Breakfast Network will have to shut down: MDA

The Media Development Authority (MDA) has issued a statement on requiring Breakfast Network (breakfastnetwork.sg) to cease its online operations.

The full statement is as follows:

On 26 November, MDA notified the site-owners of Breakfast Network (breakfastnetwork.sg) to register under the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification. As part of the registration, they will be required to undertake not to receive foreign funding for its provision, management and/or operation. Such an undertaking will prevent the site from being controlled by, or coming under the influence of, foreign entities or funding, thus ensuring that Singapore politics remain a matter for Singaporeans alone.

The registration of Breakfast Network upholds the firmly-established principle that foreign entities may not engage in Singapore politics or be allowed to control or worse, manipulate our local media platforms, which are prime vehicles for political influence.

MDA had on 6 December extended the deadline for Breakfast Network to register to 17 December 2013, at the request of Breakfast Network. Since Breakfast Network has decided not to submit the registration form, and will therefore not be complying with the registration notification, MDA will require that Breakfast Network cease its online service.