ABSTRACT
Audience analysis has revealed that the Singapore population is highly exposed to mass media, as is typical in a highly urbanized society. The political leaders of Singapore perceive communication media as powerful instruments to be properly controlled or guided to play a positive role in social development. Radio and television in Singapore follow closely the policy of multilingualism. Family planning communication activities in Singapore are supported by a well-coordinated organizational network linking government ministries, schools, unions, and community centers. Singapore’s economy stresses international trade, manufacturing, shipping, and tourism. The communication pattern in Singapore is characterized by a largely one-way flow from the leadership to the masses with government and media people at various levels serving a gatekeeping function. Under the circumstances, the mass media often fail to be effective channels for political articulation and participation by the general public, although they have played an important role in supporting national development in Singapore.
