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On 1 January 1994, Channel 12 started airing Malay-language series transferred from [[Channel 5 (Singaporean TV channel)|Channel 5]].
On 1 January 1994, Channel 12 started airing Malay-language series transferred from [[Channel 5 (Singaporean TV channel)|Channel 5]].


On 30 January 1994, SBC 12 was officially rebranded as Channel 12 with officially introduced and launched new logo and slogan "Something Special" for a new look with the television programme '12' Celebrates at 9:30pm [[Singapore Time|SST]]<ref>{{cite news|date=30 January 1994 |title=SBC 12 OFFICIALLY NEW LOOK|newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19940130-1.1.65|access-date=8 August 2023}}</ref>
On 29 January 1994, SBC 12 rebranded as Channel 12.<ref>{{cite news |title=SBC revamps channel for the HDB heartland
|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940527-1.2.67.6.8 |access-date=22 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=27 May 1994}}</ref>


The live broadcast of the [[36th Annual Grammy Awards]] in March 1994 was interrupted at 9am in order for Channel 12 to broadcast the two-hour infomercial block from Sell-A-Vision, without allowing for the ceremony to reach its end.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sell-a-vision: Has SBC sold out? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940306-1.2.50.6.3 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=6 March 1994}}</ref>
The live broadcast of the [[36th Annual Grammy Awards]] in March 1994 was interrupted at 9am in order for Channel 12 to broadcast the two-hour infomercial block from Sell-A-Vision, without allowing for the ceremony to reach its end.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sell-a-vision: Has SBC sold out? |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19940306-1.2.50.6.3 |access-date=11 December 2023 |work=The Straits Times |date=6 March 1994}}</ref>

Revision as of 22:46, 16 February 2024

For other uses, see Suria.
Suria
CountrySingapore
Malaysia (Johor, Sarawak)
Indonesia (Riau Islands)
Broadcast areaSingapore
NetworkMediacorp TV12
HeadquartersMediacorp Campus, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
Programming
Language(s)Malay
Picture format1080i 16:9 HDTV
Ownership
OwnerMediacorp
Sister channelsChannel 5
Channel 8
Channel U
Vasantham
CNA
History
Launched15 February 1963; 61 years ago (1963-02-15) (Channel 5)
31 January 1984; 40 years ago (1984-01-31) (Channel 12)
Links
WebsiteSuria
Availability
Terrestrial
Digital terrestrial televisionUHF CH 29 538MHz DVB-T2 Channel 4 (HD)
Streaming media
meWATCHAvailable on meWATCH website or mobile app (Singapore only)

Suria (Sun) is a Malay-language free-to-air terrestrial television channel in Singapore, owned by state media conglomerate Mediacorp. The channel primarily airs general entertainment and news programming in the Malay language, including original programming, and imported programmes from Malaysia and Indonesia.

The channel first signed on 15 February 1963 and 31 January 1984 as Channel 5, the country's very first television channel and Channel 12, the country's third television channel. It initially carried a focus on cultural programming; in 1994, Malay programming moved to 12 following Channel 5's switch to an entirely English-language schedule. In 1995, the channel was renamed Prime 12 and switched to primarily carrying Malay and Tamil-language programming (the former moving from Channel 8 after moving exclusively to Chinese programming), with cultural programmes moved to the new channel Premiere 12. With Tamil programming moving to Premiere 12 upon its relaunch as Central, Prime 12 relaunched as the Malay-specific Suria in 2000.

The channel currently broadcasts from 9:00 to 00:00 daily; a simulcast of Mediacorp's Malay radio station Ria 897 is carried after sign-off.

History

Before Channel 12

Plans for a third television channel in Singapore were mooted as far back as January 13, 1972 when the Centre for Production and Training of Adult Education Television (CEPTA TV) suggested that the new channel was to be used to boost adult education.[1] The government said the following day that it had no plans to start the channel.[2]

In August 1983, the SBC set that Channel 12 would broadcast for a period of two to three hours a day, opening at 7pm nightly. Such an arrangement would cause greater flexibility for the SBC to carry live Singapore Symphony Orchestra performances or other features making more use of the evening airtime. The plans were set amidst threats of the launch of a third channel in Malaysia in the middle of 1984. Furthermore, the existing SBC channels would have to move the slots of their newscasts while current affairs programming like Feedback, Friday Background (Channel 5) or the Mandarin Focus (Channel 8) were going to move to the new service, prompting more airtime for local productions.[3]

