Television in Singapore

Talks of television in Singapore were first mooted in 1952 at the British Radio Exhibition held by the British Radio and Accessories Manufacturing Association (BRAMA) at the Happy World Stadium. The event was set to be staged between 1 and 16 August and Pye was involved in delivering television equipment to these first experiments. At the time, Pye had been actively promoting television in the region and was assisting the creation of a television channel in Thailand.{{cite web |date=1 July 1952 |title=

Television To Make Its Bow In S'pore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19520701-1.2.11?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Singapore Standard (retrieved from NLB)}} Several television cameras were installed in the precinct and the broadcasts were linked from a mobile camera to a closed-circuit link. Televised programmes were slated to be content from local artistes and a nightly programme from Radio Malaya. A representative of a British radio manufacturer said that, if it was permitted, television should be seen "tomorrow" to the general public.{{cite web |date=1 July 1952 |title=S'pore can see TV next month |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520701-1.2.71 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} It was announced on 5 July that Singapore's governor at the time, J. F. Nicoll, was going to be the first face seen in the experiments.{{cite web |date=5 July 1952 |title=GOVERNOR TO BE THE FIRST T.V. 'STAR' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520705-1.2.121?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

A Pye team was due to arrive on 22 July, after conducting a successful test transmission in Thailand.{{cite web |date=20 July 1952 |title=TELEVISION CREW IN SINGAPORE ON TUESDAY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520720-1.2.37?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} It was decided to build a television studio for the exhibit at the last minute.{{cite web |date=22 July 1952 |title=SINGAPORE GETS TV—FOR 16 DAYS |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520722-1.2.90?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} On 24 July, the equipment needed for the experiment arrived in 43 packing cases, set to be installed by three engineers working for the company.{{cite web |date=24 July 1952 |title=TV GEAR ARRIVES IN 43 CASES |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520724-1.2.63?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=25 July 1952 |title=TV engineers in S'pore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520725-1.2.134 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Television was set to be the main attraction of the exhibit.{{cite web |date=31 July 1952 |title=PYE'S TV WILL BE MAIN ATTRACTION |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19520731-1.2.207.39?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Singapore Standard (retrieved from NLB)}}

The first day of the experimental service started with a speech by J. F. Nicoll, seen by at least 3,000 people, hoping that "television will, in due course, become a part of the daily life in Singapore". Weather conditions and a huge audience caused the camera to overheat and was sent to repair.{{cite web |date=2 August 1952 |title=GOVERNOR TELEVISED AT TRADE FAIR |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520802-1.2.97?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} That same evening, a fashion show was staged by three Singaporean mannequins.{{cite web |date=2 August 1952 |title=DRESS PARADE IS TELEVISED |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19520802-1.2.52?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Singapore Standard (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=3 August 1952 |title=Singapore sees first fashion show on television |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520803-1.2.66?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Four days after the start of the experiments, 31,600 people saw the broadcasts, worth $15,800 (so far, the grand total at the end was aiming at $95,000).{{cite web |date=3 August 1952 |title=31,600 see TV show in S'pore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520806-1.2.133?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} By 9 August, some 400,000 people saw the first experimental broadcasts - 40% of Singapore's population at the time.{{cite web |date=10 August 1952 |title=Coming - Television in YOUR home |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520810-1.2.9 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The final programme of the experiments, on 16 August, was a four-hour variety show, Passing Parade.{{cite web |date=16 August 1952 |title=TV last night in S'pore tonight |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520816-1.2.84 |access-date=11 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Following the end of the exhibition, the Pye camera used in Singapore was sent to the UK to cover the Coronation of Elizabeth II the following year.{{cite web |date=15 August 1952 |title=S'pore TV camera for Coronation |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520815-1.2.86?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Despite the success of the closed-circuit broadcasts, the government at the time showed strong opposition for the establishment of a regular service operated by a private company, under the grounds that the Singaporean government didn't intend to put a service under private hands.{{cite web |date=11 August 1952 |title=TV: Govt Is Stifling Private Enterprise |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520810-1.2.9 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Singapore Standard (retrieved from NLB)}}

The Singaporean population had become "television conscious",{{cite web |date=18 August 1952 |title='TELEVISION CANNOT BE HALTED' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520818-1.2.108.1?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} by September the government showed its first plans to build a television station.{{cite web |date=17 September 1952 |title=Govt. May Operate TV Station |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singstandard19520917-1.2.98?qt=television&q=%22Television%22 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Singapore Standard (retrieved from NLB)}} The station was set to be operated by the government and the studied proposal gave an estimated annual cost of $1 million, with an annual recurring expenditure of $500,000. The cost would cover a camera, studio equipment and two or three outside broadcast vans. Two to three expat engineers were to provide annual maintenance, salaries for 15 locals were to be provided and the service wasn't meant to have a profit during the initial one or two years outlined. The service would be supported by license fees, with 20,000 television sets given an annual license of $25.{{cite web |date=12 September 1952 |title='Modest' TV plans studied |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520912-1.2.3 |access-date=11 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Two private companies attempted to bid for the station, but the government rejected.{{cite web |date=17 September 1952 |title=TV not for private firms |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19520917-1.2.172 |access-date=11 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

