SPECIAL TV PROGRAMMES FOR COMMUNITY FESTIVALS

Mr Chin Harn Tong asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation will produce special TV programmes for the main festivals of the other communities similar to the special TV programme on Lunar New Year's Eve to highlight the celebration of Lunar New Year.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, presently SBC is already telecasting special TV variety programmes as part of the celebrations of the main festivals that are observed by Singaporeans. SBC will continue to do so.

Telecasting from a location outside of the TV studio adds interest to a variety show and it is something that we intend to do more. For example, the recent Lunar New Year Show with the 'live' inserts from outside were very well received by members of the public. SBC will continue to have these shows. Whether we will be doing the shows completely outdoors or whether we will just be taking inserts from outdoor locations and phasing them in with a programme that is produced indoors will depend on a number of factors, including the feasibility of location, and also the level of public interest on that particular occasion and festival.