Mediacorp

Media Corporation of Singapore Pte Ltd, better known as MediaCorp, is a group of commercial media companies in Singapore, with business interests in television and radio broadcasting, interactive media, and, to a lesser extent, print publishing and film-making.

Currently, MediaCorp runs 7 television channels and 14 radio channels, making it the largest media broadcaster and provider in Singapore, and the only terrestrial TV broadcaster in that city-state. It is wholly owned by Temasek Holdings, a government-owned investment arm.

History

Before 12 February 2001, MediaCorp was formerly known as:

• Television Singapura (15 February 1963 - 27 December 1963)
• Television Malaysia (Singapura) (28 December 1963 - 8 August 1965)
• Radio and Television of Singapore (RTS, 9 August 1965 - 31 January 1980)
• Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC, 1 February 1980 - 30 September 1994)
• Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS) and Radio Corporation of Singapore (RCS, 1 October 1994 - 11 February 2001)

Important events

Year	Date	Event
1961	4 April	Television Singapura started planned obtaining transmission for television.
1963	21 January	Television Singapura started test of transmission for television.
1963	15 February	Television Singapura was launched as Singapore's first television station.
1963	2 April	Television Singapura officially began broadcasting. Regular broadcast on first television channel names Channel 5 was launched for mainly Singapore English.
1963	23 November	Regular broadcast on second television channel Channel 8 was launched for mainly Singapore Mandarin.
1963	28 December	RTM1 began broadcasting in time for New Year 1964. Television Singapura renamed as Television Malaysia (Singapura) when Singapore became part of Malaysia on 16 September 1963.
1964	1 January	First advertisement was aired to reduce the station's reliance on subsidies.
1965	9 August	Radio and Television operations were joined together as Radio and Television of Singapore (RTS).
1980	31 January	RTS is a was closing ceremony final broadcasting (off-air) ceased transmission it was officially dissolved by David Gabriel it was voice of announcements.
1980	1 February	RTS becomes Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) was statutory board..
1980	3 February	Rolling off the presses for the very first time in 1980 the Radio Times and TVTimes became an important source of weekly radio and television programme schedules for Singapore. First published in Singapore English and Singapore Mandarin, these magazines also served up local and international entertainment news and trivia. They have grown to be today's best-selling 8DAYS and i-Weekly magazines.
1984	31 January	SBC-12 later MediaCorp TV12 was launched.
1990	1 August	SBC began Stereo audio broadcasts on all television channels.
1993	1 December	SBC was first international satellite television transmit/receive earth station on Caldecott Hill for the Singapore International Foundation's regional broadcast venture Singapore International Television (SITV).
1994	1 January	SBC-5 revamp the channel logo for a new look and Malay programmes were transferred for SBC-5 to SBC-12.
1994	1 February	Radio Singapore International (RSI) is a first international shortwave radio station and SBC-12 revamp the channel logo for a new look.
1994	29 May	SBC-8 revamp the channel logo for a new look.
1994	August	Launch of AM Singapore on SBC-5.
1994	30 September	SBC is a was closing ceremony final broadcasting (off-air) ceased transmission.
1994	1 October	SBC was privatised operations were split into 3 individual companies under the Singapore International Media (SIM/SIM Group of Companies) banner. Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS) took over the SBC's television broadcasting operations, Radio Corporation of Singapore (RCS) took over the SBC's radio broadcasting operations and Singapore Television Twelve (STV12) took over the SBC's television broadcasting operations was revamp the channel logo for a current business of companies.
1995	1 January	Programmes produced by TCS-8 were broadcast in Republic of China (Taiwan), via the newly-established TCS International cable channel.
1995	March	Launch of Good Morning Singapore on TCS-8.
