MEDIA COUNCIL (Setting up)

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the Acting Minister for Information and the Arts whether he will consider the setting up of a Media Council to which complaints regarding the function of the press, radio and television can be directed.

The Acting Minister for Information and the Arts (BG George Yong-Boon Yeo): Mr Speaker, Sir, Press Councils in countries like Britain and the Philippines are typically independent, non-profit, voluntary organisations set up by the media industry to which complaints against a newspaper or a broadcaster can be made. It is not for the Government to set up such a Council. Rather, it is for the media to consider setting up such a Council if they feel that there is such a need.

Complaints against inaccuracy can be made directly to the newspaper, TV or radio station involved. Libel action can be taken in court. Or like the NTUC's dispute with the Straits Times, complaints can be made at public forums, or even in this House, as Dr Lee has done from time to time.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: Does the Government encourage the right of reply, and is he aware that the Straits Times does not publish many letters written in reply to controversial points made by the Minister?

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: I am not sure how the Straits Times decides on letters to be printed, but if the Member has specific queries to make, like maybe letters which he himself has written to the Straits Times, then perhaps he can bring them to the attention of this House. But I am quite sure that all the letters which Dr Lee may care to write to the Straits Times would be printed in the Straits Times.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: May I tell the Minister that on past occasions, the Straits Times had not printed some of our answers to queries made in the press.

BG George Yong-Boon Yeo: In which case, please convey to the Straits Times and make it public.