Welcome back! This week we’ll be discussing the differences between government-owned and private-owned media, mostly using us Singaporeans as an example. You’ll also hear my thoughts on why we may need a change!
Defining terms
Very quickly, private-owned media means that the media is controlled by (hopefully) separate private entities. These entities may have different political affiliations, agendas, and so on.
Government-owned media, on the other hand, means that all media is regulated and parented by the government. Media in this case has the same political affiliation and hence, may unite on an agenda.
We should move away from Government-owned media
Sadly, I think as Singaporeans, many of us may not actually know what private-owned mass media (like TV) feels like- It’s heartwarming that our generation has the freedom of the internet. I recall in the early, early days, I was watching Kids Central at my friend’s house (I had cable at my place), and there was some kind of Singapore rally on the channel. I remember asking why we were watching this- even as a primary school kid this was too propaganda-ish for me.
The internet got us around this, of course. Now we get information (and critique) on our nation from many, many different minds. I’d like to think we’re more open minded than our ancestors, but what if it happened to the internet too? If we entrust all our information needs on one party, well, what if the party is ultimately wrong?
Private-owned media may have it’s cons, but ultimately you are exposed to more opinions that may even conflict, and you are given the autonomy to negotiate the most beneficial message. The responsibility is in YOUR hands, and that’s a good thing.
So why is that a good thing?
Good question, my pensive friend! It just so happens I have a flawless argument based on very real and recent examples. So recent, in fact, that you may just have been complaining about it last week!
So last week, we had a DORSCON orange alert, followed by a horde of aunties and uncles panic buying all non-perishables at supermarkets. I need to stress that this was after weeks of TV news laying on the ketchup. I mean, that’s where these people get their news from isn’t it? They don’t go on Reddit and get told to chill.
Funny enough, this was followed by some damage control by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Chan Chun Sing:
In my opinion, if our media wasn’t government-controlled, and we actually had conflicting opinions on mass media- last week would not have happened. The entire spectacle was a result of a generation being spoon-fed fear for weeks, they don’t have the autonomy to change their view if one view is all they know.
And with that, I think we need a change. I think the privilege of not getting your opinion funneled should be a human right. Hence, I think we need a free media, and I hope that you do too! See you next week!
References:
CNA. (2020). The Big Read: Panic buying grabbed the headlines, but a quiet resilience is seeing Singaporeans through COVID-19 outbreak. [online] Available at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/coronavirus-covid-19-panic-buying-singapore-dorscon-orange-12439480 [Accessed 21 Feb. 2020].
shern.health.blog 
Hello Shern! A great read indeed! Us being in the same presentation group, I know that you truly believe in having alternate views that’s why you ultimately support private owned media in Singapore. I can say that you’re smart with the examples you choose because it truly supports your argument. Great use of language there too.
I feel that there are pros and cons to whether who owns the media at the end of the day.
One thing that I feel to make this post even better is to add a counter-argument paragraph to make your post seem more balanced and persuasive for me to support your stand on private owned media.
Nonetheless it was a great post! Keep writing! 🙂
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Hi Shern! It was great working with you in our group presentation! I totally agree with you that getting funneled one viewpoint handicaps the people’s ability to think for themselves. That’s totally what these governments are going for but still. At least Singapore isn’t censoring most of our internet but who’s to say it’ll never happen? That’s why I stand by your point for change and a free media. Being able to think for yourself should definitely be a human right!
I agree with Angel that adding some counterpoints to your post will help make it more balanced and provide a more detailed picture on your stance. It’s still a great post though with great examples too! Good luck with your future posts!
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Hi Shern!
I really love how you weave in daily and relevant examples to prove your points. You truly have great memory remembering the kids central days. Indeed, the mainstream media was one of the factors that cause the hoarding issue by some Singaporeans. My closed one has received chain WhatsApp messages on the COVID-19 during this period. Perhaps, it is human nature to react this way as seen in Hong Kong and even Korea especially in Daegu. It will be interesting to understand how media influence our behaviour in this epidemic season.
Granted there is no hate speech involved, we should be given an environment that we can speak freely without oppression. Great writing style for this post! Looking forward to your next post 😀
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Hey there mate, this is a thought-provoking post you have got here. I agree with your idea that having a private owned media will give us the luxury of being exposed to numerous viewpoints, however personally I have yet to see any media contents during pandemics that actually nullifies the immense emotions ( panic, sadness, anger, relief) viewers feel. I mean, ratings basically thrive feeding off people’s emotion, especially a private owned media- it is their rice bowl afterall. Furthermore, the stocking up of essential supplies were caused by viral social-media messages that triggered gullible citizens into a frenzy. If I recall correctly, the ministers of Singapore used the media to address the nation and remind them that it was an unnecessary cause to participate in these paranoia-filled-panic actions. You indeed have a remarkable perspective on various issues and that makes me look forward to you future blogposts.
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