In December 1983, the SBC announced that Channel 12 would carry 15-minute news bulletins at the end of its nightly schedule.[4] On December 22, the channel's launch was announced for a January 31, 1984 date, and was built upon the pillars of quality (regardless of language) and accessibility (as the service would use the 8-10pm time slots to catch up with the highest possible number of viewers including students unable to stay awake later).[5]

SBC 12

Test broadcasts started on January 15, 1984, showing the test pattern between 9am and 7pm,[6] while was officially and formally inaugurated by Minister for Culture S. Dhanabalan on 31 January 1984 at 7:30pm SGT with cultural programming on its line-up and broadcast night to four hour and ten minutes per-night broadcasting from 7:30pm to 11:40pm SGT. Ahead of the launch, Channel 12 was promoted on other SBC channels.[7] The Housing Development Board started a plan for all of its flats to pick up the new service.[8] The installation period ended in late March.[9]

Expatriates living in Singapore saw mostly-favourable comments about the new service, while still believing that the channel would be improved to a level similar to that of BBC 2 at the time.[10]

During the channel's first week, it aired eighteen programmes, those being:

  • Two about ballet;
  • Six documentaries on the brain;
  • A documentary about human conception;
  • A documentary about Polish history;
  • A documentary about the British army parachute regiment;
  • An edition of Feedback;
  • Three programmes about classical music;
  • One English opera;
  • One Broadway performance;
  • Four dramas, one of which being a Shakespeare play.

However, the programming on offer was of little to no interest to the Singaporean viewers. Reception was mixed. Some did praise the channel's qualities, others criticized the channel for its content being either "much too European" or "monotonous", which in the latter case alienated 75% of the national population.[11] SBC wasn't deeply worried about the channel's limited schedule and viewers. The average number of viewers rounded at around 20,000. Advertising was limited to two commercials on some nights and none on most nights. An SBC spokesman assured that Channel 12 was "a long-term project", with its viewership growing depending on the rising interest of the local population in the types of programming it was going to offer.[12]

In an attempt to lure away from a heavy highbrow output, SBC executive Sandra Buenaventura decided to cut the number of operas on the channel to one a month from March 1985. To boost viewers, mini-series and documentaries were added.[13]

Faced by low viewing figures, concerns had emerged that Channel 12 had an "elitist" outlook, as a small proportion of Singapore's population regularly watched the channel. From a Straits Times survey conducted in late 1985, out of 1,008 viewers, only one percent watched the channel during prime time, compared to Channel 5's 15% and Channel 8's 30%. Since launch, none of its programmes managed to reach the twenty most-watched, despite the issues within the corporation and from viewers, Sandra Buenaventura showed potential for its content. A particular example Buenaventura mentioned in February 1986 was a yet upcoming showing of the Marilyn Monroe film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes over Madonna's poses being influenced by the actress, showing that the youth had interest in at least some of the content seen on the channel. The Straits Times said that the main problem of the channel was "an image problem".[14] Facing the potential for increase, Buenaventura had noticed that selected "highbrow" programming had surpassed 100,000 viewers. Among them, The Silk Road, Civilisation, Vietnam and Heart of the Dragon. Buenaventura stated that the channel's primary philosophy of providing "alternative programming" hadn't changed since the outset of the channel, and was trying to make the channel "more entertaining". British sitcoms were added to Channel 12 in late 1985, and the feature films seen on the service were starting to diversify, by adding thriller mini-series and later classic films on Saturdays.[15]

The channel aired some sports events such as the Summer and Winter Olympics, Asian Games, SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, European Cup (later renamed the UEFA Champions' League) and the English Premier League. In a boost to gain ratings, SBC 12 poached WWF slots from SBC 5 and create more slots for sports programming, justifying the channel's flexibility in its programming. The channel ended 1984 with an average 17,000 viewers tuning in, and the addition of Asian films and Chinese operas helped stabilise. Sandra Buenaventura hoped that SBC 12's viewership would increase from 35,000 to 50,000 from Tuesdays to Thursdays, when the slots dedicated to sporting events would air. In addition, the channel advanced its opening time to 7:30pm.[16] The inclusion of sports slots from 13 October 1986, as well as light entertainment (mostly from the USA) was seen by the Straits Times as a move "downmarket"[17]

In January 1989, SBC 12 introduced two new sports programmes, Sports Centre and Sportsview, replacing the Tamil/Hindi Cinema which air on those slots. [18]

Between June and September of 1989, SBC 12 began airing plays, feature films and drama serials based on textbooks to assist O and A level students who take English Literature. [19]

The channel converted to stereo broadcasts on 1 August 1990.