1995	1 September	TCS-5 is a new 24-hour free-to-air new Singapore English news and entertainment television channel based in Singapore and TCS-8 is a new 24-hour free-to-air new Singapore Mandarin news and entertainment television channel based in Singapore, TCS-5 and TCS-8 it now transmits opened broadcasting business private a 24-hours a day, 7 days a week network on TCS, STV12 revamp the channel logo for a new launched Prime 12 is a free-to-air new Malay and Tamil language news and entertainment television channel based in Singapore and Premiere 12 is a arena multi events sports, life to nurture a gracious, elegant society art and cultural programmes marking the inception of niche programming was launched, Tamil programmes were transferred for TCS-8 to Prime 12 is a free-to-air new Tamil language news and entertainment television channel based in Singapore.
1998	1 August	Raintree Pictures was launched.
1998	31 December	Singapore International Media (SIM) is a was closing ceremony final broadcasting (off-air) ceased transmission.
1999	1 January	SIM Group of Companies becomes Media Corporation of Singapore (MediaCorp Singapore).
1999	1 March	Channel NewsAsia (CNA) was launched as Singapore's first national news television station.
2000	30 January	Prime 12 and Premiere 12 were renamed Suria is a free-to-air new Malay language news and entertainment television channel based in Singapore, Central is a Singapore English educations children, life to nurture a gracious, elegant society art and cultural programmes marking the inception of niche programming and Tamil language news and entertainment television channel based in Singapore and SportCity is a Singapore English arena multi events sports programmes television channel based in Singapore was launched.
2001	11 February	TCS, STV12 and CNA is a was closing ceremony final broadcasting (off-air) ceased transmission.
2001	12 February	TCS, STV12 and CNA becomes MediaCorp TV, MediaCorp TV12 and MediaCorp News.
2001	14 February	TVMobile began broadcasting programmes on SBS Transit buses.
2001	6 May	Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) was given a television broadcasting licence, and SPH MediaWorks was established. MediaWorks offered two channels Channel U and TV Works (later renamed to Channel i. At the same time, MediaCorp was given the license to print, write and distribute the free daily tabloid Today.
2004	17 September	To stop further economic losses, MediaCorp and Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) agreed to merge their free-to-air television and free newspaper operations.
2004	31 December	MediaCorp and SPH announced that the merger is legally completed, It was creating the new holding company MediaCorp Television Broadcasting Arm which will manages and operates Channel 5, Channel 8, TVMobile, Channel NewsAsia, Suria, Central, Teletext and Channel U was formerly known as SPH MediaWorks.
2005	1 January	Channel U joined MediaCorp and relaunched as MediaCorp Channel U. Its sister channel, Channel i was final broadcasting end closed sign-off shut downceased transmission on early morning breakfast due to the limited Singapore English television channel market in Singapore and 3 years 10 month 19 days 7 hours 30 minutes later, it was also relaunched as MediaCorp TV12 okto.
2007		HD5 was launched, becoming the first free-to-air HDTV channel in Singapore. MediaCorp Channel 8 celebrated 25 years of Mandarin dramas with an award ceremony, and by producing The Golden Path, billed as the 25 year anniversary drama series. MediaCorp also launched MOBTV, an online television service. Radio division was forced to lock listeners from the United States out of its webcasts, due to royalty rates imposed by the US Copyright Royalty Board.
2008	1 January	MediaCorp TV came out with a new look and a new forum for Channel 5, Channel 8 and Channel U websites.
2008	20 October	Okto was launched, replacing MediaCorp TV12 Central here Kids Central and Arts Central and SPH MediaWorks here Channel i. Vasantham was also launched, replacing MediaCorp TV12 Central here and Vasantham Central.
2010	1 January	TVMobile is discontinued.
2010	March	xinmsn, a joint venture between and MediaCorp and Microsoft was launched.
2010	31 August	Launch of The Two of Us is available on Channel 5 and HD5 in English dubbing.
2011	6 May	Channel U celebrated its tenth anniversary.
2011		It launched a-ok (arts on okto) / ArtBites and telecast on okto now.
2011		Launch of India - A Love Story is available on Channel 5 and HD5 in English dubbing.
2011	19 and 20 November	Channel 8 presented its first ever "Dramatasy" at nex, featuring its upcoming drama productions like A Song to Remember and Joys of Life.
2012	1 January	A new show called MatYoyo in 4 channels: Suria, okto, Channel 8 and Vasantham.
2012	7 March	Launch of The Seeds of Life is available on Channel 8 in Taiwan dubbing.
2015		MediaCorp will be moving out of its premises at Caldecott Hill to Mediapolis@one-north Buona Vista by 2015.

