In a nation where digital streams are surging and television still commands prime-time loyalty, Singapore's media landscape is a fascinating battleground of tradition and transformation, as seen in the fact that digital video-on-demand has overtaken traditional TV for younger demographics even as 98.5% of households retain access to broadcast services.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, Singapore's television advertising revenue reached SGD 450 million, marking a 5% year-on-year growth driven by increased demand for sports broadcasting.
- As of 2023, 98.5% of Singapore households have access to digital terrestrial television services provided by Mediacorp.
- Mediacorp's Channel 8 averaged 15.2% audience share in prime time slots during 2022.
- The Straits Times daily print circulation was 134,500 copies in 2022.
- Singapore's newspaper advertising revenue totaled SGD 250 million in 2022, down 7% YoY.
- 68% of Singapore adults read print newspapers weekly in 2023 survey.
- Singapore's digital news subscriptions grew 25% to 250,000 in 2023.
- Online video consumption averaged 120 minutes daily per user in 2022.
- 96.5% internet penetration rate in Singapore households 2023.
- Radio listenership in Singapore stands at 85% weekly reach for ages 12+ in 2023.
- Mediacorp's Class 95 FM has 1.2 million weekly listeners in 2022.
- Radio advertising revenue was SGD 120 million in 2022, stable YoY.
- Singapore film industry box office revenue was SGD 250 million in 2022.
- Golden Village Cinemas held 42% market share with 12 screens in 2023.
- Local films accounted for 8% of total box office in 2022.
Singapore's media industry blends traditional TV and print with strong growth in digital platforms and advertising.
Digital and Online Media
1Singapore's digital news subscriptions grew 25% to 250,000 in 2023.
Verified2Online video consumption averaged 120 minutes daily per user in 2022.
Verified396.5% internet penetration rate in Singapore households 2023.
Verified4Social media users totaled 5.1 million in Singapore Jan 2023.
Directional5Online advertising spend reached SGD 2.1 billion in 2022, 55% of total ad market.
Single source6YouTube monthly active users in Singapore: 4.8 million in 2023.
Verified7News websites like Mothership.sg attracted 10 million monthly visits in 2022.
Verified8Streaming platforms held 42% share of video consumption in 2023.
Verified9TikTok users in Singapore: 3.2 million aged 18+ in 2023.
Directional10Programmatic ad buying accounted for 65% of digital ad transactions 2022.
Single source11Mobile news consumption: 75% of total digital news time in 2023.
Verified12Netflix subscribers in Singapore estimated at 1.5 million in 2023.
Verified13Influencer marketing spend grew 30% to SGD 100 million in 2022.
Verified14Facebook daily active users: 3.9 million in Singapore 2023.
Directional15Online news revenue from subscriptions: SGD 50 million in 2023.
Single source1682% of Singaporeans use smartphones for news daily 2023.
Verified17Search ads 40% of digital ad spend, SGD 840 million 2022.
Verified18Podcast listeners in Singapore: 2.1 million monthly in 2023.
Verified19E-commerce live streaming sales via media platforms: SGD 1.2 billion 2022.
Directional20Instagram users: 2.8 million in Singapore 2023.
Single source21Digital out-of-home (DOOH) ad spend up 18% to SGD 80 million 2023.
Verified2255% of online video views on mobiles in Singapore 2022.
Verified23LinkedIn users in Singapore professional media: 2.5 million 2023.
Verified24Online gaming streams averaged 500,000 viewers daily 2023.
Directional25Twitter (X) ad revenue in Singapore: SGD 45 million 2022.
Single source2640% growth in short-form video ad spend to SGD 300 million 2023.
Verified27CNA digital monthly unique visitors: 12 million in 2023.
VerifiedDigital and Online Media Interpretation
Singapore is a nation perpetually plugged in, where our palms hold sway over everything from billion-dollar ad budgets to the fate of traditional news, proving we’ll happily pay for a subscription if the algorithm lets us watch one more video first.
Film, Cinema, and Advertising Media
1Singapore film industry box office revenue was SGD 250 million in 2022.
Verified2Golden Village Cinemas held 42% market share with 12 screens in 2023.
Verified3Local films accounted for 8% of total box office in 2022.
Verified4Cinema attendance recovered to 12 million tickets sold in 2023.
Directional5Advertising market total spend: SGD 3.8 billion in 2022, media at 70%.
Single source6Shaw Theatres operated 14 cinemas with 5,000 seats in 2023.
Verified7"I Not Stupid 3" grossed SGD 1.5 million locally in 2022.
Verified8Cinema ad revenue per screen: SGD 150,000 annually average 2023.
Verified965% of ad spend on digital, 20% TV, 10% OOH, 5% print in 2022.
Directional10Film production grants from IMDA: SGD 40 million disbursed 2022.
Single source11Average ticket price SGD 12.50 in Singapore cinemas 2023.
Verified12Hollywood films 75% box office share in 2022.
Verified13WE Cinemas chain closed 3 locations amid pandemic recovery 2023.