In July 1953, the government announced that it would not set up a television station of its own due to prohibitive costs and to reserve its right to take over such a service at a future date, if it should decide to give a service to private interests. The government also stated that such a service would have "very strict control" and would entall a considerable charge on public funds.{{cite web |date=21 July 1953 |title=S'pore states TV policy |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19530721-1.2.4 |access-date=11 August 2023 |website=The Singapore Free Press (retrieved from NLB)}}

In August 1955, the idea was revived with the government outlining a plan with a 15-year license, license fees worth $2.50, and would start within the next two years. The new station was set to be owned by a private company; the applications were to be sent by 11 October and among the interested groups were American commercial television companies. The government has also stipulated possible plans regarding advertising and sponsorship on the possible services and, by 1959, 90% of the staff to be Malayan and all of the directorship Malayan.{{cite web |date=12 August 1955 |title=SINGAPORE TV IN 2 YEARS? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19550812-1.2.14 |access-date=11 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Three private firms attempted to bid for the license: the Cathay Organisation, Shaw Brothers and the Singaporean branch of Rediffusion. Cathay demanded an all-Malayan board of directors and its know-how in the film industry, whereas Rediffusion touted its expertise in the broadcasting industry, including its commercial television station in the United Kingdom. Shaw didn't provide details, other than its expertise in the entertainment sector.{{cite web |date=24 November 1955 |title=TV tender—3 big names in the race |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19551124-1.2.78 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

On 9 February 1956, following much skepticism ahead of the approval,{{cite web |date=8 February 1956 |title=

Television Debate |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560208-1.2.113 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=7 February 1956 |title=Television Doubts |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560207-1.2.100 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} the Minister for Education of the time, Chew Swee Kee, sought the approval of the commercial television bid, but was backfired in the session by the then-opposition leader Lee Kuan Yew and chief secretary William Goode. Goode reiterated that in the United States, productions were mostly "trashy entertainment", "sob stuff" and "human crime serials", and that the purpose of the television station wasn't to provide exploitation "in the interest of big business" to viewers.{{cite web |date=10 February 1956 |title=COMMERCIAL TV: LEE DIMS THE VIEW |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560210-1.2.18 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Concerns were also raised about television potentially ruining the Singaporean economy as well as the youth, as roughly half of the local population at the time was under the age of 21.{{cite web |date=10 February 1956 |title=

Marshall is all for it |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560210-1.2.131 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The following day, the government announced that it wouldn't award a license to a commercial operator, aiming instead for a station owned by the government, under the grounds that the new service wouldn't be costly.{{cite web |date=11 February 1956 |title=Commercial TV plan put on shelf |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560211-1.2.27 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} A committee to study the possibility of such a service was set up in June.{{cite web |date=21 June 1956 |title=THE TRUSTY TEN OF TV |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560621-1.2.11 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=22 June 1956 |title=TV: What is your line? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19560622-1.2.115 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The results published on 4 June 1957 implied that the operational budget of the new government service would be of about $750,000 in its first year, and the content at first would be in English and Chinese, with Indian and Malay content would later be added "depending on material".{{cite web |date=5 June 1957 |title=SINGAPORE TV REPORT |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19570605-1.2.2 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

{{cite web |date=5 June 1957 |title=Television Report |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19570605-1.2.121 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} S. Rajaratnam announced in December 1958 that there would be no television service at least in 1959 due to lack of money.

{{cite web |date=13 December 1958 |title=NO TV for Singapore this year or next no money available |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19581213-1.2.65 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

In 1960, the Singaporean government invited Japanese members of the Colombo Plan, who were well-trained television employees, to survey the situation regarding how television was to be implemented in Singapore. The move came after S. Rajanatnam had travelled to Tokyo in May for a seminar on human rights and talked with two television technicians of the NHK.{{cite web |date=30 May 1960 |title=Singapore TV: 'It's definite' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19600530-1.2.73 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The NHK team had submitted a report to the government in June 1960.{{cite web |date=22 June 1960 |title=How to set up a TV station: A Japanese report goes to Singapore Government |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19600622-1.2.80 |access-date=17 August 2023 |website=The Singapore Free Press (retrieved from NLB)}} An ad hoc television committee was set up in 1961; in February of that year, a television engineer of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, T. K. Rourke, arrived. It was decided that Singapore should have two or more television channels from the outset, with the content being provided in the main languages, four to six hours a day for each channel, and using the 625-line CCIR system. Since the project would take at least three years to finish, the government decided to plan a one-channel pilot service, in at least four languages, and under the planned four to six hour lineup. Contracts were signed with the British Marconi Company, supplying transmitters, studio equipment (such as cameras and ancillary equipment) and the Singaporean-Japanese company Marubeni-Iida, supplying outside broadcast vans and equipment, including OB to studio VHF links. Television Singapura was to be integrated under the existing service provided by the Ministry of Culture.{{cite news|last=Duclos|first=J. H.|title=How television came to Singapore|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630301-1.2.169|access-date=9 August 2023|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=1 March 1963}}

The initial target for the launch of the television service was Christmas 1962, but due to technical and administrative problems, was delayed to early 1963. Among the problems that led to the delay were lack of trained and experienced personnel and lack of equipment.{{cite web |date=26 October 1962 |title=NEW DATE IS EARLY NEXT YEAR: POLY JOURNAL |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19621026-1.2.46.4 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

