Opinion //
To become more free, Singapore’s journalists need to step up.
Accusations of censorship are made worse when journalists refuse to touch on touchy matters
Singapore has almost never been described in the west as possessing freedom of speech. Watchdogs frequently point out the rampant censorship on Singapore’s internet and media. Journalists Without Borders frequently criticises the Singaporean government for hindering efforts to report the truth, while our nation has often been ranked among the world’s lowest in terms of journalistic integrity and press freedom, joining autocratic states like China and Russia. Wikipedia’s editors even classified Singapore’s most widely read newspaper, The Straits Times, as an unreliable source that suffers from frequent government interference and censorship trademark of authoritarian regimes like the one in Orwell’s 1984.
Yet despite the criticism, the status quo has prevailed in Singapore, and many newspapers insist on continuing with their boring and bureaucratic coverage of government-approved news. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), serving as the censor office of media content, has cast a regulatory net that has prompted a cautious and guarded approach by journalists. This landscape has given rise to a culture of self-censorship, where the fear of legal repercussions and professional consequences has become an unfortunate norm.
Singapore has garnered global acclaim for her remarkable economic achievements and unwavering stability. Beneath the gleaming façade of success, however, lies a nuanced challenge: the pursuit of authentic freedom, particularly within the dynamic realm of journalism, in a city state known for censorship and with government leaders known to use libel as a reason to shut down critics. Our city-state is has created an environment where self-censorship has become a prevalent practice among journalists. This is harmful for our nation and our democracy.
As our city-state grapples with the complexities of censorship and media freedom, journalists find themselves at the forefront of a crucial conversation — one that seeks to unravel the intricacies of self-censorship and pave the way for a more open and robust media landscape.
You’re free to report — well, sort of
Singapore’s IMDA wields significant influence, overseeing media content and imposing regulations that frame the boundaries of permissible discourse. This regulatory environment has led to a cautious and self-restrained approach by journalists, who navigate a complex terrain to avoid potential legal repercussions. The media’s role as the Fourth Estate, traditionally envisioned as a check on governmental power, is thus challenged by the constraints imposed by these regulations.
While the Singaporean government argues that media regulations are essential for maintaining social harmony and safeguarding against misinformation, such measures encroach upon the principles of free speech and impede the development of a vibrant and diverse media landscape. The restrictions on media freedom raise concerns about the extent to which the public can access a wide range of perspectives and information, as well as their right a knowledgeable media to combat national ignorance. As the government maintains its commitment to societal stability, the pushback from media practitioners and advocates centres on the necessity for a more open and unfettered environment that fosters a robust exchange of ideas.
This state of affairs prompts reflection on the essential role of a free and unrestrained media in promoting transparency, accountability, and the democratic values that underpin an informed citizenry. The state of media freedom in Singapore thus becomes not just a reflection of the challenges faced by journalists but a crucial element in shaping the broader narrative of democracy and civic engagement in our city-state.
I see, you see, he doesn’t get to see
Self-censorship among journalists in Singapore is not merely a personal choice but a calculated response to the restrictive environment in which they operate. Faced with an intricate web of regulations overseen by the IMDA, journalists often find themselves navigating a precarious path between their professional duty to inform the public of the truth and the potential legal consequences of pushing against established boundaries. In this context, self-censorship becomes a survival mechanism, a method for journalists to protect themselves from the repercussions that may arise from addressing contentious issues or expressing dissenting views.
This pervasive culture of caution has tangible consequences for the quality and depth of journalism in Singapore. Journalists choose to avoid certain topics altogether, steering well clear of expressing controversial viewpoints, or omit critical details that could be deemed sensitive. Touchy matters are left untouched altogether. Politics in the Singaporean media is reduced to a smattering of reporting on uninteresting and unimportant matters while contentious political viewpoints and critique of government policy is left to hushed discussions at the dinner table. This self-imposed restraint compromises the media’s ability to serve as a robust check on power. The public’s right to access a diverse and unbiased range of information is consequently hindered.
The role of self-censorship in Singapore, therefore, raises critical questions about the autonomy and resilience of the media in the face of such constraints. Overcoming this pervasive self-censorship is not just about empowering journalists but is central to nurturing a media landscape that can robustly fulfil its role as a watchdog, fostering transparency, accountability, and a well-informed public.
You deserve the truth — nothing but the truth
Journalists must recognise the impact of self-imposed constraints on their reporting and acknowledge that genuine press freedom extends beyond legal frameworks. By fostering an environment that values investigative journalism and courageous reporting, media practitioners can gradually dismantle the culture of self-censorship that has stifled the industry.
To achieve this, media organizations should prioritise the protection and support of their journalists. Establishing clear guidelines that emphasise journalistic independence, ethical reporting, and the responsibility to serve the public interest is crucial. Editors and newsroom leaders play a pivotal role in creating a culture that encourages robust, critical reporting. By shielding journalists from undue pressures and championing their autonomy, media organisations can empower their teams to pursue stories that matter, even if they touch on sensitive topics.
Advocacy and public engagement are integral components of fostering a truly free-to-report media in Singapore. Journalists must actively engage with the public to build understanding and support for the importance of a free press in a democratic society. Collaborative efforts between media organisations and civil society can amplify the messages for increased press freedom, putting pressure on the government and creating a groundswell of public demand for a more open and transparent media landscape.
Media literacy initiatives also play a crucial role in this transformation. Educating the public about the role of the media in a democracy, teaching critical thinking skills (in our education system, no less), and fostering an appreciation for diverse perspectives can empower citizens to demand and support a free press. Journalists can actively participate in these initiatives, bridging the gap between the newsroom and the public and creating a symbiotic relationship that values the contribution of an informed populace to a thriving democracy.
A future of truth, not lies
In the pursuit of a truly free-to-report media in Singapore, the imperative lies in breaking the chains of self-censorship that have long constrained the journalistic spirit. As journalists begin to recognize the insidious impact of these self-imposed constraints, a cultural shift within newsrooms is crucial. It demands a collective commitment to courageous reporting, paving the way for a more resilient and assertive journalistic community.
The status quo is not enough. The status quo needs changing and improvement.
This journey towards a truly free-to-report media in Singapore hence reaches into the heart of civil society. Our people play a pivotal role in shaping an environment where press freedom is not only valued but demanded. We need to demand for a more open and transparent media landscape, one that reports the truth so that we can see. Having unbiased reporting is a right, not a privilege.
Hence, educating the public about the indispensable role of the media in a democracy, imparting critical thinking skills, and instilling an appreciation for diverse perspectives is critical to our effort. We must work together to build an informed citizenry and a vibrant, accountable media landscape. Together, the vision of a truly free-to-report media in Singapore comes into sharper focus, heralding a new era where journalism thrives as a cornerstone of our democracy.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step, Confucius once said. Well said. The first step is now.
