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SPH Media Trust

13 posts

SG government retains rights to terminate funding to SMT if serious wrongdoings are found, says Josephine Teo

Josephine Teo shares that the Singapore government is retaining the right to terminate funding to SPH Media Trust (SMT) if misconduct or serious wrongdoings are discovered. She also confirms the disbursement of the first funding tranche of the S$900million for SMT in March 2023. Ms Teo reiterated the government’s decision to continue funding SMT, stressed that trusted news media, enabled by quality journalism, is a public good that cannot be compromised.

SPH Media Group reports alleged circulation fraud to police and initiates major reforms

SPH Media Group has filed a police report following an audit that flagged potential violations related to the company’s overstated circulation numbers, promising full cooperation with the ensuing investigation.

Minister Josephine Teo reassures continued trust in Singapore media, despite SMT circulation scandal

Minister Josephine Teo assures that government funding for Singapore media will not jeopardize the trust between the media and the government, emphasizing the importance of credibility and audience engagement. She highlights the role of the media in nation-building and unity during challenging times. While acknowledging the disruption caused by online platforms, she emphasizes the need for media companies to undergo successful digital transformation and provide effective news provision. Minister Teo also reaffirms the government’s commitment to supporting local media and their efforts to provide high-quality and credible content. In February, Mrs. Teo confirmed the government’s commitment to funding SPH Media Trust (SMT) for local newsroom development, despite the revelation of inflated circulation data between September 2020 and March 2022.

Straits Times censors mention of Singapore in news about Israeli spyware

The Straits Times, a Singaporean mainstream media publication, removed Singapore’s mention in a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Israeli-made spyware resembling the notorious Pegasus program was used to target journalists and opposition politicians in several countries. The spyware and related hacking software was created by QuaDream Ltd, a firm established by a former Israeli military official and veterans of NSO Group, the creator of Pegasus. At least five people have reportedly been targeted by QuaDream’s spyware and exploits in various countries. Citizen Lab identified servers in 10 countries that received data from victims’ devices, including Israel, Singapore, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and Bulgaria.

SPH Media confirms hiring of former Accenture staff for senior leadership positions

SPH Media has confirmed that several members of its senior leadership team have a history of employment with Accenture, a global IT services and consulting company. Despite this, the media company has emphasized that all staff appointments are thoroughly evaluated to ensure their effective contribution.

Former Accenture employees appointed to senior positions in SPH Media raise questions of transparency and independence

Leslie Fong, a former editor at the Straits Times, has raised concerns about the composition of SPH Media Trust’s (SMT) leadership team, pointing out that seven members, including CEO Ms Teo Lay Lim, were all former Accenture employees.

SPH Media CEO says ad rates are based on independent third-party readership data, not on circulation numbers

SINGAPORE — Advertisers of SPH Media were told that advertising rates offered…

Progress Singapore Party calls for independent inquiry into misrepresentation of circulation figures by SPH media

SINGAPORE — Progress Singapore Party (PSP)  has called for an independent inquiry…

Will Josephine Teo continue to fund SMT at S$180m a year after the revelation of SMT “faking” its circulation data?

At the Parliamentary sitting on 15 February last year, the Minister for…