Some examples of popular PSB programmes produced by MediaCorp include Code of Law, a drama series on Channel 5 about policemen and lawyers cracking crimes and Don’t Stop Believin', a drama series on Channel 8 about a passionate teacher in an underperforming school. Both drama series attracted 1.04 million and 2.33 million viewers respectively.

MDA supports the development of quality PSB programmes with the aim to foster
a more connected society

Apart from PSB programmes produced by MediaCorp, PSB programmes created by independent production companies have also won viewers’ hearts. Some notable titles include Channel U’s programmes such as Show Hand by Wawa Pictures and Find Me A Singaporean 3 by Threesixzero, as well as Return to a Sexy Island, on Channel NewsAsia produced by The Moving Visuals Co.

Apart from Mediacorp, MDA also supports independent production companies to
produce quality PSB programmes

To glean a deeper understanding of viewers’ responses to PSB programmes, MDA conducts an annual PSB public satisfaction survey, which measures public satisfaction levels with attributes such as programme quality, engagement and informative value, and public service value.  In 2012, 71 per cent of respondents indicated that their satisfaction level with PSB was high, up from 60 per cent in 2011.

PSB Contestable Funds Scheme was introduced
to invite more eligible local broadcasters
to commission original PSB content

Responding to recommendations by the PSB Review Panel

While PSB programmes have generally performed well in terms of viewership and public satisfaction, a rapidly changing environment means that more and more needs to be done to extend the reach and deepen the impact of PSB programmes. In 2010, an eight-member PSB Review Panel was set up to review improvements to the delivery of PSB programmes and recommend ways to maximise its reach and impact in Singapore. The Panel submitted its recommendations to the Ministry of Communications and Information (then Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts) in March 2012.

The Panel noted that though there is public affinity for PSB programmes, the media consumption habits of local audiences have changed as a result of digitisation. More media choices and increasing ease of access to global content have also led to audience fragmentation in Singapore. Taking these factors into consideration, the Panel recommended that the PSB framework be strengthened so that it will remain relevant and appealing to the public. The quality and accessibility of PSB content must also be continually enhanced to meet these challenges.

In July 2012, the Government announced its acceptance of the majority of the Panel’s recommendations to enhance the quality and increase the reach of PSB programmes. A five-year budget of S$630 million was allocated to enhance the quality of programmes on FTA-TV. PSB support was also extended to non-FTA local platforms, such as Internet TV and pay-TV, and to create sustained training plans for talent development.

MDA also introduced the PSB Contestable Funds Scheme, a revamp of the previous Public Service Content Scheme, to identify and invite more local broadcasters, including non-FTA broadcasters, to commission original PSB content. A revised PSB intellectual property (IP) ownership framework was also put in place to accord ownership to IP creators of original PSB content.

During the year in review, MDA introduced dedicated funding to develop concepts for five pilot-tested programmes, namely Mata Mata, Estate, Di Luar Garisan (Out of Line), Recruit Diaries and Twinadoes. These programmes were first launched as pilot episodes on TesTube, a showcase of experimental programmes by MediaCorp. The pilots, which have since been developed into full-fledged PSB series, have begun screening on the FTA channels from May 2013.

In addition, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, announced in Parliament on 8 March 2013 that the Government would invest another S$182 million over the next four years to support more locally-produced documentaries such as We Made the News which chronicles the 50 years of news broadcasting in Singapore, and SG+, a weekly programme that discusses social issues with analysis and discussions by an expert panel.

With technology dramatically changing the way media is consumed, MediaCorp also enhanced its online presence with the launch of Toggle in February 2013. Toggle is an over-the-top service that offers entertainment, information and news to viewers on the Internet, as well as via mobile devices. While Toggle is largely a paid service, it also has a free component where viewers can watch FTA content including PSB programmes that MediaCorp has rights to, for free. Channel NewsAsia is streamed live, while PSB content from other FTA-TV channels are provided on demand. The service has been extended to overseas Singaporeans in the later half of 2013, so that they can keep in touch with the latest developments at home and continue to enjoy homegrown content.