In February 1991, SBC 12 began airing simulcasts of CNN, airing Mondays to Fridays and sponsored by several companies.[20] From 10 June 1991, it only aired twice a day for an hour at 7 am and 7 pm until 1992.[21]

In June 1992, SBC 12 began to air sports on Sunday mornings with content from ESPN. SBC says that ESPN will "expose viewers to other sporting events popular elsewhere". It is meant to supplement the SBC-produced World Of Sports.[22]

Channel 12

SBC announced in September 1993 that it would move all of its Malay output, previously seen on Channel 5, to Channel 12, effective 1 January 1994. The move would enable the increase of the weekly proportion of Malay programmes from nine hours a week to fifteen hours a week. The Malay news bulletin was set to expand from 20 minutes to 30. Some light entertainment shows previously carried on Channel 12 would move to Channel 5, which after the reshuffle would switch to an all-English format.[23]

On 1 January 1994, Channel 12 started airing Malay-language series transferred from Channel 5.

On 30 January 1994, SBC 12 was officially rebranded as Channel 12 with officially introduced and launched new logo and slogan "Something Special" for a new look with the television programme '12' Celebrates at 9:30pm SST[24]

The live broadcast of the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in March 1994 was interrupted at 9am in order for Channel 12 to broadcast the two-hour infomercial block from Sell-A-Vision, without allowing for the ceremony to reach its end.[25]

As Channel 12, its advertising revenue was higher than when it was SBC 12, where the latter was perceived as a highbrow channel with fewer people tuned in. 40% of the revenue came from its sports programmes as they were unable to operate with solely arts programming.[26]

On 1 October 1994, the Singaporean Broadcasting Corporation was dissolved and Television Twelve took over the television station.

Prime 12

On 26 August 1994, ahead of the bill that suggested the planned privatisation of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation, the Minister for Information and the Arts (Brigadier General) George Yeo announced the plan for the creation of a fourth free-to-air television channel in Singapore, offering a predominantly cultural lineup. Under this plan, Channel 8 would switch to an entirely-Chinese format, causing the Tamil shows there to move to Channel 12, using its new format to concentrate primarily on Malay and Indian content, whereas the cultural output that was on the former Channel 12 would move to a new UHF channel, due to the lack of VHF slots available.[27]

Television Twelve (later renamed Singapore Television Twelve), who following the privatisation was the owner of Channel 12, received the greenlight from the Singapore Broadcasting Authority to broadcast a UHF channel on 27 July 1995.[28]

In preparation for the launch of the two channels, it was announced that the logos and identities of services were to be revealed on launch night (1 September), as part of a special programme, 12 by 12, which was to be simulcast over both channels. The former Channel 12 output that had been virtually unchanged since its inception in 1984 (aside the inclusion of Malay content that would later appear on Prime 12) was to be carried over by the new channel Premiere 12. Sandra Buenaventura, CEO of Singapore Television Twelve, said that the channels were "like a tin of assorted biscuits", reflecting the individual nature of the specialist programming of the new services.[29]

The channel launched at 8pm on 1 September 1995. Up until the start of the launch show, what would become Prime 12 was still carrying the "old" Channel 12.[30]

The launch of Prime 12 meant that Malay programming was increased to 20.5 hours a week instead of 15 hours, while Tamil programming receive 16 hours a week instead of 10 hours when they were on Channel 8. Malay news was moved to 8 pm while Tamil news aired at a "higher-profile" 7:30 pm and expanded to 30 minutes. The channel would also air the European art-house films slot Cinematheque on Wednesday nights and self-improvement and lifestyle programmes for four hours on weekdays.[26]

By 1996, Prime 12 began to air Malay programmes commissioned by production houses, including profiles of Malay personalities, a morning chat show, variety shows and two drama series.[31] Over six companies bidded for Malay programmes in 1996, rising to fourteen in 1997.[32]

A survey conducted by ACNielsen in 1996 revealed that 90% of the Malay population watched Malay programmes on Prime 12 in one month, with 40% tuned in to the channel between 8 and 10 pm.[31]

In 1997, Prime 12 aired Japanese dramas, with three titles airing every week, all in Japanese. However, the ratings for such airings were at an average of 2%, as they were targeted at the Japanese community; nevertheless, these dramas have attracted local viewers as well, calling them "a refreshing change" to the Western dramas.[33]

Suria

On 30 January 2000, Prime 12 was renamed Suria, becoming a standalone Malay channel as it is today.[34][35][36] At the same time, Tamil programmes were transferred to Premiere 12, which was renamed Central.

