission|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singfreepressb19380928-1.2.35|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser (1884-1942)|date=28 September 1938}}

In February 1939, the government started giving aid to the BMBC. The listener base was by then upgraded to 15,000 listeners: 5,000 in Singapore, a further 5,000 in the Federated Malay States, 2,000 in Penang, 1,000 in Johor and 350 in Malacca. Statistically, out of the 5,104 licence holders (number of receivers) in Singapore, 2,574 were Europeans and Eurasians, 2,023 were Chinese, 219 were Malays, 195 were Indians, 87 were Japanese and six were Siamese.{{cite news|title=B.M.B.C. TO GET MORE AID FROM GOVERNMENT|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19390219-1.2.18|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=19 February 1939}} The shortwave transmitter carrying ZHO upgraded its power in mid-1939, from 400 watts to 2 kilowatts.{{cite news|title=B. M. B. C. ANNUAL REPORT|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19390622-1.2.117|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Malaya Tribune|date=22 June 1939}} At the 1939 Annual Report, there were plans to create two separate services, an {{frac|8|1|2}}-hour European service and a {{frac|9|1|2}}-hour Asiatic one. Included in the proposal was the creation of a second medium wave transmitter for the two programmes to be delivered from the extant facilities.{{cite news|title=SINGAPORE PLAN FOR MORE BROADCASTING|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19390628-1.2.84|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=29 June 1939}} Subsequently, a second plan to increase the power of the shortwave transmitter was held in early 1940, this time increasing its coverage to reach out to the entirety of Malaya, Borneo, the Netherlands Indies and Siam. Much of the equipment used was already manufactured in Singapore.{{cite news|title=INCREASED POWER FOR B.M.B.C. TRANSMITTER Work Being Completed On The Short-Wave Unit|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19400125-1.2.22|access-date=8 August 2023|newspaper=The Straits Budget|date=25 January 1940}}

The corporation was taken over by the Straits Settlements government in 1940{{cite news|title=NEW MALAYAN RADIO POLICY Government To Buy B.M.B.C.|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19400229-1.2.24|access-date=25 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Budget|date=29 February 1940}} as a part of the British Department of Information, subsequently nationalised and reorganised as the Malaya Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), the local counterpart to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Additional French programming was added on 16 September 1940.{{cite news|title=French Broadcasts From Singapore|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19400914-1.2.77|access-date=8 August 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 September 1940}}

In order to counter German propaganda, a second shortwave transmitter was added on 29 September 1940, ZHP 3 (the existing transmitter was renamed ZHP 1). The station carried a special programme in German on Friday nights from 10pm to 10:30pm. The remainder of the line-up consisted of music and news, in Hindustani, Dutch, Tamil, Arabic and French. ZHL and ZHP 1 carried primarily content in English and Chinese dialects, with some Malay programming as well.{{cite news|title=Enhanced Native Broadcasts From Singapore|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/pinangazette19400925-1.2.50|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle|date=14 September 1940}}{{cite news|title=TO-DAY'S RADIO|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19401015-1.2.104.1|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Malaya Tribune|date=15 October 1940}} By April 1941 ZHP 2 was activated. The station was merely a relayer of ZHL's output, that was also heard on ZHP 1.{{cite news|title=Where To Listen In To-Day|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/sundaytribune19410406-1.2.75|access-date=27 September 2023|newspaper=Sunday Tribune|date=6 April 1941}}

During World War II, when the Japanese Imperial Army occupied Singapore from 1942 to 1945, the radio station on the island of Singapore was seized by the Japanese authorities and renamed Syonan Hoso Kyoku ('Light of the South' Broadcasting Corporation, 昭南放送局, known in English as the Syonan Broadcasting Station or SBS), the local counterpart to the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK). Broadcasts under the new administration started on 13 March 1942 and broadcast over three frequencies, one in medium wave for within Singapore, another to relay output from Tokyo and a shortwave frequency aimed at the time in Australia.{{cite news|title=Syonan Radio Station Rebuilt From Ruins|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/syonantimes19430310-1.2.26?qt=syonan,%20broadcasting&q=Syonan%20Broadcasting|access-date=9 August 2023|newspaper=Shonan Times|date=10 March 1943}} After repairs, broadcasts officially started on 28 March.{{cite news|title=LOCAL BROADCASTS FROM TO-MORROW|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/syonantimes19420327-1.2.17|access-date=27 March 2023|newspaper=Shonan Times|date=28 March 1942}} Programming was at the outset of occupation airing daily from 7pm to 10pm (later the closing time moved to 10:30pm) with an additional hour-long period from 10am to 11am for educational programming. Programming was still in the same mix of languages as before but content in Japanese was added.{{cite news|title=ラヂオ ニュース|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/syonantimes19420608-1.2.19|access-date=25 September 2023|newspaper=Shonan Times|date=6 June 1942}}

In June 1942, the Syonan station broadcast Japanese language learning classes to students, installing sets in 87 schools.{{cite news|title=Nippon-Go Radio Courses For Syonan Schools|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/syonantimes19420618-1.2.11.1?qt=syonan,%20broadcasting&q=Syonan%20Broadcastingg|access-date=9 August 2023|newspaper=Shonan Times|date=18 June 1942}}

During occupation, a confidential British Far Eastern Broadcasting Service (BFEBS) was carried out by the UK to its occupied territories, briefly having its offices at Caldecott Hill. The facilities were later used as a relay station for the BBC.

After the war, the British came back into power and reclaimed the radio station, with the station managed by the interim government – British Military Administration (BMA).{{cite web|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2021-04-06_144935.html|title=Radio broadcasting in Singapore (1924–46)}}

Two separate stations were introduced from 23 December 1945. The existing service was renamed Blue Network, carrying programming in English and Malay. The second service, the Red Network, carried content in Tamil, Hindustani and Chinese dialects. The Blue Network was carried on the 41,61,225 metre band and the Red Network, on the 41,61,300 metre band.{{cite news|title=NEW RADIO SCHEDULES Begin TODAY|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/sundaytribune19451223-1.2.29.1|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=Sunday Tribune|date=23 December 1945}}

On 1 April 1946, Radio Malaya Singapore and the Federation of Malaya (RMSFOM; or Radio Malaya), a short- and mediumwave service, was established in Singapore. Radio news and information, as well as local entertainment, were aired on its stations in English and later Mandarin Chinese and Malay. In June 1947, the BBC initiated a one-year takeover plan of the BFEBS.{{cite news|title=B.B.C. TO CONTROL S'PORE STATION|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19470611-1.2.2|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=11 June 1947}} The plan was culminated on 8 August 1948.{{cite news|title=B.B.C. TO OPEN HERE AUG. 8|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19480731-1.2.20|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press|date=31 July 1948}} Changes to programming led to the Blue Network adding some Chinese content on from 1 January 1949. Both networks increased their airtime.{{cite news|title=The Changes|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19481208-1.2.87|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=8 December 1948}} This was due to requests from individual communities, who demanded more programmes for them.{{cite news|title=RADIO PROGRAMME CHANGES|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19481208-1.2.84|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=8 December 1948}} The Chinese output gained its own station on 1 January 1951, the Green Network.{{cite news|title=CHINESE GET OWN RADIO|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19501212-1.2.60|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=12 December 1950}} Radio Malaya left the Cathay building on 4 November 1951 at closedown.{{cite news|title=RADIO MALAYA FADES OUT OF CATHAY|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19511101-1.2.51|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=1 November 1951}} The two networks increased their schedule again in January 1952.{{cite news|title=BROADCASTS TO LAST LONGER|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520103-1.2.143|access-date=28 September 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 January 1952}}

On the basis of the Radio Malaya broadcasters that moved to Kuala Lumpur in 1958, Radio Singapura took over on 4 January 1959 as the radio service for Singapore, organised into a station each for English, Malay and Mandarin listeners, plus a blocktime slot for Tamil speakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_a1xwdpd9w|title=Diary of a Nation (SBC 1988) - 4 January 1959: Radio Singapura|website=YouTube }} Shortwave broadcasts commenced on 14 February 1960, consisting of relays of extant Radio Singapore output.{{cite web |date=9 February 1960 |title=Singapore radio to give shortwave broadcasts|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19600209-1.2.151 |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The frequency changed in 1961, with test transmissions in the new frequencies (7250, 6175, 6615 and 4280) were carried from mid-January. A new radio station, Siaran Istimewa, was announced in May 1961{{cite web |date=29 December 1960 |title=TEST TRANSMISSIONS BY RADIO S'PORE|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19601229-1.2.90 |access-date=22 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} as the nation's first multilingual radio station signing on offially on 3 June, with programming in all 4 languages airing on the 990 kc (990 kHz) band.{{cite web |date=3 June 1961 |title=SPECIAL BROADCASTS ON RADIO SINGAPORE FOR NATIONAL DAY PLANS|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19610603-1.2.81?qt=%22990%20kc%22&q=%22990%20KC%22 |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} When Singapore joined Malaysia on 16 September 1963, Radio Singapura's stations became part of Radio Malaysia and rebranded as "Radio Malaysia (Singapura)".{{cite web|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_2021-04-06_153721.html|title=Radio broadcasting in Singapore (1946–65)}}

From 2 March 1964, the Malay, Tamil and Mandarin language divisions increased their airtime.{{cite news|date=2 March 1964 |title=AND MORE PROGRAMMES FOR VERNACULAR SECTIONS, TOO |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640302-1.2.86 |access-date=8 August 2023}} The number of radio news bulletins was increased from 29 to 42.{{cite news|date=2 March 1964 |title=

More daily news broadcasts for Singapore from today |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640302-1.2.80 |access-date=22 September 2023}}

Shortly after Singapore reached self-government status on 3 June 1959, there were plans to obtain television transmission rights. This manifested the founding of Television Singapura on 4 April 1961.

