ONLINE NEW SITES

Column: 2905

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ONLINE NEW SITES

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(Issuance of press passes and the quality of reporting): **

40.

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts whether his Ministry is considering the issuance of press passes to online news sites and whether such a move will improve the quality of reporting in the new media.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Press passes are issued to bona fide journalists and photographers from both print and online news organisations that are based in Singapore. They are used for site coverage of Government as well as state functions and events. News organisations that report Government news and events regularly will apply for passes. MICA issues passes to news organisations that operate professionally to ensure accountability, and online news organisations such as AsiaOne and omy.sg have applied successfully for press passes.

Column: 2907

Currently, about 1,500 press passes are issued to about 80 media organisations operating in Singapore. More than 90% of these organisations also have an online presence.

A press pass facilitates news gathering but it does not guarantee the quality of reporting in any media. New media players, who are serious in wanting to appeal to readers in the long run, must deliver fast, credible and accurate information with sharp and intelligent analyses. The tested formula to inform, educate and entertain readers has relevance for today's new media as much as with the traditional media.