Suria thus continues the Mediacorp network's long service to Malays in Singapore that began in 1963 with the first Malay TV programmes aired on Channel 5 at the time.

Broadcast time

Channel Launch to 4 January 2020:

  • Monday to Saturday: 3:00pm to 12:00mn
  • Sunday: 10:00am to 12:00mn

4 January to 30 January 2020:

  • Weekday: 3:00pm to 12:00mn
  • Saturday: 1:00pm to 12:00mn
  • Sunday: 9:00am to 12:00mn

30 January to 15 February 2020:

  • Weekday and Sunday: 9:00am to 12:00mn
  • Saturday: 1:00pm to 12:00mn

15 February 2020 Onwards:

  • Every day: 9:00am to 12:00mn

There is a broadcast from Ria 897 from the end time until the broadcast starts.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Third TV channel planned for teaching adults". The Straits Times. 13 January 1972. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  2. ^ "No plans to start third TV channel". The Straits Times. 14 January 1972. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  3. ^ "7 pm opening time". The Straits Times. 5 August 1983. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  4. ^ "More News is Good News". Singapore Monitor. 23 December 1983. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  5. ^ "More News is Good News". The Straits Times. 23 December 1983. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Channel 12 transmission starts tomorrow at 9 am". Singapore Monitor. 14 January 1984. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  7. ^ "Page 38 Miscellaneous Column 1". The Straits Times. 29 January 1984. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Ch. 12: Same day for all". The Straits Times. 29 January 1984. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  9. ^ "Ch 12 for all HDB residents now". The Straits Times. 29 January 1984.
  10. ^ "Expatriates generally happy with Channel 12". The Straits Times. 10 February 1984. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  11. ^ "12 on 12". The Straits Times. 9 February 1984. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  12. ^ "Who's tuning in to Channel 12?". Singapore Monitor. 18 September 1984. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  13. ^ "Ch 12 goes for wider audience". The Straits Times. 1 February 1985. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  14. ^ "Ch 12: Marred by elitist image". The Straits Times. 23 February 1986. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  15. ^ "Move towards more popular programming". The Straits Times. 23 February 1986. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  16. ^ "Wrestling goes to Channel 12". The Straits Times. 29 September 1986. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Why can't we wrestle on Ch 12?". The Straits Times. 12 October 1986. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  18. ^ "SBC to stop Late News service from Jan 2". The Straits Times. 9 December 1988. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  19. ^ "Help for literature students". The Straits Times. 6 June 1989. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  20. ^ "Telecast CNN news seven days a week". The Straits Times. 28 February 1991. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  21. ^ "SBC to extend CNN telecast". The Straits Times. 8 June 1991. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  22. ^ "Sunday morning sweetener?". The Straits Times. 21 June 1992. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  23. ^ "All Malay shows on SBC 12 from next year". The Straits Times. 1 September 1993. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  24. ^ "SBC 12 OFFICIALLY NEW LOOK". The Straits Times. 30 January 1994. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  25. ^ "Sell-a-vision: Has SBC sold out?". The Straits Times. 6 March 1994. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  26. ^ a b "More Malay, Indian programmes plus arts, sports". The Straits Times. 2 August 1995. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  27. ^ "Fourth TV channel will feature cultural shows". The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB). 27 August 1994. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  28. ^ "TV 12 to start new channel". The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB). 29 July 1995. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  29. ^ "More as TV 12 splits into 2". The New Paper (retrieved from NLB). 31 August 1995. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  30. ^ "Page 37 Miscellaneous Column 2". The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB). 1 September 1995. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  31. ^ a b "New TV12 policy allows more variety on Malay TV". The Straits Times. 17 September 1996. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  32. ^ "It's a real train for escape scene". The Straits Times. 12 February 1998. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Japanese TV serials now common fare". The Straits Times. 14 September 1997. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  34. ^ "Suria selaras Melayu abad ke-21". Berita Harian. 18 February 2000. p. 20. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  35. ^ "Saiuran biar sejajar pegangan moral". Berita Harian. 11 February 2000. p. 18. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  36. ^ "Mengekal minat penonton Melayu". Berita Harian. 2 February 2000. p. 14. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
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