TV

MediaCorp offers seven free-to-air terrestrial television channels, and one high-definition channel. As a result of the MediaCorp-MediaWorks merger in late 2004, Singapore Press Holdings currently holds a 20% interest in MediaCorp's TV operations.

Name of Channel	Description
Channel 5 (HD5)	A 24-hour news and general entertainment television channel broadcasting in Singapore English.
Channel 8	A 24-hour news and general entertainment television channel broadcasting in Singapore Mandarin.
Channel U	Closing ceremonies of SPH MediaWorks in New Year's Day on 2005, this is MediaCorp TV's second Singapore Mandarin news and general entertainment television channel.
Suria	A news and general entertainment television channel broadcasting in Malay community in Singapore.
Vasantham	A news and general entertainment television channel broadcasting in Indian community in Singapore.
Okto	A children, lifestyle and art television channel broadcasting in Singapore English.
Channel NewsAsia	A 24-hour international news television channel that broadcasting in Singapore English.

Notable TV Shows from MediaCorp

TV drama and sitcom series

MediaCorp celebrated 25 years of local Chinese dramas in 2007.

Chinese language

Year	Name of Drama	Description
1982	Seletar Robbery 实里达大劫案	First Singaporean television film.
1984	The Awakening 雾锁南洋	The first blockbuster epic drama.
1993 1996 2002	The Unbeatables 双天至尊	First drama series in Singapore about gambling. Its three seasons were released in 1993, 1996 and 2002 respectively.
1996	Don't Worry, Be Happy 敢敢做个开心人	The first local Chinese sitcom.
1998	Return of the Condor Heroes 神雕侠侣	The most expensive blockbuster wuxia drama ever produced by MediaCorp, based on Louis Cha's novel. The serial made waves in the Taiwan and China markets and was repeated due to overwhelming audience demand. It also made screen idols out of Fann Wong and Christopher Lee, who were the charismatic leads.
2003	Holland V 荷兰村	A long-running Chinese drama in Singapore TV history with 125 episodes. Biggest winner in Star Awards 2003, winning best M/F Lead and M/F supporting.
2003	Always On My Mind 无炎的爱	Starring Fann Wong, this serial was made to commemorate the sacrifices of the brave members of the Singapore medical profession during the SARS crisis.
2004	The Champion 任我遨游	The drama series about swimming starred Singaporean and Taiwanese artistes and was extremely popular.
2004	Double Happiness 喜临门	A long-running Chinese drama, it had 142 episodes in two parts. The first part was shown from May to August, while the second part began in October.
2005	Portrait of Home 同心圆	A long-running Chinese drama with 100 episodes in two parts. The first part (60 episodes) aired from May to July, while the second part (40 episodes) began in October. Was nominated for best drama serial in 2005, but lost to A New Life.
2007	The Peak 最高点	Sponsored by Keppel, filming went as far as Brazil.
2007	Kinship 手足	MediaCorp's long-running 83-episode Chinese drama in 2007.
2007	Honour and Passion 宝家为国	A 20-episode military drama series sponsored by the Singaporean Ministry of Defence.
2007	Metamorphosis 破茧而出	Channel 8's most watched television drama series in 2007 and was awarded Best Drama Series Award in Star Awards 2007.
2007	The Golden Path 黄金路	A 30-episode end-year blockbuster drama celebrating MediaCorp's 25 years of local Chinese drama.
2008	Love Blossoms 心花朵朵开	MediaCorp's long-running 113-episode Chinese drama in 2008.
2008	By My Side 不凡的爱	A 20-episode drama on AIDS, commissioned by the Health Promotion Board.
2008	The Little Nyonya 小娘惹	A 34-episode blockbuster drama celebrating MediaCorp Channel 8's 45th anniversary.