Television Singapura aired test broadcasts on channel 5 from 21 January to 15 February 1963, ahead of its first official pilot broadcast on the evening of 15 February 1963. Minister for Culture S. Rajaratnam became the first person to appear on Singapore TV, announcing that "Tonight might well mark the start of a social and cultural revolution in our lives." The first programme aired was a documentary, TV Looks at Singapore. The pilot service would broadcast for one hour and 40 minutes nightly; at the time, it was estimated that only one in 58 Singaporeans owned a television.{{cite news|last=Lim Ann Qi|first=Angela|title=PROGRAMME FOR TV PILOT SERVICE|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630214-1.2.34.11|access-date=19 January 2020|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 February 1963}}

On 2 April 1963, Channel 5 was officially inaugurated by Yang di-Pertuan Negara Yusof Ishak; the service expanded to 7:15 to 11:00 p.m. nightly. By September, its broadcast day had been lengthened to begin at 6:30 p.m.{{cite news|last=Lim Ann Qi|first=Angela|title=Television Singapura The Straits Times|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630402-1.2.88|access-date=19 January 2020|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2 April 1963}} Initially, Channel 5 carried programmes in all four of Singapore's official languages. On 31 August, Channel 8 started trial broadcasts,{{cite news|date=31 August 1963 |title=Television Singapura to mark Solidarity Day |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630831-1.2.98?qt=%22channel%205%22&q=%22Channel%205%22 |access-date=8 August 2023}} before starting its regular service on 23 November 1963.{{cite web |title=S'PORE TV ON TWO CHANNELS FROM TODAY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19631123-1.2.77 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) |access-date=8 August 2023 |date=23 November 1963}}

In January 1964, Television Singapura became the state branch of the new Televisyen Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur and was subsequently rebranded as sister channel "Television Malaysia (Singapura)". During its time as part of Malaysia, Singapore, like its three other partners–Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya—had its own radio network, but Singapore was the only state to have its own television network. The state's radio and television broadcast right was included as an annex in the Malaysia Agreement which garnered autonomy in this area, among others.

Television advertising started on 15 January 1964.{{cite news|title=Commercial TV inauguration|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640110-1.2.57?ST=1&AT=advanced&K=%22tv%20singapura%22&KA=%22tv%20singapura%22&DF=01%2F01%2F1964&DT=28%2F02%2F1964&Display=0&NPT=&L=&CTA=&QT=%22tvsingapura%22&oref=article|access-date=28 July 2020|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=10 January 1964}}

After the separation of Singapore from the Malaysian federation, its radio and television outlets became part of Radio Television Singapore (RTS), a division of the Ministry of Culture. This led to expansions of the network, including a move to the new $3.6 million Television Centre at Caldecott Hill on 27 August 1966.{{cite web |date=26 August 1966 |title=New era of service for the viewers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660826-1.2.69 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Within days of independence, TV Singapura's main studio was damaged by a fire on the afternoon of 16 August 1965; this did not affect Radio Singapore's broadcasts.{{cite web |date=16 August 1965 |title=New era of service for the viewers |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650816-1.2.3 |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

An FM service was announced in January 1967, set to start in June or July of that year, where the four existing stations would be relayed.{{cite web |date=12 January 1967 |title=Radio Singapura to have F.M. service|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670112-1.2.57 |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The experimental FM service started testing in May 1967 and upgraded to a pilot service on 23 June, with FM being ideal for Singapore's size.{{cite web |date=23 June 1967 |title=Latest public amenities for people in Republic|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670623-1.2.158.3 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The service went regular on 15 July, broadcasting over five frequencies: 94.2 (Malay), 95.8 and 96.8 (Chinese), 96.8 (Tamil) and 92.4 (English).{{cite web |date=23 June 1967 |title=FM stereo test runs|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670715-1.2.71 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Test broadcasts of the FM Stereo service started on 18 July 1969 using the 92.4 frequency.{{cite web |date=17 July 1969 |title=Regular FM service on Radio S'pura|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19690717-1.2.21 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} New radio studios were built in 1972, starting with the addition of the Radio House, then in 1975 by a new complex costing $4.2 million.

From 30 March 1973, Channel 5 began focusing on English and Malay-language programmes, while Channel 8 would focus on Chinese- and Tamil-language programmes.{{cite web |date=27 March 1973 |title=NEW TIMES FOR TV SCREENING FROM FRIDAY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730327-1.2.46?qt=rts,%20%22channel%205%22,%20tamil&q=%22RTS%22%20%22Channel%205%22%20%22Tamil%22 |access-date=14 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} On 24 October 1973, RTS aired a 40-minute documentary titled Addiction: Three Experiences, chronicling the lives of three drug addicts. The documentary was given a Special Commendation by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union in 1974.{{cite news |title=Prize winning SBC film on Ch 3 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830315-1.2.120 |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=15 March 1983}}

In January 1974, RTS bought two colour television transmitters worth $700,000. The old transmitters installed in 1966 would remain as standby equipment.{{cite web |date=27 January 1974 |title=RTS buys two colour TV transmitters costing $700,000 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740127-1.2.18 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} On 2 May 1974, the two channels conducted colour test broadcasts of The Mary Tyler Moore Show,{{cite web |date=2 May 1974 |title=Colour TV films go on test from today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740502-1.2.67 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} followed in July by its first live colour broadcast—the 1974 FIFA World Cup final. About 2,000 colour television sets were sold in Singapore three days before the match.{{cite news|last=Lim Ann Qi|first=Angela|title=Singapore Colour Live Telecast on FIFA World Cup Via Satellite Transmission|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740707-1.2.37.1|access-date=19 January 2020|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=7 July 1974}}

The first locally produced colour production was officially Anatomi Perbarisan ('Anatomy of a Parade') documenting preparations for the 9th National Day Parade airing on 1 August 1974;{{Cite magazine|title=The Awakening of the Modern Television Era: 50 Years of Colour TV in Singapore|url=https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-20/issue-3/oct-dec-2024/|page=8|magazine=BiblioAsia|date=Oct–Dec 2024|volume=20|issue=3|author= Mohamad Karazie |author2=Tan Jie Ling|publisher=National Library Board}} the parade would be its first live broadcast produced on the 9th.{{cite news|last=Lim Ann Qi|first=Angela|title=Singapore First Colour Television|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19740809-1.2.107.1|access-date=19 January 2020|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=9 August 1974}} The second phase of the pilot colour service began on 11 November 1974, with newsreels being converted to colour, but it still had to air monochrome newsreels because some of the footage available was still in black and white. The number of weekly hours given to colour programming increased from two to four on weekdays and four to six on weekends.{{cite web |date=27 October 1974 |title=TV newsreels in colour from Nov 11 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19741027-1.2.5 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

In honour of the impending launch of full-time colour broadcasts, RTS held a contest to design a new logo. After 662 submissions, the winning design by Loh Hong Liat and Lawrence Wong Heng Kwok was unveiled in August 1975. Lok designed the letters "R and T" which represent recording, while Wong designed the letter "S".{{cite web |date=5 August 1975 |title=Pemenang peraduan cipta logo RTS terima cek $250|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19750805-1.2.20.1 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Berita Harian (retrieved from NLB)}} Full-time colour broadcasts began on 1 November 1977.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

RTS radio stations began extending broadcasting hours of programmes in stereo on 3 April 1978, adding technical costs to the broadcaster.{{cite news |title=Longer hours for stereo listeners |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780225-1.2.56 |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=25 February 1978}}

In accordance with the 1975 Geneva Frequency Plan, the RTS radio stations moved their frequencies effective 23 November 1978:

• English Service: 630 kHz
• Chinese Service: 680 kHz → 675 kHz
• Multilanguage Service: 790 kHz → 792 kHz
• Malay Service: 990 kHz
• Tamil Service: 1370 kHz → 1368 kHz

Since their frequencies were already spaced in the multiples of 9 kHz before the Geneva Frequency Plan, the English and Malay stations had their frequencies unchanged.{{cite web |date=3 October 1978 |title=Radio frequencies to be changed|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781003-1.2.46?qt=%22792%20khz%22&q=%22792%20KHZ%22 |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

File:Sbc sg logo.png

The ability for RTS to grow was hampered by administrative and budgetary constraints, leading to frequent turnover in staff, and a reliance on imported programmes rather than domestic productions. In September 1979, an act was proposed in the Parliament of Singapore to separate RTS from the Ministry of Culture, and replace it with a new statutory body known as the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). The SBC was envisioned as an autonomous, state-owned enterprise akin to Singapore Airlines and comparable to the BBC in the United Kingdom and its neighbours' RTM and TVRI.{{cite web |date=8 September 1979 |title=RTS may go statutory to raise its standards |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19780908-1.2.36 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=13 September 1979 |title=HEIR TO RTS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790913-1.2.67.19 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The SBC Act was approved in parliament on 12 January 1980.{{cite web |date=12 January 1980 |title=SBC act approved |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800112-1.2.6 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

A competition for a new SBC logo was initiated in January 1980. The characteristics of the new brand were to be "simple and attractive", while not having more than three colours, including the background. The winner would receive a cash prize worth $5,000.{{cite web |date=17 January 1980 |title=$5,000 PRIZE FOR SBC LOGO |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800117-1.2.33 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

The government officially dissolved RTS on 31 January 1980 and transferred its assets to the SBC.{{Cite web|url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/19fe790d-ffda-49ed-a925-ec237e7dda6e|title=Singapore Broadcasting Corporation is established - Singapore History|website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg}} The rebrand was not ceremonious. Ahead of closedown, an announcement was made telling viewers of the rename. The following morning, at 6 a.m., SBC formally started with no preamble, with the only visible changes being a new interim wordmark logo, updated startup and closedown sequences, and a new news intro.{{cite web |date=3 February 1980 |title=New SBC plays it low key |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19800203-1.2.3 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The new logo competition finished on 16 February. A preliminary selection was determined by five judges on 22 February. At first the logo was set to be introduced in March.{{cite web |date=26 February 1980 |title=4.042 logo diterima |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19800221-1.2.12 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Berita Harian (retrieved from NLB)}} A total of 4,042 entries were received.{{cite web |date=21 February 1980 |title=SBC logo competition draws 4000 entries |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19800226-1.2.22 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The new logo was unveiled to the public on 18 May 1980.{{cite web |date=19 May 1980 |title=SBC's NEW LOGO |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800519-1.2.14 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Berita Harian (retrieved from NLB)}} The winner was Laurence Wong Heng Kwok—who had previously co-designed the RTS logo.{{cite web |date=19 May 1980 |title=TV-radio time to be extended |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800519-1.2.41 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Berita Harian (retrieved from NLB)}}

Its programming had not changed much following the relaunch, to the point that some viewers mockingly said that "SBC" stood for "Same Boring Channel",{{cite web |date=26 March 1981 |title=Entertainment is SBC's main weakness says Soo Khoon |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810326-1.2.26.9 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} while some confusing it for the Singapore Bus Service (SBS) and others pejoratively nicknaming it "si bei cham" which meant "damn terrible" in Hokkien. SBC introduced "weather girls" on 1 May 1980 for its English news broadcasts, before expanding to other languages in 1981. The format ended in March 1982 because it wanted the weather report to be the same as the other languages and the "weather report within the news bulletin was adequate".{{cite news |title=BEHIND THE CAMERA with Kannan Chandran |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19820306-1.2.114.5 |access-date=13 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=6 March 1982}} From June 1980, SBC would start sponsoring the clock before the news on its television channels, which it anticipated could bring in an additional S$1 million in revenue.{{cite web |date=21 February 1980 |title=SBC time clock may earn $1m |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800502-1.2.40 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} SBC began adapting a new format for its television news broadcasts in August 1980.{{cite news |title=Here's to good news |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800724-1.2.120.9.1 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=24 July 1980}} The new format would feature two newscasters and more on-location reporting.

