Saturday, April 27, 2013

Callers to MediaCorp's news hotline recognised for tip-offs

Callers to MediaCorp's news hotline recognised for tip-offs

    By Dylan Loh
    POSTED: 25 Apr 2013 8:05 PM
   
Ten callers to the MediaCorp’s news hotline, Asia's leading media company, were recognised on Thursday for sniffing out the news before it became news.

SINGAPORE: They're the unsung heroes of journalism - people who tip the media off to what's happening on the ground.

Ten callers to the MediaCorp’s news hotline, Asia's leading media company, were recognised on Thursday for sniffing out the news before it became news.

And it's thanks to people like them that allow updates to be carried over MediaCorp's on-line, on-air and on-the-go platforms in a timely manner.

Ferlander Cheah was being sent by her husband to work on a Wednesday morning in July 2012.

Passing by Bugis Junction, the sharp-eyed citizen saw a commotion and knew something was amiss.

There were patrol cars and Singapore Civil Defence Force officers everywhere.

Cheah said: "I was wondering what happened; is it that they have found underground bombs or things like that? And a bit scary to me; so the first thing that occurred to me is I think I should inform MediaCorp, where they can do a fast news, so that everybody will know through the air - on the radio."

What she witnessed wasn't a bomb threat, but a tragic accident.

A scaffolding collapsed at the Bugis Downtown Line work site where two workers died.

Madam Cheah's call allowed MediaCorp's journalists to do live reports from the ground - giving timely updates to the public.

For her tip-off, she walked away with S$1,000 in cash.

People who witness incidents on the ground or have news to share, can call MediaCorp's news hotline at 68222268.

- CNA/ck

- wong chee tat :)

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