Impact of cable television on Singapore's broadcasting scene

Abstract

The introduction of cable television in Singapore has been changing the local broadcasting scene. This study explores the impact of cable television on four areas: the national broadcaster Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS); the programming and program production environment; viewership patterns and rates; and the advertising revenue of TCS. Through literature review, interviews with major broadcasting players and a cable viewership survey, the findings obtained indicate that cable television has brought about a major impact on the operations, structure, as well as the programming strategy of TCS. Overall TV viewing hours have risen, and a greater programming choice is now available. On the other hand, independent production houses, local viewership patterns and advertising revenue of TCS have not been strongly affected by cable television.