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Singapore Considers Independent Public Service Media to Combat Disinformation

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 6:56 GMT by The Straits Times
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Singapore -- As concerns over the spread of misinformation and disinformation continue to escalate globally, Singapore is actively considering the establishment of a fully dedicated and independently governed public service media entity. The push for this new structure gained momentum today, Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, following a parliamentary address by Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NMP) Henry Kwek. Mr. Kwek argued that robust public service media is no longer simply a desirable component of a healthy society, but a necessary defense against the increasingly sophisticated and pervasive threats of online falsehoods.

Mr. Kwek's address centered on the crucial role reliable information plays in maintaining public trust and informed civic engagement. He highlighted the current landscape, where digital platforms are often dominated by unverified content and deliberately misleading narratives. "In these times, when disinformation and fake news proliferate online, the public service media is a source of trust, and must be adequately funded to ensure its sustainability and independence," he stated. This sentiment echoes growing international anxieties about the erosion of truth and the potential for manipulation through online channels. Several nations, including those in the European Union, are enacting legislation and investing in initiatives designed to counter disinformation campaigns, often originating from state and non-state actors.

The core of Mr. Kwek's argument lies in the limitations of the current system. While Mediacorp, Singapore's national media broadcaster, fulfills a significant role, it operates as a commercial entity. This duality, he contends, introduces potential conflicts of interest. "While Mediacorp has done its best to deliver news and current affairs content, it is a commercial entity. Its interests may not always align with the public interest," Mr. Kwek explained. The commercial pressures to attract audiences and generate revenue can, inadvertently or otherwise, compromise the pursuit of objective and impartial reporting. This is a common critique leveled against commercially funded news organizations worldwide.

Therefore, Mr. Kwek proposes a distinct public service media entity, specifically designed and funded to prioritize public benefit over profit. This entity wouldn't simply be a rebranding exercise, but a structural overhaul built on principles of independence and accountability. He outlined a vision for an organization empowered with sufficient resources to invest in "quality journalism, skilled journalists and content that is informative, educational and entertaining." The emphasis on skilled journalists is crucial, as investigative reporting and nuanced analysis require expertise and dedicated time - resources often lacking in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment.

Crucially, the proposed entity's independence is paramount. Mr. Kwek stressed the need for a board of directors independent of governmental influence, with direct accountability to Parliament. This structure would safeguard the organization from undue political pressure, ensuring it can operate as a truly impartial arbiter of information. Such a model aims to mirror successful public broadcasters in countries like the BBC (United Kingdom), CBC (Canada), and ARD/ZDF (Germany) - institutions renowned for their journalistic integrity and public service ethos. These organizations, while receiving public funding, are typically governed by independent boards and operate with editorial independence.

The discussion comes at a time when Singapore, like many countries, is grappling with increasingly sophisticated disinformation tactics. The 2026 digital landscape is characterized by deepfakes, AI-generated content, and highly targeted propaganda campaigns. Distinguishing between credible information and malicious falsehoods is becoming increasingly difficult for the average citizen. A dedicated public service media entity, equipped with the resources and independence to rigorously verify information and provide comprehensive reporting, could serve as a vital bulwark against these threats.

Furthermore, the proposed entity could play a pivotal role in fostering media literacy among Singaporeans. By producing educational content and promoting critical thinking skills, it could empower citizens to become more discerning consumers of information, better equipped to navigate the complex digital world. This educational component is increasingly recognized as a critical element in combating disinformation - simply providing accurate information is not enough; citizens must also be equipped with the tools to assess its credibility. The debate surrounding this proposal is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with stakeholders anticipating a comprehensive plan to address the evolving challenges of the information age.