SBC introduced political party broadcasts for the 1980 general election campaign on 17 December 1980, with the People's Action Party getting 12 minutes of broadcast, the United Front and the Workers' Party three minutes each and United People's Front three and a half minutes.{{cite news |title='Siaran Parti Politik' ke udara malam ini |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19801217-1.2.62?qt=siaran,%20politik&q=siaran%20politik |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=Berita Harian (Singapore) |date=17 December 1980}} The shortest available broadcasts were for parties with six candidates with two and a half minutes. The participating parties were required to send five copies of their manifestos to SBC. A final broadcast was held on 22 December.{{cite news |title=4 parti tak dapat muncul di TV? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19801206-1.2.13?qt=siaran,%20politik&q=siaran%20politik |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=Berita Harian (Singapore) |date=6 December 1980}}

The English-language current affairs programme Friday Background debuted in March 1981.{{cite news |title=Goodbye, SBC — many memorable moments, but a mixed legacy |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940925-1.2.74.16.1 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=25 September 1994}} In April 1981, to maximise SBC's resources in improving its sports presentation, the Malay and Chinese versions of the corporation's sports programme Sports Parade were cancelled; the programme now only airs in English.{{cite news |title=SPORTING LANGUAGE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810210-1.2.75.2 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=10 February 1981}}

In May 1981, on the day President Benjamin Sheares was pronounced dead, SBC's television channels cancelled their regular programming and replaced them with "solemn music and serious documentaries". The next day, the corporation aired two episodes of Destiny and an episode of Sandiwara, which SBC thinks were too serious to be aired. SBC also decided not to repeat the state funeral of Sheares because it would "lend levity to a sad occasion".{{cite news |title=Distasteful to have repeat telecast? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810517-1.2.51 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=17 May 1981}}

On 1 January 1982, SBC renamed its radio stations:

• Radio 1 (English; present-day Gold 905)
• Radio 2 (Malay; present-day Warna 942)
• Radio 3 (Chinese; present-day Capital 958)
• Radio 4 (Tamil 6am to 9pm and Chinese 9pm to midnight; present-day Oli 968)
• Radio 5 (Classical Music, the former FM Stereo; present-day Symphony 924)

The revamp was the result of a 1978 survey where listeners preferred entertainment programming over talk.{{cite web |date=16 December 1981 |title=New Year gift: New-sound radio|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19811216-1.2.125.8.1?qt=%22radio%20one%22&q=%20%22Radio%20One%22 |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

On 30 March 1982, SBC 5 began airing the children's storytelling programme Share A Story, with the Tuesday's broadcast aimed at 3 to 5-year-old children and the Thursday's broadcast aimed at 6 to 9-year-old children.{{cite news |title=TV series to help kids speak better |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19820330-1.2.4 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=30 March 1982}} In 1982, commercial breaks during prime time on SBC 5 were four minutes long with six to nine advertisements squeezed in, while SBC 8's were eight to ten minutes.{{cite news |title=It all ads up: Two is best, five is the limit |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830123-1.2.25 |access-date=12 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=23 January 1983}} On 1 February 1983, SBC's television news broadcasts received a new studio set, described as "duck-egg blue" and "three-dimensional". A special semi-circular table was created for the set. The previous set was "pink" in colour. The new set was inspired from news and current affairs programmes in the United States.{{cite news |title=New look for TV news |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830202-1.2.155.8.2 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=2 February 1983}} Other changes include each newscaster reading different stories and more graphics and illustrations.

The next day, SBC launched Newswatch, a children's news programme aimed at 10 to 14-year-old children{{cite news |title=Kannan Chandran describes SBC's first attempt at serious journalism for children |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830115-1.2.115.2 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=15 January 1983}} It would air three times a week for 10 minutes; every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:20 pm. The idea for Newswatch was suggested by the-then Cultural Minister in 1980{{cite news |title=Newswatch debut shows it has much potential |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830203-1.2.48 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=3 February 1983}} and planning for its creation started the following year, involving the studying of similar news programmes such as John Craven's Newsround{{cite news |title='Here is news' on TV for children |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830114-1.2.9 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=14 January 1983}} and Video Despatch. The development for Newswatch was headed by SBC news executive Myrna Thomas and is assisted by William Earl of Television New Zealand. The initial presenters of Newswatch were Woon Liew and Shantini Sundram. Toh Seng Ling, who presented Newswatch in 1990, would later become the newscaster for News 5 Tonight in April 2001.{{cite news |title=New host, new look for News 5 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20010430-1.2.22.3 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=Today |date=30 April 2001}}

SBC Radio 1 and SBC Radio 3 started carrying hourly news bulletins on 1 May 1983.{{cite web |date=28 April 1983 |title=Radio news by the hour|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830428-1.2.121.7.3 |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

On 31 January 1984, SBC launched Channel 12, a new television service devoted to cultural programming. In connection to its launch, the English and Mandarin news bulletins had their length extended to 30 minutes the following day. The move was taken considering mass interest in Cantonese productions in Malaysia, as well as the limited number of Mandarin speakers in the country. Musical programmes were also included in the agreement, and would also be distributed to Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Europe and North America.{{cite web |date=13 January 1984 |title=TV news to include commercial breaks |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840113-1.2.25.18 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} On 30 July, SBC started dubbing its series to Cantonese for the video market in Malaysia, in a contract with Unity Records that was valid from 1 September.{{cite web |date=30 January 1984 |title=SBC serials to be dubbed in Cantonese |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19840731-1.2.7.9 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

SBC began on-camera coverage of Parliament proceedings in 1985. Today in Parliament began on 1 March 1985 with a one-hour long broadcast.{{cite news |title=Move on, Renmington Steele |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850302-1.2.22.12.10 |access-date=12 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=2 March 1985}} Studio 6, a studio specially made for local programmes especially dramas, was completed in early 1985.{{cite news |title=More air time for local dramas |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850207-1.2.24.39 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=7 February 1985}}

Advertisements on SBC in 1986 were limited to four for a half-hour programme and eight for an hour-hong programme. In May 1986, SBC introduced "subtitle ads", advertisements appearing as a single-line sentence or one letter at a time and appear for 10 seconds. This format is used to compensate for the advertisement limit imposed by the corporation. However, they only appear on programmes that do not have translation subtitles. While this advertisement format enabled more companies to advertise on television due to its cheaper rates, it has caused irritation among viewers.{{cite news |title=New-style SBC ads get on viewers' nerves |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860511-1.2.23.17 |access-date=12 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=11 May 1986}}

On 3 August 1987, by request from listeners overseas, SBC began adding financial news bulletins from Radio 5 on the shortwave versions of Radio 1 and 3, while FM and mediumwave listeners can tune in to regular programming during the bulletin.{{cite news |title=SBC financial news on short-wave too |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870730-1.2.28.15 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=30 July 1987}} In August 1988, SBC news broadcasts adopted a new "upbeat and viewer-friendly" look. The backdrop is now that of the skyline of Singapore. It generated positive response from viewers.{{cite news |title=SBC news takes on a more glamorous look |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19881119-1.2.32.7 |access-date=13 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=19 November 1988}}

On 1 January 1989, SBC launched two new radio stations: Perfect 10 (airing English contemporary hits for youth) and YES (airing Mandarin music).

SBC stopped airing Late News bulletins on Channel 12 in English and Channel 8 in Mandarin on 2 January 1989 due to fewer news developments happening between the main news and the late news bulletins.{{cite news |title=SBC to stop Late News service from Jan 2 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19881209-1.2.36.13 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=9 December 1988}}

Two further radio services were announced in December 1989: 93.3 (airing Mandarin music) and a yet-unnamed MOR service (which would later become Class 95). The former was scheduled to launch on 1 January 1990, similar to Perfect 10 the year before. The existing numbered radio services had some changes: broadcasting hours on Radios 2 and 4 (Malay and Tamil) were extended to 2 a.m. in June 1989, along with Radio 3 (Chinese) but only on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays,{{cite news |title=Making music in the midnight hour |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19891019-1.2.51.11.1 |access-date=12 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=19 October 1989}} and Mandarin language broadcasts were phased out from Radio 5.{{cite web |date=8 December 1989 |title=SBC to launch new English and Mandarin radio channels|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19891208-1.2.38.11 |access-date=22 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The MOR service, Class 95, started on 1 April 1990.{{cite web |date=1 April 1990 |title='Classy' SBC radio station goes on air today|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19900401-1.2.24.22 |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} "Ria" (airing popular Malay music) started later.

93.3 at its beginning was also known as Radio 6.{{cite web |date=4 March 1990 |title=As the dial turns|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19900304-1.2.67.5.2 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The station would also have the same broadcasting hours as almost all of SBC's radio stations.{{cite news |title=Welcome addition but 'format and hours leave room for improvement' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19900109-1.2.32.3 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=9 January 1990}}

SBC announced on 21 February 1990 that it would begin NICAM stereo broadcasts by August that year, spending $3.5 million in the installation of the systems.{{cite web |date=22 February 1990 |title=SBC to broadcast in stereo from August|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19900222-1.2.31.13 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Channel 5 began stereo broadcasting on 8 August 1990, the first programme in the new format being Countdown to National Day 90.{{cite web |date=27 July 1990 |title=Countdown to N-Day is SBC's first stereo effort|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19900727-1.2.39.5 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} With the start of stereo broadcasts, SBC invested $5 million to upgrade its production facilities for the new technology.{{cite web |date=14 October 1990 |title=SBC to invest $5 m more towards stereo programmes|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19901014-1.2.22.5 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Channel 12 followed in December.{{cite web |date=1 December 1990 |title=SBC 12 goes stereo|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19901201-1.2.47.7.3 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Business Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Additionally, SBC had further ambitious projects throughout the 90s, costing a grand total of $700 million: a new studio complex, upgraded equipment and transmission facilities and the development of new programmes and staff. To minimize congestion from Caldecott Hill, a second facility was to be opened tentatively from Bukit Batok, the location of the television transmitter.{{cite web |date=2 November 1990 |title=SBC to spend $700m on new projects|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19901102-1.2.30.8 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

By the early 90s, SBC's Mandarin drama series were already being exported to places such as China and Canada.{{cite web |date=19 December 1991 |title=BG Yeo: SBC to be privatised in 2 years' time

|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19911219-1.2.2 |access-date=18 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