{{section rewrite|date=February 2025}}

On 3 January 1963, the Singaporean government announced the start of pilot programming effective February 15. The station was set to broadcast on VHF channel 5 in the 625-line television standard and would provide a license fee of $24 per year ($2 per month), touted at the time as being "one of the cheapest in this part of the world". The output from the start of the pilot service was going to last less than two hours, before extending to four hours by April. A second channel was slated to start between August and September of the same year. By the time of the March extension, the service was going to carry filmed programming in English and Hokkien, before gradually extending to include Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and other Chinese dialects. The regular service would provide, effective April, a four-hour schedule in the official languages of Singapore. A temporary studio was built on Caldecott Hill in the precincts of Radio Singapore and a television transmitter at Bukit Batok was erected. The staff consisted of experienced workers coming from the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=3 January 1963 |title=S'pore TV starts next month |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630103-1.2.15?qt=%22channel%205%22&q=%22Channel%205%22 |access-date=8 August 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}} Ahead of the start of the pilot service, it was recommended for manufacturers of television sets to ensure that their presets would match channels 5 and 8.{{cite web |date=17 January 1963 |title=Government warning to keep TV in view |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630117-1.2.62?qt=%22channel%205%22&q=%22Channel%205%22 |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Television Singapura launched its pilot service on channel 5 on 15 February 1963; then-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." Following his speech, the first programme televised in Singapore was a 15-minute documentary produced by Television Singapura called TV Looks at Singapore. It was followed by two cartoons, a news report and newsreel, a comedy show and a local variety show.

At the time, it was estimated that only one in 58 persons in Singapore owned a TV set,{{cite news|title=10 eventful years for TV Singapore|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19730401-1.1.28.aspx|access-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=1 April 1973}} and the pilot service offered only one hour of broadcasting per day on Channel 5.{{cite news|last=Lim|first=Kit Siang|title=Tele comes of age|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/digitised/article.aspx?articleid=straitstimes19630402-1.2.138|access-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2 April 1963}} In March 1963, a local branch of the Australian company Ferris Industries began to manufacture television antennas in Singapore.{{cite web |date=15 March 1963 |title=TV AERIALS NOW MADE IN SINGAPORE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630315-1.2.122 |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} In March 1963, Rajaratnam said that Television Singapura had the ambitions to be "one of the best" in the world, "with the co-operation of the public. In spite of such ambitions, there was strong criticism that television gave undue prominence to English and Chinese dialects, with so little time given to programming in Malay and Tamil.{{cite web |date=23 March 1963 |title=

Television Singapura will be 'one of the best' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630323-1.2.25?qt=%22television%20singapura%22&q=%20%22Television%20Singapura%22 |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} In late March, a campaign was initiated to install television sets in bars, restaurants and coffeeshops. By then, one week ahead of the start of regular broadcasts, the channel was broadcasting for three-and-a-half hours daily.{{cite news |date=29 March 1963 |title=Instal TV call to restaurants, coffeeshops —bars— |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630329-1.2.56 |access-date=22 September 2023}} At the start of April, a Straits Times survey showed that television was now available in as many as 7000 households.{{cite news |date=2 April 1963 |title=7,000 Singapore homes now have TV sets |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630402-1.2.140?qt=%22television%20singapura%22&q=%20%22Television%20Singapura%22 |access-date=8 August 2023}} By August, the number of television sets has risen to 16,000.{{cite news |date=20 August 1963 |title=Radio trade is hit locally by 'telly' craze |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630820-1.2.79 |access-date=20 August 2023}}

On 2 April 1963, President Yusof Ishak officially inaugurated the regular service of Television Singapura. It started off broadcasting from 7:15 pm to 11:15 p.m. nightly, showing programmes in Singapore's four official languages (English, Mandarin [including other Chinese dialects], Malay and Tamil). Following the launch, it was suggested that television should be used "wisely", and not "as a drug".{{cite news |date=3 April 1963 |title=Use TV wisely—not as drug, Head of State's advice |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19630403-1.2.36 |access-date=8 August 2023}}

Channel 8 began its test transmissions on Saturday, 31 August 1963, Malaysia's national day (at the time known as Solidarity Day).{{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}} Its first day consisted of a Hokkien film, repeats of India's participation in the South East Asian Cultural Festival and Singapore Celebrates.{{cite news|title=Television Singapura The Straits Times|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19630831-1.2.109.1?ST=1&AT=filter&DF=&DT=&AO=true&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=&SortBy=Oldest&k=%22programme+summary%22%26ka%3d%22programme+summary%22&P=183&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=%22programmesummary%22&oref=article|access-date=29 July 2020|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=31 August 1963}} A second test transmission took place between 16 and 20 September of that year and devoted much of its time to the week-long celebrations, to coincide with the historic Proclamation of Malaysia, and the political campaigns leading up to the 1963 General Election.

Channel 8 started regular broadcasts on 23 November 1963. Initially the channel broadcast for only two and a half hours daily (closing at 10:10 p.m.), aiming to increase to the same hours as Channel 5 the next year. As with Channel 5, its output was in a mix of every language of the time.{{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}} Commercial advertising was allowed on Channel 5 starting 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}} Both channels aired during the brief time Singapore was a state of Malaysia from that year to 9 August 1965, airing together with TV Malaysia from the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur areas. From that day of independence when then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew addressed Singaporeans on the inevitable independence, both channels became the national TV stations and later formed the TV Division of Radio Television Singapore (RTS).

