Banks State control of the media
I wish to give my views about state control of the media - whether it is in Singapore, China or other countries that are given a bad name for not allowing "freedom of the press".

I find it acceptable for a country to have control over the media for the following reasons:

a) The people should have clear access to the thinking of the government on public policy.

b)  The government should act against the spread of misinformation.

c) The "free press" may be supported financially by foreign powers who have an agenda to destabilize the country.

However, the control of the media by the state should be carried out fairly and independently, and not to support any political party. 

Here are some principles:

a) The government should allow alternative views, which are factually supported, to be expressed. 

b) The government should not use the control only to promote its view and political purpose.

I do not agree with a "free press" that may be financed and used by foreign powers to achieve its malicious purpose.

It is difficult to draw a line between an free press and state control. There are positive and negative factors on each side of the spectrum.

I prefer to have state control which allows and promotes a free exchange of alternative views. 

However, once a policy has been adopted, the independent media should show respect for the policy, and not seek to undermine the policy. It is all right to bring out additional facts for the policy to be reviewed.

Tan Kin Lian

Vote - do you agree with my concept of the media?

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