File:SBC12 logo.png

Up until 1991, broadcasts of the television channels started and ended with multilingual greetings (Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, English), in what was known as the "good-night girls". The start-up and closedown sequence, including the anthem, was known in Singaporean terminology as a "presso". From then on, SBC replaced the videos, which changed annually, by a CGI animation created by Ong Lay Hong, that was to be used in both start-ups and closedowns. The new video bagged a bronze medal at the Fuji Network System Title Fair in June 1991, out of more than thirty entries from Asia. Such animation conveyed "human warmth" by including footage from SBC programmes, and the music was arranged to match the multi-ethnic nature of Singapore, incorporating drum beats, sitars and violins.{{cite web |date=22 September 1991 |title=Good-night, good-bye |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19910922-1.2.42.27.2 |access-date=21 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Four of the five numbered SBC radio stations got their names changed over the course of several months from late 1991 to early 1992. Radio 2 was renamed Warna; Radio 3, The City Channel; Radio 4, Olikkalanjiam and Radio 5, Symphony. Radio 1 maintained its name since the station was "well established as a leader".{{cite web |date=4 November 1991 |title=New names for four SBC radio stations|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19911104-1.2.29.5 |access-date=22 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

SBC began accepting programmes from production houses in 1992. One of the first programmes commissioned was Kalau Dapur Tak Berasap from Communications 2000.{{cite news |title=It's a real train for escape scene |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980212-1.2.68.3.1 |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=12 February 1998}} SBC ended live broadcasts of parliament proceedings in June 1992; earlier the corporation trialed broadcasts of the Budget debate. SBC's highlights of parliament coverage continued but only as a 15-minute broadcast.{{cite news |title=Case for live telecast |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19920602-1.2.26.1 |access-date=12 December 2023 |work=Business Times |date=2 June 1992}}

In January 1993, SBC added 20 hours a week of broadcasting hours for its television channels. As a result, each channel refined its identity {{endash}} SBC 5 will only air English and Malay shows, SBC 8 with Mandarin and Tamil and SBC 12 with "serious fare" and sports. Some programmes were reshuffled, while newer programme genres, including talk shows and classic TV in the form of sitcom reruns were introduced.{{cite news |title=Surprises on the small screen |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19921122-1.2.51.14 |access-date=21 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=22 November 1992}} The corporation also introduced block programming; originally began in 1992 with the Saturday morning cartoon slot "Nine to Twelve".

An educational programming block known as CDIS (Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore) began airing on Channel 12 on 4 January 1993 produced by the Ministry of Education for SBC similar to Malaysia's TV Pendidikan and the then Indonesian TPI blocktime service on TVRI. On 1 February of that year, SBC celebrated its 30 years of television broadcasting. Before 7 June 1993 Channel 8 continued to sign-on as late as 5:50pm, On that day itself, Channel 8 expanded its airtime, now broadcasting from 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and at 9:00 a.m on Saturdays (3:00 p.m before the increase). In November that year, SBC announced a satellite television network named Singapore International Television (SITV), to start on 1 January 1994. The service was to be operated by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) with the aim of promoting the Singaporean way of life abroad, and was to broadcast over a rented transponder in the Palapa satellite from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. nightly.{{cite web |date=11 November 1993 |title=S'pore to beam TV shows to Asia |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19931111-1.2.2 |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

By 1993, SBC had ambitions to produce more local content and broadcasting hours on channels 5 and 12, with Malay content scheduled to move to Channel 12.{{cite web |date=5 September 1993 |title=Windfall from SBC |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19930905-1.2.47.4.2 |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Channel 8 would stick to the existing formula of Mandarin and Tamil.{{cite web |date=4 September 1993 |title=Longer hours on SBC next year |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19930904-1.2.11.1.3 |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=The Business Times (retrieved from NLB)}} SBC made its first attempt at producing an English drama by producing the made-for-TV movie Time Tomorrow, which aired on 9 March 1993.{{cite news |date=14 March 1993 |title=She could not get through; but SBC did |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19930314-1.2.47.10.1 |work=The Straits Times}}

In 1993, SBC launched a home shopping programme called Sell-a-Vision (provided by Quantum International and represented locally by LeisureMart Pte Ltd) which broadcast twice daily for two hours a day on its television channels and was expected to run until May 1994. However, The Straits Times writer Cherian George mentioned that Sell-a-Vision was not part of SBC's twelve minutes of advertising per hour rule.{{cite news |date=6 March 1994 |title=Sell-a-vision: Has SBC sold out? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940306-1.2.50.6.3 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times}} It would also expand to SBC 8 in October 1994.{{cite news |date=28 August 1994 |title=Page 24 Advertisements Column 1 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940828-1.2.36.1 |access-date=12 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times}}

On 1 January 1994, Channel 5 moved its remaining Malay programming to Channel 12, and re-launched as an English-language channel. On the same day, AM radio broadcasts were cut without prior warning.{{cite web |date=8 January 1994 |title=MW band cut with no warning |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940108-1.2.50.7?qt=%22medium%20wave%22,%20singapore&q=%22medium%20wave%22%20%22singapore%22 |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Radio Singapore International (RSI) was launched on 1 February 1994 as the official radio international broadcasting company in Singapore, airing news and current affairs, lifestyle, and music programming in English, Malay, Mandarin and Indonesian.{{cite web|url=http://www.rsi.sg/aboutus.htm|title=About us|publisher=Radio Singapore International|accessdate=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051127161435/http://www.rsi.sg/aboutus.htm|archive-date=27 November 2005}}{{cite news |date=1 February 1994 |title=New regional radio service starts today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940201-1.2.33.2 |access-date=9 August 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}

SBC began preparing for 24 hour broadcasts for its information-based radio stations in late 1993. 93.3 started 24 hour broadcasts on 1 May 1994; Radio One on 16 May 1994; Class 95 in June{{cite news |date=14 May 1994 |title=Can't sleep at 3 am? Call the radio deeiay |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940514-1.2.72.6.7 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times}} and City Sounds 95.8 in October (later moved to December).{{cite news |date=7 July 1994 |title=Six new deejays for SBC's City Sounds |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940707-1.2.61.6.4 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times}} Love 97.2 launched on 23 September 1994, playing sentimental Mandarin pop music.{{cite news |date=23 September 1994 |title=Third Mandarin radio station starts up today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940923-1.2.67.5.2 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times}}

On 18 December 1991, the Minister of Information and the Arts George Yeo announced that the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was to be privatised within a period of two years. Its three television channels would be placed under the control of "two or three companies" and the radio stations spun off to a separate company. There were already talks with foreign investors from Hong Kong and the United States regarding the possibility of allowing potential stakes in the new companies.{{cite web |date=19 December 1991 |title=SBC to go private in two years |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19911219-1.2.4 |access-date=18 August 2023 |website=The Business Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The decision was delayed in March 1993 from year-end 1993 to year-end 1994 to allow for greater competition in the region and abroad.{{cite web |date=18 March 1993 |title=SBC's likely privatisation delayed one year to end-'94 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19930318-1.2.10.1 |access-date=18 August 2023 |website=The Business Times (retrieved from NLB)}} SBC held a committee for the names of the new corporations. One peculiar suggestion came from lettering artist Rathna Kumari, who suggested that the facilities service was to be called "The Backbone", the radio network "Silksound" and the company in charge of channels 5 and 8 "FutureVision".{{cite news |date=27 August 1994 |title=Quirkiness lives too |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940827-1.2.46.2.4 |access-date=27 September 2023 |publisher=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

In September 1993, SBC announced that Malay programming would be moved to SBC 12 and expanded, and SBC 5 would become an English-language channel.{{cite news |date=1 September 1993 |title=All Malay shows on SBC 12 from next year |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19930901-1.2.34.6 |access-date=9 August 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}} On 1 January 1994, SBC 5 relaunched with its new English-language format as Channel 5.{{cite web |date=19 December 1993 |title=35 hours of TV to ring in 1994 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19931219-1.2.105.18 |access-date=12 October 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Singapore International Television launched the same day, broadcasting an hour of programming for international audiences nightly via satellite; the channel opened with a special edition of Channel 5's Inside Asia followed by a relay of its 10:30 p.m. news. The first half hour was to be devoted to current affairs and lifestyle programming.{{cite web |date=23 December 1993 |title=Jan 1 launch for SIF's satellite TV broadcasts |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19931223-1.2.32.12?qt=television,%20maldives&q=Television%20Maldives |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Radio Singapore International (RSI) was launched on 1 February 1994 as the official international radio broadcasting company in Singapore, airing news and current affairs, lifestyle, and music programming in English, Malay, Mandarin and Indonesian. 93.3 started 24 hour broadcasts on 1 May 1994, followed by Radio One on 16 May 1994, Class 95 in June, and City Sounds 95.8 in December.{{cite news |title=Six new deejays for SBC's City Sounds |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940707-1.2.61.6.4 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=7 July 1994}}{{cite news |title=Can't sleep at 3 am? Call the radio deeiay |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940514-1.2.72.6.7 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=14 May 1994}} Love 97.2 launched on 23 September 1994, playing sentimental Mandarin pop music.{{cite news |title=Third Mandarin radio station starts up today |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940923-1.2.67.5.2 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=23 September 1994}}

On 1 October 1994, SBC was formally privatised into the new holding company Singapore International Media (SIM), with four business units: Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS, which controlled Channel 5 and 8), Radio Corporation of Singapore (RCS), Singapore Television Twelve (STV12, which controlled Channel 12) and SIM Communications (SIMCOM).{{cite news|date=1 October 1994 |title=A NEW ERA DAWNS IN SINGAPORE BROADCASTING |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19941001-1.1.60|access-date=1 October 2023}} The Singapore Broadcasting Authority allocated $40 million per annum of money to TV12 to provide 45 out of the 60 hours a week of public service broadcasting, with 19 hours for arts, sports and culture programming, 15 for Malay programming and 11 for Indian programming. The rest of the hours was funded by TV12.

In early 1995, TCS scrapped the duty officers, who were responsible to gauge feedback from viewers. The programme advisory committee {{endash}} which were made up of members of the public and were useful for internal check {{endash}} were also scrapped.{{cite news |title=TV delivers audiences to advertisers, entertainment and news come second |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950423-1.2.79.22.1 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |issue=23 April 1995}} TV12 moved to the Bestway building sometime in July 1995.{{cite news |title=More Malay, Indian programmes plus arts, sports |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950802-1.2.62.3.1 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=2 August 1995}}

On 1 September 1995, Channel 8 expanded into a 24-hour network focusing exclusively on Mandarin-language programmes, while its Tamil programming was assumed by Prime 12—a relaunch of Channel 12 which focused on multilingual programming. TV12 also launched a UHF spin-off channel known as Premiere 12, which featured arts, culture, documentaries, children's, and sports programmes.{{cite news |date=2 August 1995 |title=More Malay, Indian programmes plus arts, sports |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950802-1.2.62.3.1 |access-date=9 February 2024 |work=The Straits Times}}{{cite web |date=31 August 1995 |title=More as TV 12 splits into 2 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newpaper19950831-1.2.34.2?qt=%22premiere%2012%22&q=%22Premiere%2012%22 |access-date=27 August 2023 |website=The New Paper (retrieved from NLB)}}

In October 1995, TV12 was originally asked by the Singapore Broadcasting Authority to launch another classical music station in response to changes in RCS' 92.4, but later turned down due to the lack of funding from the authorities.{{cite news |title=92.4 FM steps up volume on classicals |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19951021-1.2.73.4.5 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=21 October 1995}}

TCS viewed Channel 5 and Premiere 12 as practising "complementary programming" as much as possible, as Channel 5 was positioned as a mass appeal channel while TV12 catered to the special interest audience, with the latter promising to not appeal to the lowest common denominator. However, the separation of TCS and TV12 had caused the channels of both companies competing each other with similar programming at the same time slot, causing viewers to have less choice.{{cite news |title=Psychic link or unsporting conduct? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19960505-1.2.74.30.1 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=5 May 1996}} Local programming production on TV12, especially Prime 12, is 60% coming from production houses while 40% comes from TV12 itself, using personnel from Vision Production.

