StarHub to commission local programming this year using PCFS funding

STARHUB will commission more than 80 hours of original local productions thanks to a fresh round of funding from the Media Development Authority Singapore (MDA) under the MDA's Public Service Broadcast Contestable Funds Scheme (PCFS) for 2015.

A StarHub spokeswoman said on Tuesday the broadcaster will allocate part of this year's funding to commission short-form content, which will be made available on digital platforms.

She noted that the PCFS aims to extend the reach of public service broadcast (PSB) content to multiple broadcast platforms beyond the free-to-air TV. It also aims to provide content producers with more opportunities to produce innovative, high-quality PSB programmes.

This is the second time that StarHub has been awarded the funding. In 2013, it became the first pay-TV operator in Singapore to be awarded funding under the MDA's scheme.

The spokeswoman added that all content produced under the scheme will incorporate PSB values such as the celebration of Singapore's culture and heritage, enhancement of racial and religious harmony, and the promotion of the Singaporean identity.

Innovative concepts that can engage audiences on TV and online platforms, and an assembly of credible production personnel will continue to feature prominently in StarHub's evaluation of proposals submitted by production companies, she added.