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Singapore's media market combines state-backed broadcasters and newspaper publishers with highly connected digital audiences. Mediacorp's television and radio networks, SPH Media Trust's newspapers in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, and digital-first outlets like Mothership and AsiaOne serve consumers demanding personalised news, mobile-first experiences, and rapid government communication.
Mediacorp operates the full suite of terrestrial TV channels, Ott streaming service mewatch, and national radio stations, while SPH Media Trust publishes The Straits Times, Business Times, and vernacular dailies supported by a five-year government funding package. Outlets such as CNA, TODAY, Mothership, and AsiaOne expand digital reach, but ownership remains concentrated under the Broadcasting Act and Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) licenses broadcasters, enforces content codes, and administers the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) and the Online Safety Code, requiring global platforms to remove harmful content and issue corrections when falsehoods spread.
DataReportal reports approximately 5.6 million internet users (95% penetration) and 5.2 million social media identities (88% penetration), with average daily screen time exceeding six hours. TikTok and YouTube each deliver more than 30 hours of viewing per user per month, and ecommerce livestreaming, programmatic out-of-home screens, and cashless payments drive integrated marketing campaigns. Singapore's nationwide 5G rollout and Smart Nation initiatives encourage adoption of AI-produced content, personalized newsletters, podcasts, and super-app ecosystems combining shopping, rides, and financial services.
Singaporeans spend around two hours daily on social media, with WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook forming the core messaging and content stack. YouTube, mewatch, Netflix, and Disney+ dominate streaming, while gaming platforms, esports tournaments, and interactive livestreams drive cross-border cultural export. Podcast consumption and online news alerts continue to grow, and commuter audiences use SPH Radio and Mediacorp stations via apps like meLISTEN.
Terrestrial TV and print circulations continue to decline, but CNA's trust score remains among the highest in the region and SPH retains agenda-setting power across business and political coverage. Radio reaches more than 3 million weekly listeners, and free newspapers and community magazines sustain local advertising. Digital-out-of-home screens and bus-stop panels integrate with QR codes, loyalty programmes, and mobile commerce to maintain high street engagement.
| Indicator | Latest Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | approximately 5.92 million residents (2024) | DataReportal Digital 2025 Singapore |
| Internet users | 5.6 million people (95% penetration) | DataReportal Digital 2025 Singapore |
| Social media users | 5.2 million identities (88% penetration) | DataReportal Digital 2025 Singapore |
| Mobile connections | 10.5 million active SIMs (179% of population) | DataReportal Digital 2025 Singapore |
| Average daily time online | about 6 hours per person | DataReportal Digital 2025 Singapore |
| Digital advertising spend | approximately SGD 3.1 billion in 2024 | Statista Digital Advertising Singapore |
Reuters Institute's 2024 report lists Singapore's overall news trust at 42%, with CNA Digital, The Straits Times, and Yahoo News Singapore among the most trusted sources. The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 shows high confidence in local institutions and strong expectations that media combat misinformation under POFMA. Independent outlets such as Rice Media and Mothership continue to attract younger readers, while regulator IMDA maintains corrective powers for harmful online content.
Streaming dramas, variety shows, esports, and K-content drive video demand, while lifestyle influencers, food bloggers, and TikTok creators shape daily choices. Radio audiences favour bilingual shows blending music with lifestyle talk, and podcasts cover business, technology, and true crime. Consumers expect seamless experiences across TV, OTT, radio, and social, with personalised recommendations and mobile payment integration.