On the occasion of TCS' third anniversary, its executive Daniel Yun said that its two channels, Channel 5 and Channel 8 will become more Singaporean with increasing local productions and its viewers become increasingly bilingual. Yun pointed out that they are not just channels for the "English-educated yuppie" and "the HDB heartlander" respectively.{{cite news |title=Channels 5 and 8 will become very S'porean |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19971019-1.2.92.19 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=19 October 1997}}

In March 1998, George Yeo announced at the Parliament that RCS would launch three new radio stations later in the year {{endash}} NewsRadio 93.8, Inter FM and an unnamed financial radio station.{{cite news |title=One FM goes for news and gold |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980422-1.2.93.2.5 |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=22 April 1998}} On 1 March 1999, TCS launched Channel NewsAsia (CNA), a local news channel.{{cite web |date=1 March 1999 |title=Launch of Channel NewsAsia |url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/1999030102.htm |access-date=22 November 2019 |website=NAS}} TCS launched its own film production studio Raintree Pictures on 1 August 1998.

File:MediaCorp Logo.jpg

File:Radio Singapore International logo.png

On 15 June 1999, the Singapore International Media group of companies restructured as the Media Corporation of Singapore (MediaCorp). The new name was created to avoid confusion with the Singapore Institute of Management. There were unfounded rumours of a merger between TCS and STV12, which were denied by Richard Tan.{{cite news |last1=Teo |first1=P. L. |date=16 June 1999 |title=SIMple change of name for media group.(p. 3) |url=http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19990616-1.2.78.4.1 |access-date=14 July 2019 |work=The Straits Times}} MediaCorp later announced the creation of new strategic business units in July:{{cite web |date=7 July 1999 |title=New sports channel coming your way |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19990707-1.2.77.6.3 |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

• TV Channel Management (channels 5 and 8, upcoming sports channel)
• Public Broadcasting (Singapore Television Twelve, namely Prime 12 and Premiere 12)
• Radio (12 stations owned by the Radio Corporation of Singapore)
• TV/Film Production and Distribution (programme production and distribution units of TCS, STV12 and subsidiary companies)
• News and Current Affairs (Channel NewsAsia)
• Print Media (Caldecott Publishing)
• Multimedia (multimedia units of all subsidiaries).

On 30 January 2000, MediaCorp launched three new channels. Prime 12 and Premiere 12 were relaunched as Suria and Central respectively; Suria would be a Malay-language channel, while Central would be divided into three dayparted blocks under the brands "Kids Central" (children's programming), "Vasantham Central" (Tamil-language programming), and "Arts Central". Sportscity, a sports channel, was also launched the same day.{{cite web |date=February 2000 |title=Programme Ratings for STV12 Channels Soared on Debut! |url=http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/tv12_ratings.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010627114642/http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/tv12_ratings.htm |archive-date=27 June 2001 |access-date=24 January 2020 |website=MediaCorp Group}}{{cite web |date=February 2000 |title=STV12 to Increase Programming Hours on Central |url=http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/tv12_central.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010410010024/http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/tv12_central.htm |archive-date=10 April 2001 |access-date=24 January 2020 |website=MediaCorp Group}}{{cite web |date=30 January 2000 |title=Page 45 Miscellaneous Column 1 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20000130-1.2.61.1 |access-date=23 May 2024 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} In September 2000, CNA launched an international feed, intending to expand the service into a pan-Asian network.{{cite web |date=28 September 2000 |title=Asian launch of Channel NewsAsia |url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/2000092803.htm |access-date=29 December 2019 |website=NAS}} On 10 November, Today was launched as a free newspaper to compete with Singapore Press Holdings' Streats.{{cite web |date=6 August 2000 |title=ROLLING OUT NEW PAPERS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20000806-1.2.33.16?qt=%22media%20corporation%22&q=%22Media%20Corporation%22 |access-date=19 July 2024 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The newspaper was owned by MediaCorp, Singtel, and SMRT, with DelGro pulling out two days earlier.{{cite web |last1=Abdul Rahim |first1=Zackaria |date=10 November 2000 |title=TODAY is here |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20001110-1.2.5.3 |access-date=23 September 2019 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=9 November 2000 |title=DelGro pulls out of new newspaper |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20001109-1.2.6.3 |access-date=1 August 2019 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Ernest Wong was appointed CEO of MediaCorp on 1 October 2000. He had worked with the corporation since 1994, when he joined the Audit Committee of what would become Singapore International Media. Among his accolades in the group were the start of its news channel and its international expansion, as well as the investment in the internet and theatrical businesses.{{cite web |title=CHAIRMAN STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ERNEST WONG AS MEDIACORP GROUP CEO - DELIVERED AT A MEDIA CONFERENCE HELD ON 29 SEP 2000 |url=http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/tv_20000929.htm |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=MediaCorp Group |date=29 September 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010410004910/http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/tv_20000929.htm |archive-date=10 April 2001}} At the time, the government planned to list MediaCorp on the stock market by the end of 2000 or the start of 2001.{{cite web |title=MediaCorp may be listed late this year |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20000929-1.2.9.1 |website=The Business Times (retrieved from NLB) |access-date=28 September 2023 |date=29 September 2000}}

On 12 February 2001, MediaCorp completed its establishment of a new senior management team, with Wong serving as CEO of the holding company (Media Corporation of Singapore Pte Ltd) and MediaCorp TV, Farrell Meisel as chief operating officer (COO) of MediaCorp, Kenneth Tan as COO of MediaCorp TV, Woon Tai Ho as COO of MediaCorp TV12, and Chua Foo Yong MediaCorp as COO of MediaCorp Radio.{{cite web |date=12 February 2001 |title=MediaCorp Group New Management Team at MediaCorp & New Business/Collabrotions/Program Acquisition |url=http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/mcgp_20010212.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011222212156/http://corporate.mediacorpsingapore.com/press_release/mcgp_20010212.htm |archive-date=22 December 2001 |access-date=23 September 2019 |website=MediaCorp}}

MediaCorp's monopoly on free-to-air television was broken in May 2001, when the Singapore government granted new free-to-air licenses to SPH MediaWorks, a subsidiary of publisher Singapore Press Holdings. The company launched two channels in English and Chinese respectively, TVWorks (later Channel i) and Channel U.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian20010823-1.2.15.7.2|title=Iklan TV berganda|publisher=Berita Harian|date=23 August 2001|accessdate=2 May 2019|page=8}} In late-2004, citing financial issues, SPH announced an agreement to merge its television business with that of Mediacorp; SPH would transfer Channel i and U to MediaCorp, take a 20% stake in MediaCorp TV, and a 40% stake in Today, while discontinuing its competing Streats.{{cite web |date=18 September 2004 |title=Media rivals strike deal to curb losses |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20040918-1.2.2 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=18 September 2004 |title=DETAILS OF THE DEAL: |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20040918-1.2.4 |access-date=14 September 2023 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}}

Channel i was shut down on 1 January 2005 as it was not considered to be economically viable, while Channel U continued as a complementary service to Channel 8.{{cite news|last=Koh|first=Joyce|date=8 December 2004|title=SPH, MediaCorp to retrench 204 staff, absorb 297|newspaper=The Business Times|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article.aspx?articleid=biztimes20041208-1.2.7.2}} Alongside the takeover, Channel 8 amended its Chinese name from Dì bā bō dào ({{lang-zh|s=|t=第八波道|p=|l=}}) to Bā píndào ({{lang-zh|s=|t=八频道|p=|l=}}) to match the notation that had been used by Channel U ({{Lang-zh|p=Yōu píndào|c=优频道}}); MediaCorp explained that the change was meant to reflect the integration of SPH and its ideas into the company.{{cite web |date=22 December 2004 |title=It will be Pin Dao from Jan 1 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20041222-1.2.46.5 |access-date=24 September 2023 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}}

On 21 October 2004, Mediacorp hosted the first Singapore Radio Awards with nominations only open to its radio stations.{{cite news |title=Radio awards |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20040930-1.2.70.5 |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=30 September 2004}} In July 2005, Mediacorp renewed a transmission agreement with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to extend the broadcast of the BBC World Service Radio, which has been aired in Singapore since 1976.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20050706-2.2.10.4|title=MediaCorp, BBC renew radio agreement|publisher=Today|date=6 July 2005|accessdate=25 April 2019|page=8}} In May 2007, the company hired an experienced senior management staff team to help steer the company to strengthening position in the Asian region.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20070530-1.2.10.5|title=New faces, new challenges|publisher=Today|date=30 May 2007|accessdate=1 May 2019|page=8}} On 11 November 2007, Mediacorp launched HD5, the first high definition television channel in Singapore.{{cite web |title=MediaCorp's HD channel – HD5 – lifts off |url=http://www.corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1192408181.htm |access-date=22 September 2019 |website=MediaCorp |date=13 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323115410/http://www.corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1192408181.htm |archive-date=23 March 2010}}

