Do You Need a “Script” Punchline for Your Election Campaign?
Back in 1983, the rule was born: political parties that field at least six candidates must hand in their scripts before they record a party political broadcast. That meant no “last‑minute thoughts” or surprise punchlines on national TV—at least no until the IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority) gives the green light.
What’s the Deal With the New Constituency‑Specific Broadcast?
- Three minutes per candidate—they get a hard‑copy of the “local” show that grooms voters right where they live.
- Just as with the old party political broadcast, the script must be sent in advance to keep Mediacorp happy.
- By the way, this is a first‑ever feature for the 2025 General Election.
Why the Extra Caution?
The IMDA says it’s all about keeping the airwaves safe and respectful. The guidelines are designed to prevent defamation or anything that could stir up racial or religious tension.
Political Sparks & Sweet Petitions
- PSP’s front‑liner, Michael Chua, got the “script‑submission angst.” He felt the 48‑hour notice was “disturbing” and warned that the set could leak before airtime.
- Teo Soh Lung, a political veteran and former detainee, kicked off a petition titled No to IMDA requirement to submit script for online rally broadcast. Over 8,000 signatures flooded in, arguing the move unfairly benefits incumbent PAP.
In essence: the ruling must pass the script review if you want to keep your message off‑the‑record. But hey—if you can wield a compelling script that passes the safety checks, you’ll hit the right chord with voters.
More from the Straights Times source: Keep your opps straight, write them clean, and aim for the ballots.