Television also had its fair share of criticism. Universal Pictures head Milton Rackmil, while in Singapore in 1964, said that television was luring its viewers away from cinema, and that viewers should return to cinema once the novelty was worn off.{{cite web |date=17 April 1964 |title=Novelty of TV will wear off: Film chief |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19640417-1.2.69?qt=television&q=Television |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Initially, television sets only received channels 5 to 10 in the VHF band (where the two Singaporean channels broadcast), but in preparation for the start of Television Malaysia's relay station in Johor Bahru, which was on channel 3, following complaints from viewers that they were unable to receive the station, from 9 December 1964, all television sets sold in Singapore would receive all channels in the VHF band (1 to 11).{{cite web |date=9 December 1964 |title='All TV sets can use channels 1 to 11' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19641209-1.2.97 |access-date=22 September 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

Beginning 1 May 1965, Television Malaysia Singapura started carrying four news bulletins a day, in each of the four official languages. The weekly total was now 28, up from 16.{{cite web |date=30 April 1965 |title=TV NEWS BULLETINS TO TOTAL 28 A WEEK |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19650430-1.2.36?qt=%22channel%206%22&q=%22Channel%206%22 |access-date=30 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

When Setron opened its new facility in April 1966, one out of six households had a television set, mostly due to rising incomes.{{cite web |date=28 April 1966 |title=One home in six has TV|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660428-1.2.98.2 |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} A purpose-built television facility was opened on 26 August 1966, at the cost of $3.6 million.{{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)}} By that time, TV Singapura has seen tremendous growth and had established a "good reputation" abroad. Its news bulletins received good praise for the quality of its reports, and films shot by the news division were already being seen in the UK and Australia, with increasing demand from other countries.{{cite web |date=26 August 1966 |title=Television making rapid progress since 1963 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660826-1.2.76 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The new facility would also cater the needs of the Educational Television Service, which was set to start early the following year.{{cite web |date=26 August 1966 |title=More emphasis on audio-visual aids in class |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19660826-1.2.71 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

From 30 January 1967,{{cite web |date=23 January 1967 |title=Ong to launch new TV schools service |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670123-1.2.47 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Channel 8 also became home to the Educational Television Service, which showed TV programmes produced by the Ministry of Education on school subjects at different educational levels and in the four national languages. The blocktime slot would be transferred to Channel 12 in 1993 under the CDIS (Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore) brand.

Speculation emerged in 1972 that a third television channel would begin operating in Singapore, when on 13 January that year the Centre for Production and Training of Adult Education Television (CEPTA TV) suggested that the new channel was to be used to boost adult education.{{cite news|title=Third TV channel planned for teaching adults|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19720113-1.2.9?ST=1&AT=search&k=%22adult%20education%22%20%22channel%22&QT=%22adulteducation%22,channel&oref=article|access-date=30 August 2021|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=13 January 1972}} The government said the following day that it had no plans to start the channel.{{cite news|title=No plans to start third TV channel|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19720114-1.2.53?ST=1&AT=search&k=%22adult%20education%22%20%22channel%22&QT=%22adulteducation%22,channel&oref=article|access-date=30 August 2021|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 January 1972}}

RTS revised its two television channels on 30 March 1973. Channel 5 would broadcast in English and Malay and Channel 8 in Chinese and Tamil. This arrangement would last for the next twenty years.{{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 2019 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} Around this time, roughly half of its programming was imported. The United Kingdom and the United States were the primary buyers yet there was a substantial amount of imports from West Germany, Hong Kong and Australia.{{cite web |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Business/World-Communicatiions-Unesco-1975.pdf |title=World Communications |date=1975 |publisher=UNESCO |accessdate=19 April 2024 |page=340 }}

In January 1974, RTS purchased two colour television transmitters from Marconi, worth $700,000. They were to be installed at Bukit Batok, which underwent an expansion to accommodate them.{{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)}} Test broadcasts with recorded programming were first held on 2 May 1974, consisting of test films and imported colour programming (such as 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)}} On 7 July 1974, Channel 5 presented its first live colour broadcast, the 1974 FIFA World Cup Final.{{cite news |date=3 August 1974 |title=Colour TV power |url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/digitised/article.aspx?articleid=straitstimes19740803-1.2.145.6 |access-date=19 January 2014 |newspaper=The Straits Times}} The first locally produced colour broadcast—the ninth Singapore National Day Parade—aired on 9 August.{{cite news |last=Lim Ann Qi |first=Angela |date=9 August 1974 |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}} The second phase of the pilot colour service began on 11 November 1974, with newsreels being converted to colour. The number of weekly hours given to colour programming increased from two hours to four on weekdays and four hours to six on weekends. The news would only be converted to colour in 1975, when the commissioned purpose-built colour studio was scheduled to open.{{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)}}

From 1 July 1978, in line with the introduction of the Singapore government's Speak Mandarin Campaign, skits and advertisements on TV no longer used Chinese dialects. On October 30, 1979, the Hong Kong drama Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (倚天屠龙记 or Yee Tin To Long Kei) became the first programme in Chinese dialect to be dubbed in Mandarin before its Singaporean broadcast.{{cite news|title=看过"倚天屠龙记"多名电视观众 认为粤语电视剧配华语失去亲切感|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/digitised/article.aspx?articleid=scjp19791101-1.2.26.5|access-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=星洲日报 (Sin Chew Jit Poh)|date=1 November 1979}} The Mandarin dub proved to be unpopular with Cantonese-language speakers, with RTS receiving over 100 letters from viewers about the decision, with one viewer noting that the dubs caused such productions to lose their "character and authenticity".{{cite web |title=Dubbing in Mandarin: Public is not keen |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19791101-1.2.34?qt=rts,%20dialect&q=RTS%20dialect |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB) |access-date=30 August 2023 |date=1 November 1979}}

