Monday, July 24, 2006

State of the Media

Mr Wang Bakes Good Karma: The MSM Grows Nervous
Yawning Bread: When the puppet speaks to the master

I have much to say about the state of media in Singapore that it makes sense to do so at my blog.

Did the blogosphere affect the mainstream media?
Short answer: NO.
Long answer: Many will say that is it is grossly unfairly to say that the blogging did not affect the mainstream media given their newfound interest on blogs such as this and this. The readership of the mainstream media would not drastically change overnight. Yes, many Singaporeans are cynical of the local media, but it is nothing new in it. As long as they hold the absolute monopoly they will have the readership and plenty of it. Even the most hardcore, anti-PAP diehards buy ST for the classifieds. Thus, I don't think the MSM would feel the readership crunch much, if at all.

For every non believer, there are still many who swallow their gospel as the whole truth. They have mass reach into our society, the newspapers together with the TV and radio even the most "switch-off" can't help but to get their message. In fact, the blogosphere almost cannot function without the mainstream media. If you look at it, almost all topics of discussions originated from a MSM source. If the MSM didn't first start on a certain issue, we will have nothing much to talk about. In fact, these online "competitors" themselves are the most ardent readers of the MSM.

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth".
The majority of Singaporeans tends to stay clear of anything political. They are of the stance: "leaving politics to politicians". Singaporeans in general are not stupid, they don't really believe everything that the mass media reports. However, when you are bombarded with the same line over and over again over all the media sources (it's an established tactic), you can help to subconsciously think : "Maybe there is some truth in it"

Are there journalistic standards in Singapore?
Short answer : NO.
Long answer : No, but maybe.....I can't get this ridiculous notion out of my head since the GE2006.

***Conspiracy theory***
Maybe some of the journalists are trying to save their souls while still putting food on the table by writing articles so slanted that it will create more non believers. I know it sounds really off, but the truth is that many Singaporeans are disillusioned by the MSM after the GE and seek out alternative sources on their own initiative.

You know how hard it is get initiative out of a Singaporean.


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posted by wert | Monday, July 24, 2006 | Email This!


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Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be authorative or clever in any way. It was based on rambling of a half crazed creature, so treat it as such and let it be! I was asked to keep my dangerous thoughts and unbalanced views all in one safe place , and so I did. Objectivity, Accuracy, Responsiblity and any High Standards are certainly not part of this blog's features. However, I must stress that I do not strive to mislead people, confuse people, and much less undermine our national strategy.