2009	The Dream Catchers 未来不是梦	A 20-episode drama about Singapore's engineering sector, commissioned by the Economic Development Board. Filming was conducted in SIAEC and Chartered Semiconductor, and was partially filmed in Japan, the leads were also interviewed by NHK. This drama was featured on BBC Asia Business Report.
2009	The Ultimatum 双子星	MediaCorp's 30-episode mid-year blockbuster for the year 2009.
2009 2010	Your Hand In Mine 想握你的手	MediaCorp's long-running 180-episode Chinese drama in 2009, and also the mid-year blockbuster drama in 2010 (2nd half version).
2009	Together 当我们同在一起	A 36-episode mega blockbuster drama celebrating MediaCorp Channel 8's 46th anniversary.
2010	Unriddle 最火搭档	A 20-episode police blockbuster and mid-year blockbuster for the year 2010.
2010	Breakout 破天网	MediaCorp's 25-episode end-year blockbuster drama in 2010.
2011	C.L.I.F. 警徽天职	A 20-episode police blockbuster in collaboration by the Singapore Police Force.
2011	Devotion 阿娣	A 25-episode mega blockbuster drama celebrating MediaCorp Channel 8's 47th anniversary.
2011	The Oath 行医	A 20-episode end-year blockbuster drama in 2011.
2011	A Song to Remember 星洲之夜	A 30-episode mega blockbuster drama celebrating MediaCorp Channel 8's 48th anniversary.
2012	Rescue 995 995	A 20-episode paramedic drama series sponsored by the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
2012	Unriddle 2 最火搭档2	A 20-episode police blockbuster and mid-year blockbuster for the year 2012 celebrating MediaCorp's 30 years of local Chinese drama.
2012	Pillow Talk 再见单人床	This 21-episode drama series features lifeskill education of couples, and will feature famous people like in politics or television who are married. This is the only drama after a long period of time that will have Chinese subtitles.
2012	Joys of Life 花样人间	A 35-episode romance blockbuster drama celebrating MediaCorp's 30 years of local Chinese drama.

English language

• Masters of The Sea (1994) (TV drama)
• Growing Up (1996-2001) The longest running English drama in Singapore, span around 1960s - 1980s.
• VR Man (TV Drama) Attempt at making a superhero show with local personality.
• Under One Roof, 同一屋檐下 (1994) (The first local English sitcom, criticized for its use of Singlish)
• Phua Chu Kang (Local English sitcom, starring Gurmit Singh. Also criticized for its heavy use of Singlish) (1997-2007)
• Making Love (Local English comedy, starring Andrea D'Cruz, Celest Chong, Jimmy T, Kevin Verghese) (2000)
• Moulmein High (Local English drama, starring Cynthia Koh)
• First Touch (Local English drama, starring Edmund Chen, Amy Cheng, Vernetta Lopez, Nick Shen) (2000-2002)
• Living with Lydia (Local English sitcom, starring Lydia Sum.)
• Oh Carol! (Local English sitcom, starring Carol Cheng.)
• After Hours (Local English drama, starring Linda Liao, Utt, Joanne Peh) (2 seasons)
• Like My Own (2004)(Local English drama, starring Flora Chan, Zhu Mi Mi, Ho Wen Long, Amy Cheng)
• Tiramisu (2005)(Local English drama, starring Sharon Au)
• ABC DJ (2006) (Local English sitcom, starring Korean actor Eugene Lee)
• Maggi & Me (2006) (Local English sitcom, starring Adrian Pang and Fiona Xie, premieres 25 July 2006)
• Yang Sisters (2006) (Local English sitcom, starring Cheng Pei-Pei, premieres 28 September 2006))
• Enbloc (2008) (Local English drama, starring Patrick Teoh, Darren Lim, Nick Shen, Nathaniel Ho, Rebecca Lim)
• Red Thread (2009) (Local English blockbuster drama, premieres 14 April 2009)
• Fighting Spiders (2009) (Channel 5's blockbuster drama, premieres 14 April 2009)
• Point of Entry (2010) (Local English Action-drama about an elite team of ICA, premiers 2 December 2010)
• The Pupil (2010-2011) (Local English drama, about the legal profession in Singapore, premiers 7 January 2010)
• Point of Entry 2 (2012) (Local English Action-drama about an elite team of ICA, premiers 5/Jan/2012)