{{section rewrite|date=February 2025}}

On 1 February 1980, RTS was succeeded via an act of Parliament by a new entity, the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Unlike RTS, which operated under the Ministry of Culture, SBC would operate as an autonomous state-owned enterprise (in a similar vein to the BBC in the United Kingdom); the new structure was intended to reduce the administrative burden in expanding television and radio service in Singapore.{{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 retained a virtual monopoly on television programming in Singapore.{{cite news|last=Mahbubani|first=Gretchen|title=High hopes and old problems for the new station|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/digitised/article.aspx?articleid=straitstimes19800326-1.2.149.16.1|access-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=26 March 1980}} In 1983, it introduced SBCText, a teletext service.{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Ray|title=Expansion for SBCText with rising popularity|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article.aspx?articleid=singmonitor19841002-1.2.5.10|access-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=Singapore Monitor|date=2 October 1984}} On 31 January 1984, a third free-to-air TV channel, Channel 12—which would focus on serious, "heavy" cultural and educational programming—was inaugurated by Minister for Culture S. Dhanabalan.{{cite news|last=Goh|first=Pauline|title=Singaporeans can tune in to Channel 12 in Feb '84|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Page/singmonitor19830805-2.1.7.aspx|access-date=19 January 2014|newspaper=Singapore Monitor|date=5 August 1983}}

SBC began to introduce NICAM stereo broadcasts in 1985 (beginning with Channel 5 that August, and 12 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)}} investing in upgrades to its production facilities in order to support the format{{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)}}{{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)}}

In September 1993, eyeing a series of changes in the following year, SBC announced that it would increase the amount of local content and broadcasting hours, with channels 5 and 12 being the initial targets.{{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)}} SBC 8 would remain under the existing Chinese and Tamil format.{{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)}}

{{section rewrite|date=February 2025}}

On 18 December 1991, Brigadier General George Yeo, at the time the Minister of the Information and the Arts, announced a two-year plan to privatise SBC. Its three television channels were aiming to be at the hands of two or three separate 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)}}{{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 Business Times (retrieved from NLB)}} The plans were delayed in March 1993 with year-end 1994 as the new target, allowing the new corporation to engage in better competition in the international market.{{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)}} It was announced in late August 1994 that a fourth free-to-air television channel, set to use the UHF band, was going to start the following year, absorbing the cultural format of Channel 12. The plan also outlined the conversion of Channel 5 to an English-language service, Channel 8's conversion to an all-Chinese service, and the move of Channel 8's Tamil output to Channel 12.{{cite web |date=27 August 1994 |title=Fourth TV channel will feature cultural shows |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940827-1.2.4?qt=%22channel%2012%22,%20uhf&q=%22Channel%2012%22%20%22UHF%22 |access-date=18 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}

SBC's successors would be set to face commercial competition from Singapore Telecom and the NTUC. The two companies would also act as channel providers for the cable network.{{cite web |date=1 September 1994 |title=SBC's successors may face local competition |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940901-1.2.8.4 |access-date=18 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} 1 January 1994 saw the relaunch of Channel 5 as an English-language broadcaster,{{cite news |date=1 January 1994 |title=CHANNEL 5 OFFICIALLY NEW LOOK |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19940101-1.1.71 |access-date=8 August 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}{{Better source needed|reason=TV guide. Any article with coverage?|date=March 2024}} followed by a relaunch of Channel 12 on 30 January,{{cite news |date=30 January 1994 |title=CHANNEL 12 OFFICIALLY NEW LOOK |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19940130-1.1.65 |access-date=8 August 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}{{Better source needed|reason=TV guide. Any article with coverage?|date=March 2024}} and Channel 8 on 28 May.{{cite news |date=29 May 1994 |title=CHANNEL 8 OFFICIALLY NEW LOOK |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19940529-1.1.69 |access-date=8 August 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}{{Better source needed|reason=TV guide. Any article with coverage?|date=March 2024}} 1 January also saw the debut of Singapore International Television, a rented timeslot on the Indonesian Palapa B2P satellite intending to target overseas Singaporeans in Southeast Asia.{{cite news |date=10 January 1994 |title=Mengembang sayap maklumat kedua |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19940110-1.2.14.1 |access-date=29 September 2023 |newspaper=Berita Harian}}{{cite news |date=1 January 1994 |title=PM to launch new satellite TV service |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940101-1.2.35.1 |access-date=29 September 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}{{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)}}

On 1 October 1994, SBC was privatised as the holding company Singapore International Media (SIM); Channel 5 and Channel 8 was brought under the subsidiary, Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS), and Channel 12 operated under the subsidiary Singapore Television Twelve.{{cite news |date=1 October 1994 |title=A NEW ERA DAWNS IN SINGAPORE BROADCASTING |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19941001-1.1.60 |access-date=1 October 2023 |newspaper=The Straits Times}}{{cite news |date=1 October 1994 |title=TCS, RCS AND TV12 OFFICIALLY VERY FIRST RADIO AND TELEVISION SCHEDULE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/biztimes19941001-1.1.28 |access-date=1 October 2023 |newspaper=The Business Times}} On 1 September 1995, Channel 8 switched exclusively to Mandarin-language programming, Channel 12 relaunched as Prime 12 (which would focus on Malay and Tamil programming), and the new UHF channel Premier 12 launched; the new channel would be devoted to the arts, children's programming, and sports.{{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)}}

