ABSTRACT
The only nonofficial language daily, Malaysian Malayan, is a small paper supported by a circulation of 800 in 1976; first-generation Malayalam native-speakers in both Singapore and Malaysia. Different language newspapers in Singapore have distinctive cultural and journalistic traditions. The English-language papers serve all three ethnic communities and are thus supraethnic in outlook. The most important is the Singapore National Union of Journalists, with members from different language papers. The Broadcasting and Television Act of 1963, empowers the government with the exclusive privilege of establishing and operating radio and television stations in Singapore. Radio broadcasting in Singapore dates from 1935 under the British-Malaya Broadcasting Corporation, a private commercial enterprise. The development of a comprehensive telecommunication system, including telephone, telex, telegraphs, and satellite communication facilities, has been given high priority. Growth and expansion of telecommunications in Singapore have been phenomenal. Postal services in Singapore are provided by the Postal Services Department under the jurisdiction and control of the Ministry of Communication.
