SINGAPORE: Govt explains ban on political podcasts
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- Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:55:02 +0800
SINGAPORE: Govt explains ban on political podcasts
Media Development Authority continues to regulate Internet content
Straits Times
Saturday, April 15, 2006
By Sue-Ann Chia
Individuals and groups with websites that dabble in political content and
fearful that they will be hit by election rules can rest easy -- for now.
They do not need to register their sites with the authorities.
Instead, those deemed to be promoting a certain political line will be
approached by the Media Development Authority to do so, said Dr Lee Boon Yang,
in an e-mail interview with The Straits Times.
They will then not be allowed to engage in Internet advertising during the
election period.
This means they cannot put up material related to the election that purveys a
particular line. Neither can they have podcasts or videocasts containing content
such as election rallies or views on the polls.
Those not approached are free to continue as before, but have to be mindful of
other laws of the land.
Dr Lee, the Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, explained the
rationale for registration this way: "political debate ought to be kept serious
and those who participate in it must take responsibility and cannot remain
anonymous".
The integrity of the election process must be upheld, he stressed.
Dr Lee said: "Political campaigning should not be turned into 'info-tainment',
where the line between fact and fiction gets blurred, and people get worked up
emotionally without understanding the substantive issues."
His remarks were to clarify the Government's announcement in Parliament last
week banning political podcasts and videocasts during the campaign period.
Internet election advertising was allowed for the first time at the 2001 polls.
But it is restricted only to political parties, candidates and election agents.
A 'positive list' sets out the types of election advertising allowed.
Dr Lee said they are allowed to carry texts, such as party manifestos,
candidates' write-ups and photos on their websites, in the same way that they
can in the print media.
But podcasts and videocasts, which are online audio and video clips that can be
downloaded to a multimedia player to be listened to or viewed later, are a
different kettle of fish.
Why? "They have a greater impact because of the nature of the medium. They have
the greater power to influence," he said.
It is for the same reason that party political films and videos are not allowed.
The worry is that such material, like films, may masquerade as objective
documentaries, but are in fact "slanted propaganda to draw attention and score
political points".
"Such videos cannot be easily countered with rational written arguments. They
evoke visceral emotions and are not conducive to a calm and dispassionate
treatment of politics."
The Internet, though useful, has its own challenges. "Once a false story or
rumour is started on the Internet, it is almost impossible to put it right," he
said, adding that it also purveyed many half-truths and untruths.
It has already happened in the run-up to polls here, noted Dr Lee.
Shortly after the People's Action Party introduced its new candidate Zaqy
Mohamad, 31, there were netters who claimed he was the nephew of Speaker of
Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi.
"This is completely untrue, but how do we rebut it on the Internet and get all
the blogs, bulletin boards and chatrooms to put out corrections to set this
right?" he asked.
Bloggers interviewed yesterday had mixed views.
Mr Alex Au of yawningbread.org said, "The Government is overly anxious and the
net result will be detrimental to political growth and maturity of society."
Mr Lee Kin Mun, 36, the author of Mr Brown's blog, accepts the cautious
approach. "It was only five years ago that online political campaigning was
allowed. Five years down the road, there might be more easing of rules as
society understands the Internet better."
Date Posted: 4/15/2006
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