On 1 March 1999, TCS launched a free-to-air news channel, Channel NewsAsia (CNA).{{cite web |date=2 March 1999 |title=Channel NewsAsia a bold move: BG Yeo |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19990302-1.2.9.2 |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} On 15 June 1999, SIM was renamed to the Media Corporation of Singapore (Mediacorp).{{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}} On 30 January 2000, Television Twelve re-launched Prime 12 as Suria, now focusing exclusively on Malay programming. Premier 12 would be concurrently relaunched as Central; the new channel would be split into three blocks; Arts Central, Kids Central, and Vasantham Central—which featured Tamil-language programmes.{{cite web |last1=Haman |first1=Andrea |date=1 December 1999 |title=STV 12 unveils Kids Central |url=https://kidscreen.com/1999/12/01/27433-19991201/ |access-date=16 August 2021 |website=Kidscreen}}{{cite news |date=18 February 2000 |title=Suria selaras Melayu abad ke-21 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian20000218-1.2.36.3 |accessdate=23 December 2019 |publisher=Berita Harian |page=20}}{{cite news |date=11 February 2000 |title=Saiuran biar sejajar pegangan moral |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian20000211-1.2.29.2 |accessdate=23 December 2019 |publisher=Berita Harian |page=18}}

On 28 September 2000, CNA expanded its carriage and programming to target the Asia–Pacific region.{{cite web |date=28 September 2000 |title=Speech by DPM Lee Hsien Loong at the Asian launch of Channel NewsAsia at the Raffles Ballroom |url=http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=2000092803.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013119/http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/speeches/view-html?filename=2000092803.htm |archive-date=7 November 2017 |access-date=21 March 2018 |website=National Archives of Singapore |publisher=Media Division, Ministry of Information and the Arts |location=Singapore}}

In May 2001, the Singapore government granted new free-to-air licenses to SPH MediaWorks, a subsidiary of publisher Singapore Press Holdings—breaking the virtual monopoly that had been. The company launched two channels, TVWorks (later renamed Channel i) and Channel U, with English and Chinese programming respectively. In late 2004, citing financial issues and a small market for English-language programmes, SPH sold the channels to Mediacorp, resulting in Channel i shutting down at the end of the year, and Channel U continuing as a complement to Channel 8.{{cite news|last=Koh|first=Joyce|title=SPH, MediaCorp to retrench 204 staff, absorb 297|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article.aspx?articleid=biztimes20041208-1.2.7.2|newspaper=The Business Times|date=8 December 2004}}

On 19 October 2008, Central was split into two standalone channels, the Tamil-language Vasantham, and Okto, a new channel containing a mixture of children's and arts programmes. In June 2014, Okto also began to carry sports coverage as well.

On 1 May 2019, Okto was replaced by a branded daytime block on Channel 5 under the Okto branding. The physical slots formerly occupied by the Okto channel (and was also by TVWorks/Channel i) were discarded.{{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}}

In 1992, Singapore's first pay TV company, Singapore Cable Vision (SCV), began offering news and entertainment channels, while progressively rolling out the construction of its cable TV network across Singapore. The network was completed in 1999. Initially SCV provided a three-channel encrypted UHF network, with the first channel (NewsVision) going live on 2 April{{cite web |date=1 April 1992 |title=News channel on pay TV available from tomorrow |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19920401-1.2.23.6?qt=%22singapore%20cable%20vision%22&q=%22Singapore%20Cable%20Vision%22 |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} and the other 2 (MovieVision and VarietyVision) on June 1.{{cite web |date=15 May 1992 |title=Two new leisure channels launched on pay TV |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19920514-1.2.30.12?qt=%22singapore%20cable%20vision%22&q=%22Singapore%20Cable%20Vision%22 |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} When the regular cable service launched, SCV provided thirty channels.{{cite web |date=23 June 1995 |title=Cable TV puts world at your fingertips |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950623-1.2.79.3.1?qt=scv,%20fingertips&q=SCV%20fingertips |access-date=18 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} SCV had about 1,500 subscribers in 1992 and became a standard practice for StarHub users. StarHub also has a different package for their fibre internet service.StarHub Pte Ltd and Singapore Cable Vision Ltd. "StarHub And SCV in Discussion on Possibility of Merger" (press release). 30 April 2001. http://www.starhub.com/about-us/newsroom/2001/april/30042001_starhubandscvindiscussiononpossibilityofmerger.html. Accessed 19 January 2014. On 1 October 2002, Singapore Cable Vision merged with Singapore telecommunications company StarHub to create StarHub Cable Vision, a pay TV service with more than 40 international channels of news, movies, entertainment, sports, music and education.{{Cite web |title=StarHub Strengthens Brand Identity with New Product Names |url=https://www.starhub.com/about-us/newsroom/2002/september/26092002_starhubstrengthensbrandidentitywithnewproductnames.html |access-date=19 January 2014 |website=www.starhub.com}} The service has been known as StarHub TV since 2007.

