The entertainment landscape has reached a whole new modern age, and this has prompted Parliament to quickly approve updates on the nation’s Public Entertainments and Meetings Act (PEMA).
“These amendments will keep the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act relevant in the face of evolving societal expectations and technological trends”, said Minister for Communications and Information Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday according to Channel NewsAsia and TODAY. He hopes that the changes will provide greater clarity on how entertainment is being regulated by the police and the Media Development Authority (MDA).
The amendments require all forms of arts entertainment to be classified by the MDA, regardless of whoever issues their license. This means that all arts performances in public entertainment establishments such as bars, pubs and live concert venues might have to undergo ratings and classification.
Another important element in the amendments also stipulates that the new regulations will also affect virtually staged performances, i.e shows, concerts, entertainment programs streamed live on the internet.
This should be a little alarming for those who rely on sites such as YouTube and Yahoo Screen Live to catch live performances from all around the world such in music festivals and concerts such as Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and more.
Dr. Yaacob however assures that there will be a clause that grants exemption for certain genres of arts entertainment that the MDA has no content concerns with — but it'll probably be up to their discretion.
Whether or not our favourite entertainment mediums, venues and programs will be affected, it is clear that the updated bill ensures a tighter, uncomfortable grip on Singapore’s entertainment landscape. Reportedly, it will now be an offence for a licensee to provide unclassified arts entertainment, or one that does no comply with MDA’s classification — and that may or may not spell the end of subversive arts content here.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Singapore artists reject MDA self-censorship scheme in Arts Engage video
The entertainment landscape has reached a whole new modern age, and this has prompted Parliament to quickly approve updates on the nation’s Public Entertainments and Meetings Act (PEMA).
“These amendments will keep the Public Entertainments and Meetings Act relevant in the face of evolving societal expectations and technological trends”, said Minister for Communications and Information Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim in Parliament yesterday according to Channel NewsAsia and TODAY. He hopes that the changes will provide greater clarity on how entertainment is being regulated by the police and the Media Development Authority (MDA).
The amendments require all forms of arts entertainment to be classified by the MDA, regardless of whoever issues their license. This means that all arts performances in public entertainment establishments such as bars, pubs and live concert venues might have to undergo ratings and classification.
Another important element in the amendments also stipulates that the new regulations will also affect virtually staged performances, i.e shows, concerts, entertainment programs streamed live on the internet.
This should be a little alarming for those who rely on sites such as YouTube and Yahoo Screen Live to catch live performances from all around the world such in music festivals and concerts such as Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and more.
Dr. Yaacob however assures that there will be a clause that grants exemption for certain genres of arts entertainment that the MDA has no content concerns with — but it'll probably be up to their discretion.
Whether or not our favourite entertainment mediums, venues and programs will be affected, it is clear that the updated bill ensures a tighter, uncomfortable grip on Singapore’s entertainment landscape. Reportedly, it will now be an offence for a licensee to provide unclassified arts entertainment, or one that does no comply with MDA’s classification — and that may or may not spell the end of subversive arts content here.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Read Also:
Singapore artists urge overturn of documentary ban
Singapore artists reject MDA self-censorship scheme in Arts Engage video