In 2007, in effort to establish a new generation of actresses, MediaCorp identified and grouped the seven most promising upcoming actresses from Singapore in the 2000s, namely Jesseca Liu, Jeanette Aw, Rui En, Fiona Xie, Joanne Peh, Felicia Chin and Dawn Yeoh, then all in their twenties, and referred to them collectively as "Seven Princesses of MediaCorp" (新传媒七公主).{{Cite web |title=娱乐吃瓜：15年过后 "七公主"都过得如何了？ {{!}} 早报 |url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/entertainment/story20220628-1287420 |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=www.zaobao.com.sg |language=zh-Hans}}{{Cite news |last=洪 |first=铭铧 |date=28 February 2007 |title=新传媒七公主 谁是未来阿姐？ |work=Lianhe Zaobao |quote="新传媒力捧新生代女艺人上位，目前第一阶段行动已见成果，号称七公主的新生代一字排开，包括20岁的姚懿珊,23岁的陈凤玲,24岁的白薇秀,25岁的芮恩,25岁的谢宛谕,27岁的刘芷绚和28岁的欧萱。" "MediaCorp strives to promote the new generation of female artists, and the first phase of action has seen results. The new generation known as the Seven Princesses line-up, including 20-year-old Dawn Yeoh, 23-year-old Felicia Chin, 24-year-old Joanne Peh, 25-year-old Rui En, 25-year-old Fiona Xie, 27-year-old Jesseca Liu and 28-year-old Jeanette Aw."}} A similar grouping of its male artistes for similar reasons was carried out in 2014, grouping eight promising upcoming Mediacorp actors from Singapore in the 2010s, namely Zhang Zhenhuan, Romeo Tan, Desmond Tan, Jeffrey Xu, Xu Bin, Ian Fang, Aloysius Pang and Shane Pow, and were collectively known as the "8 Dukes of Caldecott Hill".{{Cite web |title=All hail the 8 Dukes: Who will reign supreme? - Toggle |url=http://entertainment.toggle.sg/en/entertainment/localbuzz/photos/all-hail-the-8-dukes-who-will-5252298#slideshow-1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912101834/http://entertainment.toggle.sg/en/entertainment/localbuzz/photos/all-hail-the-8-dukes-who-will-5252298#slideshow-1 |archive-date=2017-09-12 |access-date=2017-09-12 |website=Toggle}}{{Cite web |date=2015-03-12 |title=Up-and-coming actors not among Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes nominees |url=https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/and-coming-actors-not-among-star-awards-top-10-most-popular-male-artistes-nominees |access-date=2021-08-26 |website=AsiaOne |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Seah |first1=May |date=7 May 2014 |title=Dawn of the Dukes |url=http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/television/dawn-dukes |access-date=17 March 2017 |work=TODAYonline |language=en}}

All Mediacorp radio stations converted to 24/7 broadcasting from 1 January 2008. At the time, the only stations that still closed down were Capital 95.8, Ria 89.7, Symphony 92.4, 938LIVE and 96.3 The International Channel (renamed XFM later in 2008).{{cite web |date=28 December 2007 |title=Radio all day and all night|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20071228-1.2.56.4 |access-date=22 September 2023 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}} In February, Mediacorp acquires 20% stake in Chinese outdoor advertising firm, Dahe Media, awhile at the same time, the company entered a strategic investment partnership with Vietnamese company, the International Media Corporation (IMC) in which they will "look forward to lending [its] expertise in the areas of programming, branding, promotion, management and airtime sales".{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20080222-2.2.10.1|title=MediaCorp makes strategic investment in Vietnam's Internal Media Corporation|publisher=Today|date=22 February 2008|accessdate=29 April 2019|page=6}}

In March 2008, it was announced that Central would be split into two separate channels, with Vasantham Central being spun-off as a full-time channel serving the Tamil community, and children's and arts programming moving to a new channel.{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alicia |date=1 March 2008 |title=Dedicated Indian and kids TV channels |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20080301-1.2.6.1 |access-date=24 March 2020 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}} The changes took effect in 19 October of that year, with the launch of the new Vasantham and Okto channels.{{cite web |date=21 October 2008 |title=Two more to savour |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20081021-1.2.30.11 |access-date=30 October 2019 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB)}} In August 2008, MediaCorp also launched MOBTV, an online television service.{{citation |author=Sharma, Ravi S. |title=Understanding the Interactive Digital Media Marketplace: Frameworks, Platforms, Communities and Issues: Frameworks, Platforms, Communities and Issues |date=31 October 2011 |pages=121– |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AuieBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA121 |publisher=IGI Global |isbn=978-1-61350-148-1}}

Owing to the diminished effectiveness of a shortwave radio service over time with changing technology and media consumption habits, RSI was dissolved on 31 October 2008.{{cite web |title=Radio Singapore International to stop transmission |url=http://corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1212480863.htm |access-date=22 September 2019 |website=MediaCorp |date=3 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415070755/http://corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1212480863.htm |archive-date=15 April 2009}}

In January 2009, Mediacorp established its Interactive Media Division where its online and mobile properties will be consolidated into a new division.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20090103-1.2.29.6|title=MediaCorp sets up interactive media division|publisher=Today|date=3 January 2009|accessdate=25 April 2019|page=22}} In March, Mediacorp was among 6 ASEAN broadcasting companies including Media Prima, Media Nusantara Citra (MNC) and ABS-CBN Corporation jointly to form a regional broadcasting alliance, Smart Alliance to carry out an alliance to cooperate in three areas—content, sales and marketing, and technology—and take advantage of economies of scale and combined markets that the region can offer.{{cite web |title=ASEAN broadcasters forge SMART Alliance |url=http://www.corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1237886951.htm |accessdate=22 September 2019 |website=MediaCorp |date=24 March 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417060228/http://www.corporate.mediacorp.sg/press_release/pr_1237886951.htm |archivedate=17 April 2009}}{{cite web |title=ASEAN broadcasters forge SMART Alliance |url=http://www.casbaa.com/news/member-press-release/asean-broadcasters-forge-smart-alliance/ |accessdate=27 September 2020 |website=CASBAA |date=24 March 2009}}{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20090325-2.2.4.8|title=A Smart alliance of six|publisher=Today|date=25 March 2009|accessdate=29 April 2019|page=8}} In December, the company began to phased out its cost-cutting measures and restoring full pay for its staffs.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20091208-2.2.4.6|title=MediaCorp to restore full pay|publisher=Today|date=8 December 2009|accessdate=25 April 2019|page=8}}

In 2009, Mediacorp was appointed as the media partner for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai with Channel NewsAsia providing news coverage in a year-long partnership. The appointment makes the company became the first global media partner of the exhibition.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20090409-1.2.94.14|title=WORLD EXPO 2010 SHANGHAI: MEDIACORP A GLOBAL MEDIA PARTNER|publisher=Today|date=9 April 2009|accessdate=2 May 2019|page=74}} Mediacorp had extended its partnership with the Japanese public broadcaster, NHK for another 3 years, until 2012, during The Asian Pitch competition.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20090711-1.2.8.13|title=MEDIACORP AND NHK EXTEND PARTNERSHIP|publisher=Today|date=11 July 2009|accessdate=29 April 2019|page=14}} In August 2009, Mediacorp Studios started a block on the Philippine network TV5, after doing so in Malaysia.{{cite news |title=MediaCorp Launches Block in the Philippines |url=https://worldscreen.com/mediacorp-launches-block-in-the-philippines/ |website=World Screen |date=September 10, 2009 |access-date=February 9, 2025}} In March 2010, the company signed a licensing deal with Global Yellow Pages in which the deal allows Mediacorp reproduced or using the latter's data on its online classified advertising platform Mocca on a "revenue-sharing arrangement".{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes20100316-1.2.9.9.1|title=Global Yellow Pages in deal with MediaCorp|publisher=The Business Times|date=16 March 2010|accessdate=5 May 2019|page=7}}

In March 2011, Mediacorp announced an "organisational alignment and movements" in its sales business which took effect on 1 April.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20110319-1.2.25.3|title=MOVEMENTS IN MEDIACORP’S SALES BUSINESS|publisher=Today|date=19 March 2011|accessdate=2 May 2019|page=24}} On 12 August, Mediacorp selected DP Architects and Maki and Associates as the architects of its new campus, which to be located at Mediapolis@one-north.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20110813-1.2.7.9|title=MediaCorp unveils design for its new campus|publisher=Today|date=13 August 2011|accessdate=1 May 2019|page=6}}

In 2012, the company partnered with French mobile advertising firm Sofialys "to implement a new multi-platform advertising serving solution".{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20120713-1.2.53.3|title=MediaCorp, Sofialys tie up on mobile ad solutions|author=Wong Siew Ying|publisher=Today|date=13 July 2012|accessdate=29 April 2019|page=46}} In August 2013, Mediacorp consolidated its sole Malay channel, Suria and its two Malay radio stations, Warna 942 and Ria 897 into a new division, known as the Malay Broadcast Division.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian20130802-1.2.7.1|title=Divisyen Siaran Melayu gabung Suria, Warna, Ria|publisher=Berita Harian|date=2 August 2013|accessdate=1 May 2019|page=2}}

In April 2015, Mediacorp retrenched its 33 staffs as part of its corporate restructuring exercise.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian20150410-1.2.6.4.1.1|title=MediaCorp hentikan 33 kakitangan|author=Norhaiza Hashim|publisher=Berita Harian|date=10 April 2015|accessdate=25 April 2019|page=4}} In June, Mediacorp set up its Digital Group to overseen products and services for online consumers and marketers.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20150629-1.2.34.2|title=MediaCorp to sharpen digital strategy with Digital Group|publisher=Today|date=29 June 2015|accessdate=5 May 2019|page=26}}

File:MediaCorp logo December 2015.svg

On 8 December 2015, Mediacorp officially opened a new headquarters at one-north's Mediapolis development. The 12-storey complex was designed by DP Architects and Maki and Associates and features a "fenceless" design with four studios, a 1,500-seat "broadcast-ready" theatre, and an integrated multi-platform newsroom. The company expected to complete the migration from its previous Caldecott Hill facilities by July 2016. Alongside the new headquarters, Mediacorp also unveiled a new logo, which was designed to reflect the broadcaster's "vibrancy" and "multiplicity", acting as an "a window to the world and a reflection of life".{{Cite web|url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mediacorp-officially-launches-new-campus|title=New logo a 'window to the world' as Mediacorp opens new campus|website=TODAYonline|access-date=6 January 2020}}

In April 2017, Mediacorp began to phase out print publication of Today by discontinuing its weekend editions. The weekday editions were then discontinued in September 2017, leaving Today as a digital publication.{{Cite web |title='Three-year plan' sees Today digital-only in buyback deal |url=https://www.gxpress.net/article/5034/-three-year-plan-sees-today-digital-only-in-buyback-deal |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=www.gxpress.net |language=en}} SPH would concurrently divest its stakes in Mediacorp for S$18 million.{{Cite news |date=2017-09-30 |title=SPH completes sale of Mediacorp stakes |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/sph-completes-sale-of-mediacorp-stakes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320051106/https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/sph-completes-sale-of-mediacorp-stakes |archive-date=20 March 2021 |access-date=2017-12-30 |work=The Straits Times |language=en-GB}}{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes20170826-1.2.8.2|title=SPH to divest Mediacorp stakes for $18m|publisher=The Straits Times|date=26 August 2017|accessdate=29 April 2019|page=4}} In September 2018, magazines 8 Days and i-Weekly ceased print publications and went solely on their digital platforms.{{Cite web |date=2018-04-12 |title=8 Days and i-Weekly magazines to go digital-only, last print editions in September {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/8-days-and-i-weekly-magazines-to-stop-print-editions |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=www.straitstimes.com |language=en}} i-Weekly would later merge with Channel 8 News to form 8world for Chinese news, entertainment and lifestyle contents.