On 20 July 2007, telecommunications provider SingTel began offering a digital pay TV service, Singtel TV, through its broadband network. The Internet Protocol television (IPTV) had 26 channels, including on-demand channels."SingTel to revolutionise home entertainment with the launch of mio TV" (press release). 20 July 2007. http://info.singtel.com/about-us/news-releases/singtel-revolutionise-home-entertainment-launch-mio-tv. Accessed 19 January 2014.

In November 2019, StarHub completed the transition of its subscribers to a new fiberoptic network and IPTV-based television service, which offered increased capacity for high-definition channels, and other new features.{{cite web|title=StarHub to cease cable services from July 2019|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/starhub-to-cease-cable-services-from-july-2019-10886308|website=Channel NewsAsia |date=1 November 2018|access-date=3 January 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/starhub-completes-10-month-shift-from-cable-to-fibre/|title=StarHub completes 10 month shift from cable to fibre|last=Duckett|first=Chris|website=ZDNet|language=en|access-date=2020-01-07}}{{cite web | title = StarHub TV's latest IPTV service is delivered over the fiber network | work = Hardware Zone | url = http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-starhub-tvs-latest-iptv-service-delivered-over-fiber-network | access-date=3 January 2019}}

In 2006, MOBTV (MediaCorp Online Broadband Television) was launched as Mediacorp's first subscription-based video on demand service that provides viewers with access to various TV programmes via immediate digital streaming or download from an Internet connection. MOBTV ceased its operation in on 30 March 2010 while its services was merged to another website, xinmsn, a joint-venture between MediaCorp and MSN Singapore, which was launched earlier that month, while the rest was rebranded to SingTel mio TV under MobTV Select in 2012 until 7 January 2014 (the MobTV Select were pulled from SingTel TV on 8 October as well). However, other applications, such as StarHub GO, SingTel TV GO, and Dash, were also launched in-lieu of the closure.

In 2013, Mediacorp launched another internet TV service, Toggle, later rebranded as meWATCH in 2020. Until xinmsn’s closure on the 1st of April 2015, both OTT websites co-existed. {{Cite web|last=Farveen|first=Farzanah|date=2019-11-04|title=Mediacorp revamps Toggle, MeRadio and MeClub|url=https://www.marketing-interactive.com/mediacorp-revamps-toggle-meradio-and-meclub/|access-date=2019-11-07|website=Marketing Interactive|language=en-US}}

Other international catch-up or on-demand are available in Singapore. These such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, WeTV, Catchplay+, Viu, iQIYI, Mola, Hayu, DAZN, Max, Crunchyroll, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Hotstar, Disney+, iWantTFC, VMX, Viva One, BBC Player, Bilibili, Mango TV, TVB Anywhere+ and Youku.

In 1999, Europe's DVB-T standard was selected for future digital terrestrial television service in Singapore, and the DVB-C standards were later selected as the recommended format for digital cable.{{Cite web |title=Singapore Announces Choice of Digital Cable Television Standard |url=https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/archived/ida/press-releases/2001/20061122145813 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=Infocomm Media Development Authority |language=en}}

On 10 June 2006, Singapore became the first country in Southeast Asia to begin trials of high definition television service, involving MediaCorp and cable provider StarHub. The beginning of the trials coincided with the 2006 FIFA World Cup, with StarHub launching HD service for 1,000 participants. It would carry all matches from the tournament in HD, and then two HD trial channels afterward. MediaCorp would launch its terrestrial trial service just over a week later 18 June, carrying a part-time service in prime time with a mix of original and acquired HD programming and films (some of which simulcast from Channel 5), with its inaugural broadcast featuring the film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.{{Cite web |last=Osborne |first=Magz |date=2006-06-02 |title=Hi-def TV trials start in Singapore |url=https://variety.com/2006/digital/news/hi-def-tv-trials-start-in-singapore-1200338596/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Singapore Gears up for High Definition Television |url=https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/archived/mda/press-releases/2006/singapore-gears-up-for-high-definition-television |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=Infocomm Media Development Authority |language=en}} On 11 November 2007, the trial service was relaunched as HD5, an HD simulcast of Channel 5.{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=2007-07-07 |title=MediaCorp to launch HD channel |url=https://variety.com/2007/tv/asia/mediacorp-to-launch-hd-channel-1117968175/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2007-10-15 |title=Southeast Asia's first HD channel, HD5 launches Nov 11 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-10-15-southeast-asias-first-hd-channel-hd5-launches-nov-11.html |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}} MediaCorp also tested interactive television.{{Cite web |title=Interactive service for Singapore's free-to-air TV |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/interactive-service-for-singapores-free-to-air-tv/ |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=ZDNET |language=en}}

In June 2012, after a trial conducted by Mediacorp and StarHub in Ang Mo Kio and Bedok, the Media Development Authority officially announced that Singapore would adopt the DVB-T2 standard, with Mediacorp aiming to make all seven of its free-to-air channels available in digital by the end of 2013, with Channel 5, 8, Suria, and Vasantham also being in high definition. The member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to complete their transitions by 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/08/20/asean-countries-introduce-digital-broadcasting-2015.html|title=Asean countries to introduce digital broadcasting by 2015|website=The Jakarta Post|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2012/06/20/singapore-adopts-dvb-t2/|title=Singapore adopts DVB-T2|date=2012-06-20|website=Broadband TV News|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-06}}

