MDA launches tender for 2 FM frequencies

MDA launches tender for 2 FM frequencies
By Mustafa Shafawi | Posted: 29 March 2011 1205 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Media Development Authority (MDA) is conducting a public tender to allocate two FM frequencies - FM 89.3 and FM 92.0.

The frequencies will be used to operate commercial or not-for-profit radio stations in Singapore.

In a statement, MDA said the tender follows an earlier 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) exercise conducted in April last year.

More than 20 parties registered their interest at the close of the exercise.

The three-month public tender exercise will close on June 28.

As part of the tender exercise, MDA welcomes new ideas and it does not intend to limit the future station(s) to any particular genre, in order to encourage a variety of proposals.

The tender also aims to encourage new players to enter the market as well as to provide more choices for listeners.

MDA said it will evaluate the bids submitted based on three criteria.

They include programming innovation, characteristics and quality as well as financial standing and business plan.

Bidders must also show the ability to produce and promote local content that aids the development of Singapore's media industry.

In addition, not-for-profit radio stations will be evaluated on the social impact of their offerings.

MDA said the results of the tender will be made known by September.

If successful in their bids, the operators of FM 89.3 and 92.0 will add to the already vibrant radio industry here.

According to the Nielsen Media Index survey done in the period between July 2009 and June 2010, 93 per cent of the population aged 15 and above tuned in to radio in the past week.

There are now 20 FM radio stations in Singapore with 13 of them managed by MediaCorp.

MediaCorp Radio managing director Florence Lian said: "Radio at 75 years old is facing its next exciting phase. The number of proposals submitted during the 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) exercise shows how desired a medium it is. MediaCorp will definitely participate in the tender."

- CNA/fa

- wong chee tat :)