News and current affairs

• News 5 Tonight (wrap-up of the day's news in English)
• Talking Point
• Get Rea! (The Current Affairs Show in Singapore, hosted by Diana Ser)
• The Frontline, ************ (The Chinese Current Affairs Show, investigative programme shown every Friday night.)
• News Tonight (Daily news coverage in Chinese, first telecast on Channel 8 at 10pm, second telecast on Channel U at 11pm. Hosted by Zhang Haijie and Lin Qiyuan)

Other shows

• Crime Watch (Talk about crime prevention, partially based on the German programme. Produced by MediaCorp and Singapore Police Force.)

• True Files (Cases of the murders of yesteryears.)
• True Courage (The extraordinary courage of some Singaporeans.)

Radio

MediaCorp offers fourteen free-to-air radio channels, as well as Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) service. DAB Radio is set to be discontinued on 1 December 2011 due to low listenership.

Frequency	Station	Language	Format	Website
89.7 MHz	Ria 89.7FM	Malay	Top 40 (CHR)	Link
90.5 MHz	Gold 90.5FM	English	Classic hits	Link
92.4 MHz	Symphony 92.4FM	English	Classical	Link
93.3 MHz	Y.E.S. 93.3FM	Chinese	Top 40 (CHR)	Link
93.8 MHz	938LIVE	English	Talk radio	Link
94.2 MHz	Warna 94.2FM	Malay	News, Infotainment	Link
95.0 MHz	Class 95FM	English	Adult contemporary	Link
95.8 MHz	Capital 95.8FM	Chinese	Talk radio	Link
96.3 MHz	XFM 96.3FM	Arab, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean	Top 40 (CHR), Infotainment	Link
96.8 MHz	Oli 96.8FM	Tamil	Infotainment	Link
97.2 MHz	Love 97.2FM	Chinese	Easy listening	Link
98.7 MHz	987FM	English	Top 40 (CHR)	Link
99.5 MHz	Lush 99.5FM	English	Adult	Link

MediaCorp Subaru Impreza Challenge

An annual event that MediaCorp anchors is the MediaCorp Subaru Impreza WRX Challenge. Much public attention and participation is drawn from the public to this event.

MediaCorp Ad-Xtra (MAX)

MediaCorp Ad-Xtra (MAX) is top advertisers on MediaCorp television channels and TODAY will be rewarded in a new marketing initiative that provides extra mileage as a gesture of appreciation for their continued support in buying into MediaCorp platforms.

Called MediaCorp Ad-Xtra, a top 10 advertiser on MediaCorp television channels (Channel 5/8/U) for the past week will get a 6-second clip of their TV commercial compiled into a 60-second show reel for broadcast on MediaCorp television channels the following week.

The show reel will be broadcast on Channel 5, 8 and U from Wednesday to Sunday, translating into $53,000 worth of airtime for the advertisers.

Top advertisers in TODAY for the past week with a minimum advertising expenditure of $25,000 can look forward to a free advertisement panel that will be published in the following Weekend TODAY edition. As Singapore's leading media company with the most complete range of platforms, MediaCorp will continue to create the best business solutions for its clients to give them more bang for their buck.

External links

• Singapore MediaCorp Official Website