Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMDA Imposes $7,000 Financial Penalty on SPH Radio
for Breaching Free-To-Air Radio Programme Code
SINGAPORE – 21 March, 2017: The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has
imposed a financial penalty of $7,000 to SPH Radio Pte Ltd (SPH Radio) for breaching the
Free-To-Air Radio Programme Code.
As a free-to-air broadcaster, SPH Radio is expected to comply with the Free-To-Air Radio
Programme Code which seeks to ensure that radio programmes maintain a standard that is
acceptable to the community. A key obligation under the Code is for broadcasters to avoid
racial and religious stereotyping and ensure that content which denigrates or is likely to
offend the sensitivities of any racial or religious group in Singapore is not aired.
On 11 January 2017, the deejays on SPH Radio’s Kiss92FM discussed a study on the sleep
patterns of Singaporeans. While trying to interpret the findings of the study, the deejays
made remarks which stereotyped certain races and this offended some listeners. The station
subsequently apologised for making these remarks on its Facebook page.
Following investigations, IMDA concluded that the programme in question did contravene
the Free-To-Air Radio Programme Code, and has imposed a financial penalty of $7,000 on
SPH Radio for this breach.
Given the strong influence radio exerts on the community and its accessibility to all
Singaporeans, IMDA would like to remind broadcasters of their obligations under the FreeTo-Air Radio Programme Code.
ISSUED BY THE INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
About Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class
infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and
powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening
business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also
regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while
fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore’s data protection
regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information,
visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.
For media clarifications, please contact:
YUEN Hui Tian (Ms)
Assistant Manager, Regulatory Communications, IMDA
DID: (65) 6202 4416
Email: [email protected]
Winston CHAI (Mr)
Deputy Director, Regulatory and Corporate Communications, IMDA
DID: (65) 6202 4407
Email: [email protected]