SPH Radio fined S$7,000 for breach of radio programme code

THE Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said on Tuesday it has imposed a financial penalty of S$7,000 on SPH Radio Pte Ltd for breaching the Free-To-Air Radio Programme Code earlier this year.

On Jan 11, while discussing a study on Singaporeans' sleep patterns, deejays on SPH Radio's Kiss92FM made remarks which stereotyped certain races and offended some listeners. The station later apologised on its Facebook page for the remarks.

IMDA investigations found that the programme contravened the Code, which contains a key obligation for broadcasters to avoid racial and religious stereotyping and ensure that content which denigrates or is likely to offend the sensitivities of any racial or religious group in Singapore is not aired.

The IMDA subsequently imposed the financial penalty on SPH Radio for the breach. It reminded broadcasters of their obligations under the Code, given the strong influence radio exerts on the community and its accessibility to all Singaporeans.