Analogue broadcasting of Mediacorp channels ended at midnight on 2 January 2019, transitioning exclusively to digital television.{{Cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/five-things-to-know-about-digital-tv-before-analogue-tv-transmissions-cease-from-jan-2|title=5 things to know about digital TV before analogue TV transmissions cease from Jan 2|date=21 December 2018|website=The Straits Times|language=en|access-date=5 January 2020}}

On 1 May 2019, Okto was discontinued as a standalone channel, with its children's programming becoming a daytime block on Channel 5 under the Okto on 5 branding.{{cite news|url=https://mothership.sg/2019/02/okto-closing-down-merging-with-channel-5/|title=okto closing down, merging with Channel 5|author=Matthias Ang|publisher=Mothership|date=20 February 2019|accessdate=23 July 2019}} Okto's sports programming was moved primarily to other Mediacorp outlets.{{cite web |title= Mediacorp integrates English-language channels Channel 5 and okto|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mediacorp-channel-5-okto-english-tv-programmes-11261968|website=Channel NewsAsia |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=20 February 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/mediacorp-to-integrate-okto-channel-with-channel-5-from-may|title=

Mediacorp to integrate okto channel with Channel 5 from May|author=Toh Ting Wei|publisher=The Straits Times|date=20 February 2019|accessdate=23 July 2019}} Channel 8 similarly rebranded its existing children's block as Okto尽在8 (lit. Okto on 8)

On 30 January 2020, Mediacorp rebranded its digital media platforms Toggle, MeRadio and MeClub as meWatch, meListen and meRewards respectively. The rebranding came as part of the broadcaster's "Made for You" initiative to build multi-platform services "designed around consumers' preferences and consumption habits".{{Cite web|url=https://www.contentasia.tv/news/singapore%E2%80%99s-mediacorp-aligns-digital-services-toggle-meradio-poofed-jan-2020-%E2%80%9Cme%E2%80%9D-takes-over|title=Singapore's Mediacorp aligns digital services; Toggle, MeRadio poofed from Jan 2020 as "me" takes over|website=ContentAsia|access-date=4 March 2020}}

The company partnered with technology company, Amobee on 24 February 2021 to launched Mediacorp AdDirect, a self-service advertising solution platform which "provides an easy, efficient and effective way for businesses to reach their target customers".{{cite news|url=https://www.mediacorp.sg/corporate/news-release/media-releases/mediacorp-addirect-to-simplify-ad-buying-for-all-businesses-14307466|title=MEDIACORP ADDIRECT TO SIMPLIFY AD BUYING FOR ALL BUSINESSES|publisher=Mediacorp|date=24 February 2021|accessdate=23 July 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-launches-self-service-ad-platform-to-address-ad-woes|title=Mediacorp unveils new automated ad buy platform, starts with TV spots|publisher=Marketing Interactive|date=24 February 2021|accessdate=23 July 2021}}

In July 2022, Mediacorp collaborated with Nanyang Polytechnic to set up a new centre for omnichannel marketing to aid small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which intended to "provide training to SMEs" and "support them in planning, creating, and driving omnichannel marketing campaigns".{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-nanyang-polytechnic-aid-smes|title=Mediacorp and Nanyang Polytechnic partner to aid SMEs in omnichannel marketing|publisher=Marketing Interactive|date=12 July 2022|accessdate=12 May 2023}} The company also partnered with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in November to produce science-based edutainment content for Okto in order to "build a factually accurate source of engaging edutainment for kids".{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-and-wwf-sg-scale-science-based-edutainment-for-sg-kids|title=Mediacorp and WWF SG scale science-based edutainment for SG kids|author=Chloe Tan|publisher=Marketing Interactive|date=1 November 2022|accessdate=12 May 2023}}

In December 2022, the company entered partnership with YouTube, The Pinkfong Company and Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) to produce and acquire video content.{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-partners-youtube-and-baby-shark-creator|title=Mediacorp partners YouTube and Baby Shark creator to beef up content slate|author=Chloe Tan|publisher=Marketing Interactive|date=9 December 2022|accessdate=12 May 2023}}

On 16 January 2023, Mediacorp announced a rebranding of nearly all of its properties, which officially took effect on 1 February. The properties adopted a unified branding scheme based around flat design, with logos prefixed by an encircled Mediacorp insignia, and branding elements also incorporating a chevron formed from the top of the insignia.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-16 |title=Mediacorp refreshes logo with focus on 'M' prefix |url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-refreshes-logo-with-focus-on-m-prefix |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=Marketing-Interactive |language=en}} The company signed a deal with global technology research company, Ecosystm in May 2023 to engage with commercial and content collaborations. The deal combined Ecosystm's "research and thought leadership" with Mediacorp's "creative capabilities and wide audience reach".{{cite news|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-partners-with-ecosystm-to-drive-stronger-engagement-with-audiences|title=Mediacorp partners with Ecosystm to drive stronger engagement with audiences|author=Camillia Dass|publisher=Marketing Interactive|date=24 May 2023|accessdate=12 May 2024}}

In December 2023, Mediacorp signed an agreement with Taiwanese production company Mission International for content development at the Asia TV Forum and Market (ATF). Both companies also will co-develop scripts ranging from different genres.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/asia/mediacorp-mission-international-development-agreement-1235825496/|title=Singapore’s MediaCorp, Taiwan’s Mission International Sign Development Agreement at ATF|author=Naman Ramachandran|publisher=Variety|date=7 December 2023|accessdate=19 April 2024}}

Mediacorp operates six free-to-air terrestrial channels broadcast in the four official languages of the country (Malay, Singapore English, Singaporean Mandarin and Tamil). The company holds a monopoly on terrestrial television within the country.

Mediacorp operates twelve FM radio stations, with eleven domestic stations, as well as a relay of the BBC World Service.{{cite web |url=http://www.mediacorp.sg/en/corporate/radio |title=MediaCorp: Radio |access-date=28 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325085456/http://www.mediacorp.sg/en/corporate/radio |archive-date=25 March 2014 }} The company's digital audio broadcasting service was discontinued on 1 December 2011.{{cite web |title=Digital radio from MediaCorp to cease |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1162810/1/.html |access-date=22 September 2019 |website=Channel NewsAsia |date=1 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102153518/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1162810/1/.html |archive-date=2 November 2011}} Mediacorp's stations dominate listenership in the country, owning all but one of the top ten stations in Singapore based on average listenership according to surveys by Nielsen in 2024, with its stations having an average weekly listenership of 3.93 million in total.{{Cite web |title=Mediacorp radio stations land 9 out of top 10 spots in Nielsen survey, record 3.93 million weekly listeners |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/938-yes-933-987-mediacorp-radio-stations-listeners-nielsen-rating-survey-4480626 |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=CNA |language=en}}

{{main|meWatch}}

File:Mewatch 2023.svg

mewatch{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-revamps-toggle-meradio-and-meclub/|title=Mediacorp revamps Toggle, MeRadio and MeClub|last=Farveen|first=Farzanah|date=4 November 2019|website=Marketing Interactive|language=en-US|access-date=30 January 2020}} (formerly Toggle) was launched on 1 February 2013 as an OTT service. On 1 April 2015, xinmsn was merged with Toggle.{{cite web|first1=Kyle Malinda|last1=Shah|title=Goodbye Xinmsn, Hello Toggle: Microsoft & MediaCorp Disband Entertainment Site|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/goodbye-xinmsn-hello-toggle-microsoft-014111654.html|website=Yahoo|access-date=15 November 2016|date=1 April 2015}}{{cite web|title=TOGGLE|url=https://www11.mediacorp.sg/explore/list/toggle|website=Mediacorp|access-date=15 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115133647/https://www11.mediacorp.sg/explore/list/toggle|archive-date=15 November 2016}}{{cite web|first1=Ryan|last1=Lawler|title=MediaCorp Taps Tvinci To Launch Toggle, Its Virtual Cable Service in Singapore|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/01/28/mediacorp-tvinci-toggle/|website=TechCrunch|access-date=15 November 2016|date=28 January 2013}} It is Mediacorp's digital video service that redefines TV viewing, bringing Toggle Originals, catch-up content, live coverage of key national events, news, entertainment, and behind-the-scene exclusives to viewers across multiple devices – computers, tablets, smartphones, smart television sets, and digital media players.

File:Melisten 2023.svg

melisten (formerly MeRadio) is an audio digital platform focusing on live audio streaming of Mediacorp's eleven radio stations as well as audio podcasts.{{cite web |title=Mediacorp's revamped MeRadio app and website now offer more interactive features |url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/mediacorp-me-radio-app-website-podcast-features-10874290 |access-date=30 January 2020 |website=CNA Lifestyle |date=30 October 2018}} This platform is also where they offered their online radio stations, such as IndieGo for independent music and urban adult contemporary.{{cite press release|title=Mediacorp Goes Indie with indiego – the Latest Offering from Singapore's Largest Digital Radio Network|url=https://www.mediacorp.sg/corporate/news-release/media-releases/mediacorp-goes-indie-with-indiego-the-latest-offering-from-15471402|website=Mediacorp|date=16 December 2021|access-date=16 November 2022}}

In 2018, Mediacorp launched the Mediacorp Partner Network. Under the MPN, Mediacorp signed agreements with brands like:

• ESPN on 6 August 2018, where Mediacorp will be the exclusive representative for all ad sales in Singapore for ESPN.com, while ESPN will launch a dedicated Singapore edition of the ESPN site to deliver a mix of local sports news and features in addition to coverage of global sports.{{cite web|author=Farzanah Farveen|title=Mediacorp Partner Network brings on board ESPN in multi-year agreement|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-partner-network-brings-on-board-espn-in-multi-year-agreement/|website=Marketing Interactive|access-date=6 August 2018|date=7 August 2018}}
• 99.co on 29 August 2018 to create property related news and information for consumers.{{cite web|title=Mediacorp Partner Network and 99.co tie up|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-partner-network-and-99-co-tie-up/|website=Marketing Interactive|access-date=31 August 2018|date=31 August 2018}}
• Edipresse in November 2018 to co-develop content across digital editorial platforms, TV, live radio and events. Such content will be made available on both Mediacorp and Edipresse Media platforms, utilising the regional reach and influence of both companies.{{cite web|title=Mediacorp and Edipresse Media Singapore join hands to deliver luxury content|url=http://www.asiaradiotoday.com/news/mediacorp-and-edipresse-media-singapore-join-hands-deliver-luxury-content|website=Asia Radio Today|access-date=6 December 2018|date=4 May 2019}}
• VICE on 23 April 2019 to bring original VICE digital and TV content to a new Singapore audience via Mediacorp's multi-platform reach.{{cite web|title=Mediacorp Partner Network and 99.co tie up|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/mediacorp-partners-vice-to-bring-original-content-to-singapore-11471100|website=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=23 April 2019|date=4 May 2019}}