The MDA instituted a labelling program to promote televisions and converter boxes compatible with digital television, and began the Digital TV Assistance Scheme (DTVAS) in 2014, allowing qualifying low-income households to receive a free converter box. In January 2016, Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim stated a goal for an analogue shutdown by the end of 2017, in order to open up the spectrum for mobile broadband and the Smart Nation initiative.{{Cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/no-analogue-broadcasting-by-end-2017-digital-tvs-or-set-top-boxes-needed-to-watch-free-to|title=No analogue broadcasting by end-2017; digital TVs or set-top boxes needed to watch free-to-air channels|date=2016-01-21|website=The Straits Times|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06}}

On 6 November 2017, in response to a question posed in Parliament by Melvin Yong, showing concerns for the availability of Mediacorp programming, Ibrahim announced that the MDA would postpone the analogue shutdown to 31 December 2018. It was reported that only around half of low-income households in Singapore had participated in the DTVAS. Beginning the same day, analogue signals of Mediacorp channels began to display the word "Analogue" next to their logo bugs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/analogue-broadcast-cease-2019-about-half-needy-households-have-yet-switch-digital-tv|title=Analogue broadcast to cease from 2019; About half of needy households have yet to switch to Digital TV|website=TODAYonline|publisher=Mediacorp|access-date=2020-01-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/digital-for-end-of-analogue-tv-broadcast-extended-to-end-2018-9380162|title=Deadline for end of analogue TV broadcast extended to end-2018: IMDA|website=CNA|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06}} On 17 September 2018, the analogue signals also began to display a "squeeze-back" L-bar graphic, displaying reminders and information regarding the transition. Mediacorp talent such as Romeo Tan, Xiang Yun, and He Ying Ying made appearances at public events in partnership with the IMDA to promote the transition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mediacorp-imda-volunteers-help-households-switch-to-digital-tv-10606070|title=Mediacorp and IMDA volunteers help households make the switch to digital TV|website=CNA|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/a-reminder-to-singapore-households-switch-to-digital-tv-10693154|title=A reminder to Singapore households: Switch to digital TV|website=CNA|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06}}

Analogue television services ended at 00:00 on 2 January 2019.{{cite web |title= 5 things to know about digital TV before analogue TV transmissions cease from 2 Jan|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/five-things-to-know-about-digital-tv-before-analogue-tv-transmissions-cease-from-jan-2 |website=Straits Times |date=21 December 2018 |access-date=1 January 2019}}{{cite web |title= Transition to Digital TV as Analogue TV signals turn off on 1 Jan midnight|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/transition-to-digital-tv-as-analogue-tv-signals-turn-off-on-jan-11077330 |website=Channel NewsAsia |date=1 January 2019 |access-date=2 January 2019}}

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

• Sportscity/City TV (closed in 2002)
• Channel i (closed in 2005; the channel allotments was reused by Okto from 2008 to 2019)
• Central (replaced by Vasantham since 2008, Kids Central and Arts Central replaced with Okto)
• Kids Central
• Vasantham Central
• Arts Central
• MediaCorp TVMobile (closed in 2010)
• Okto{{efn|replaced Kids Central and Arts Central from Central}} (continued as block programming on Channel 5 and 8)

• meWATCH (launched in 2013 as Toggle)

• MOBTV (launched in 2007, ceased services on 7 January 2014)
• xinmsn (launched in March 2010 in collaboration with Microsoft Singapore, ended services on April 1, 2015)

Due to Singapore's proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia, channels from these countries can also be received over-the-air in Singapore. Both countries have also adopted DVB-T2 as their digital television standards.{{Cite web|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/07/02/analogue-is-so-yesterday/|title=Analogue is so yesterday...|date=2019-07-02|website=The Malaysian Reserve|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-06}}

{{See also|Television in Malaysia|List of television stations in Malaysia}}

All channel signals are based in Johor Bahru.

{{See also|id:Daftar stasiun televisi di Kepulauan Riau|List of television stations in Indonesia}}

All channels' signals are based in Batam. Direct reception started on 2 June 1980 (broadcasts went regular on 26 June) when TVRI set up a relay station there. Its proximity with Singapore caused its signal (on channel 6) to be picked up easily.{{cite web |date=13 July 1980 |title=Bonus TV channel |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19800713-1.2.32?qt=%22fifth%20channel%22&q=%22Fifth%20channel%22 |access-date=30 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}}{{cite web |date=12 July 1980 |title=Tune in to Channel 6! |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19800712-1.2.59?qt=%22fifth%20channel%22&q=%22Fifth%20channel%22 |access-date=30 August 2023 |website=The New Nation (retrieved from NLB)}} The transmitter extended its reach in August 1982, enabling the signal to be picked up across all of Singapore and also in Johor Bahru.{{cite web |date=15 December 1982 |title=TUNE IN TO CHANNEL 6 |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19821215-1.2.9.1?qt=%22channel%206%22&q=%22Channel%206%22 |access-date=30 August 2023 |website=Singapore Monitor (retrieved from NLB)}}

Viewers farther away from the Malaysian or Indonesian border usually require specialised equipment to receive the signals. Catch up TV services available on those channels' websites are now accessible in Singapore but only for local programming.

{{Notelist}}

• Mass media in Singapore
• High-definition television in Singapore
• List of Malay-language television channels

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.asiawaves.net/singapore-tv.htm Technical and location information]

{{Television in Asia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Television in Singapore}}

Singapore