Some of Mediacorp's flagship programmes include:

• Star Awards – Mediacorp's Chinese awards event.{{Cite web |last=Chin |first=Soo Fang |date=23 June 1996 |title=Popularity sections to play minor role at Star Awards |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19960623-1.2.80.9.9 |access-date=2022-07-26 |website=eresources.nlb.gov.sg |page=14 |language=en-SG}}
• Lunar New Year's Eve Special Show – Mediacorp's annual Chinese New Year's Eve Live Countdown Show similar to CMG New Year's Gala, featuring a wide variety of song and dance performances.{{cite web|url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/entertainment/chinese-lunar-new-year-mediacorp-tv-programmes-458641|title=Catch the countdown show with local stars, festive programmes and more as part of Mediacorp’s Chinese New Year line-up|website=cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com|author=Charis Gan|date=21 January 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mediacorp.sg/lny2025/lnyevespecial2025|title=Lunar New Year's Eve Special 2025|website=www.mediacorp.sg|access-date=29 January 2025}}
• Star Search
• 118 – long-form Channel 8 drama. 255-episode 118 I aired from 2014 – 2015, 218-episode 118 II ran from 2016 – 2017, and a special 23-episode 118 Reunion aired in 2018.{{cite news |title=《118》故事人洪荣狄　随时为大选改剧情 |work=My Paper 我报 |url=http://mypaper.sg/entertainment/118-gu-shi-ren-hong-rong-di-sui-shi-wei-da-xuan-gai-ju-qing-20150825 |date=25 August 2015 |language=zh |access-date=21 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121182555/http://mypaper.sg/entertainment/118-gu-shi-ren-hong-rong-di-sui-shi-wei-da-xuan-gai-ju-qing-20150825 |archive-date=21 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}
• Tanglin – long-form Channel 5 daily drama that centred on the lives of multiracial and multigenerational families in a middle-income neighbourhood, in the Holland Village, Tanglin. The 823-episode show ran from 2015 to 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/tanglin-mediacorp-singapore-longest-running-tv-show-last-episode-10538146|title=Tanglin: The show you never knew people loved is coming to an end|website=CNA Lifestyle|access-date=2019-04-08}}
• KIN – long-form Channel 5 weekends drama launched in 2018 (after Tanglin's conclusion).{{cite web|title=KIN is the Most Underrated Show on Toggle Right Now|url=https://ricemedia.co/culture-events-mediacorp-kin-underrated-show-toggle-right-now/|website=RICE Media|date=16 November 2018}}
• Getai Challenge – singing talent search competition that aimed to promote the Getai culture and discover aspiring Getai singers. Season 1 was shown on Channel 8 in 2015, and Season 2 in 2018.{{Cite web |url=https://tv.toggle.sg/en/channel8/shows/getai-challenge/ |title=GeTai Challenge 歌台星力量- Toggle |access-date=8 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527180607/https://tv.toggle.sg/en/channel8/shows/getai-challenge/ |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=bot: unknown }}
• SPOP SING! – an initiative launched by Mediacorp in 2018 to showcase and curate local music compositions.{{cite news|url=https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/spop-sing-hunt-next-local-singing-sensation-379411|title=SPOP SING! on the hunt for next local singing sensation|publisher=8days|date=22 April 2018|accessdate=12 May 2020}}
• Abang Teksi (Taxi Brother) – Suria only Malay sitcom aired season 1 from 2017 and season 2 from 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.beritaharian.sg/gah/hiburan/rugi-abang-teksi-tidak-mahu-ikut-perkembangan-teknologi|title=Rugi abang teksi tidak mahu ikut perkembangan teknologi|author=Hanim Mohd Saleh|publisher=Berita Harian|date=18 October 2017|accessdate=12 May 2020}}
• Forensik (Forensics) – Suria drama and spin-off to English counterpart Code of Law launched in 2020.{{cite news|url=https://berita.mediacorp.sg/hiburan/forensik-drama-pertama-suria-diadaptasikan-dari-siri-saluran-5-135386|title='Forensik' drama pertama Suria diadaptasikan dari siri Saluran 5, Code Of Law|author=Syawal Yusoff|publisher=Berita Mediacorp|date=1 January 2020|accessdate=12 May 2020}}

In 2000, MediaCorp Studios was created to produce content for MediaCorp TV channels, such as Channel 5, Channel U and Channel 8.{{cite web | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/6077618Z:SP | title=Mediacorp Studios Pte Ltd | website=Bloomberg News | access-date=10 September 2020}} In 2001, EagleVision was created to produce content for Suria and Vasantham.{{cite book|title=Eaglevision: MediaCorp Studios|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UlH_ygEACAAJ|year=2002|publisher=MediaCorp}} They co-produce programmes with regional broadcasters and production houses such as Media Prima Malaysia,{{cite web|url=https://www.marketscreener.com/news/latest/Media-Prima-Bhd-Media-Prima-and-MediaCorp-to-jointly-produce-Kasih-Berbisik-TV-Drama--17995422/|title=Media Prima Bhd: Media Prima and MediaCorp to jointly produce Kasih Berbisik TV Drama|agency=Market Screener|date=25 February 2014}} Radio Televisyen Malaysia,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBPRHSykcPI| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/sBPRHSykcPI| archive-date=2021-10-28|title=Mediacorp, Radio Television Malaysia present 13th edition of Muzika Ekstravaganza| website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Radio Television Brunei,{{cite web|url=https://www.mci.gov.sg/pressroom/news-and-stories/pressroom/2018/9/strengthening-brunei-singapore-relations-through-aksi|title=Strengthening Brunei-Singapore Relations Through A New Joint Production, AKSI! (or Action!)|agency=Ministry of Communications and Information|date=7 September 2018}} ABS-CBN Studios Philippines,{{cite web|url=https://www.contentasia.tv/news/abs-cbn-unveils-new-studios-banner-philippines-programmer-adds-sound-stages-and-facilities|title=ABS-CBN unveils new Studios banner; Philippines’ programmer adds sound stages and facilities to music and talent management in upsized global strategy|agency=ContentAsia|date=2 December 2024}} Eightgeman Taiwan and Taiwan Television.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediacorp.sg/en/corporate/mediacorp-in-the-news/media-releases/epic-singapore-taiwan-suspense-series-slated-for-2019-11005232|title=Epic Singapore-Taiwan Suspense Series Slated for 2019|publisher=Mediacorp|date=5 December 2018|access-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204012156/https://www.mediacorp.sg/en/corporate/mediacorp-in-the-news/media-releases/epic-singapore-taiwan-suspense-series-slated-for-2019-11005232|archive-date=4 December 2021}}

At 6:54am on 6 October 1982, SBC Radio 2 claimed that Malaysian squash champion Zainal Abidin died in a car accident. Said announcement turned out to be a voice test conducted by a newsreader ahead of the 7am bulletin. In the wake of the voice test, Zainal received calls regarding his status. SBC subsequently apologised to Zainal.{{cite news |title=SBC says sorry to squash champ |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940707-1.2.61.6.4 |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=7 July 1994}} Azmi Mahmud, who did the voice test, was sacked on 22 January 1983, in the fallout of the incident.{{cite news |title=SBC man sacked 3 months after that voice test |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830123-1.2.32 |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=23 January 1983}} To prevent further mishaps, SBC tightened its controls on its news procedures.{{cite news |title=SBC switches controls on news bulletins |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830128-1.2.52 |access-date=16 April 2024 |work=The Straits Times |date=28 January 1983}}

In 2007, cloud software DVR service RecordTV (now InstantTV) filed a lawsuit against Mediacorp for copyright infringement which the latter claimed as "groundless threats". This comes after the company sent two "cease and desist" letters to RecordTV which "stated the consequences" of alleged copyright violations, which led Mediacorp counter-sued against RecordTV.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20090703-1.2.6.9|title=Still a copyright infringement|publisher=Today|date=3 July 2009|accessdate=25 April 2024|page=10}} In December 2009, Mediacorp won the case against RecordTV, in which the Singapore High Court found that RecordTV had infringed copyright laws by allowing users to record programmes shown on three Mediacorp-owned channels.{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/today20091222-2.2.5.10|title=MediaCorp wins counter claims suit|author=S. Ramesh|publisher=Today|date=22 December 2009|accessdate=25 April 2024|page=8}}

On 29 March 2017, an edition of the Channel 5 comedy panel game show OK Chope! featured the following question:

Najib slams ____ for threatening Malaysia's progress.

of which the answer was "fake news". The panelists while trying to find an answer to fill the blank, referred to "kissing Malaysian officers" and the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast, whose release was postponed in Malaysia due to the inclusion of a minor gay character. The segment went viral on social media and prompted anger from Malaysian netizens. The Malaysian Artistes Association and the Selangor UMNO Youth both demanded that Vernetta Lopez should apologise for insulting and ridiculing Najib or would face a ban from Malaysian TV shows. Mediacorp issued an apology on 5 April 2017 and removed the episode from Toggle.{{cite web |date=5 April 2017 |title=Producers Of A Singaporean Gameshow Had To Apologise For Their Segment About PM Najib |url=https://says.com/my/news/singaporean-comedy-show-ok-chope-poked-fun-at-najib |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407200352/https://says.com/my/news/singaporean-comedy-show-ok-chope-poked-fun-at-najib |archive-date=7 April 2017 |access-date=2 July 2024 |website=Says}}

{{Portal|Singapore|Companies}}

• Mass media of Singapore
• Censorship in Singapore
• List of programmes broadcast by Channel 5 (Singapore)
• List of programmes broadcast by Mediacorp Channel 8
• List of programs broadcast by Vasantham
• List of programmes broadcast by CNA
• {{Cl|Singapore Chinese dramas}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|MediaCorp}}

• [https://www.mediacorp.sg/en/ Official website]

{{Mediacorp}}

{{Smart Alliance}}

{{ASEAN TV}}

{{CATV}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mediacorp}}

Category:1936 establishments in the Straits Settlements

Category:Temasek Holdings

Category:Radio in Singapore

Category:Magazine publishing companies

Category:Newspaper companies of Singapore

Category:Mass media companies established in 1936

Category:Mass media companies of Singapore

Category:Government-owned companies of Singapore

Category:Multilingual broadcasters

Category:Singaporean brands

Category:Publicly funded broadcasters