Verified14OOH advertising grew 15% to SGD 380 million in 2022.
Directional15"Crazy Rich Asians" sequel impact: boosted local film funding 20% 2023.
Single source16Cinema chains total screens: 120 across 15 locations 2023.
Verified17Brand sponsorships in films: SGD 10 million total 2022.
Verified183D screenings 25% of total tickets sold in 2023.
Verified19Total media ad spend growth 8% to SGD 3.8B in 2023 forecast.
Directional20Animation films from Singapore studios exported to 20 countries 2022.
Single source21Premium cinema seats (recliners) 30% of total capacity 2023.
Verified22Film festivals like SGIFF screened 200 titles to 50,000 attendees 2022.
Verified23Transit ads (MRT) 18% of OOH spend SGD 70M 2022.
Verified24Local scriptwriters numbered 450 registered with IMDA 2023.
Directional25IMAX screens: 4 in Singapore generating SGD 20M revenue 2022.
Single source26Product placement in local films: average 5 brands per movie 2023.
VerifiedFilm, Cinema, and Advertising Media Interpretation
While local films are still searching for their blockbuster moment, clutching just 8% of the box office, Singapore’s media industry as a whole is sitting pretty on a hefty SGD 3.8 billion advertising spend, proving that even if we don’t always star in the movie, we’re definitely funding the commercial breaks.
Print and Newspaper Media
1The Straits Times daily print circulation was 134,500 copies in 2022.
Verified2Singapore's newspaper advertising revenue totaled SGD 250 million in 2022, down 7% YoY.
Verified368% of Singapore adults read print newspapers weekly in 2023 survey.
Verified4The New Paper tabloid sold 85,000 copies daily on average in 2022.
Directional5Classified ads comprised 22% of total newspaper ad space in 2023.
Single source6Berita Harian Malay newspaper reached 120,000 readers daily in 2022.
Verified7Print media market size was SGD 450 million in 2022.
Verified8Tamil Murasu circulation stood at 15,000 copies in 2023.
Verified945% of newspaper revenue came from circulation in 2022.
Directional10Sunday Times circulation peaked at 210,000 copies in 2022.
Single source11Display ads fell 12% to SGD 180 million in newspapers 2022.
Verified1252% of readers aged 50+ for print newspapers in 2023.
Verified13SPH Media Trust restructured with 1,200 staff in print division 2023.
Verified14Local news pages averaged 40% of total newspaper content in 2022.
Directional15Magazine print run for Women's Weekly Singapore was 50,000 monthly in 2022.
Single source16Newspaper recycling rate in Singapore reached 85% in 2023.
Verified17Ad lineage (column cm) declined 15% YoY to 2.5 million in 2022.
Verified1830% of print readers also subscribe to digital editions in 2023.
Verified19Straits Times subscription price rose 10% to SGD 32.90 monthly in 2023.
Directional20Regional papers like TODAY had 95,000 daily readers in 2022.
Single source21Print media employed 2,500 journalists in Singapore 2023.
Verified22Colour ad premium was SGD 20% over black-white in newspapers 2022.
Verified2365% trust in newspaper reporting per 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer Singapore.
Verified24Lianhe Zaobao circulation 110,000 in 2022.
Directional25Newsprint import volume was 120,000 tonnes for Singapore media in 2022.
Single source26Supplements contributed 25% to newspaper ad revenue 2023.
Verified27Shin Min Daily News print run 80,000 copies daily 2022.
VerifiedPrint and Newspaper Media Interpretation
The numbers paint a portrait of a print media industry in Singapore that is simultaneously a trusted, ingrained habit for a devoted older audience and a business in a sobering, strategic retreat, fighting to monetize its credibility as advertising steadily migrates elsewhere.
Radio Broadcasting
1Radio listenership in Singapore stands at 85% weekly reach for ages 12+ in 2023.
Verified2Mediacorp's Class 95 FM has 1.2 million weekly listeners in 2022.
Verified3Radio advertising revenue was SGD 120 million in 2022, stable YoY.
Verified4Average daily radio listening time: 2.1 hours per person 2023.
Directional595.7FM (Gold 90.5) music station topped charts with 18% share 2022.
Single source6Drive-time (7-10am) slots capture 45% of daily radio ads 2023.
Verified7Podcasting overtook AM/FM for 18-24s with 55% preference 2023.
Verified8SPH Radio's ONE FM reached 800,000 Mandarin listeners weekly 2022.
Verified9Car radio listenership: 78% of drivers tune in daily 2023.
Directional10Radio news bulletins aired 500 times daily across stations 2022.
Single source1130-second spot rates on top FM stations: SGD 800 peak 2023.
Verified12Women 25-44 demo: 62% weekly radio listeners 2023.
Verified13Digital radio (DAB+) trials reached 50,000 listeners in 2022.
Verified14Talk radio share grew to 25% from 20% in 2020-2023.
Directional15Money FM 89.3 business station: 450,000 weekly audience 2023.
Single source16Radio multitasking with driving: 92% in 2023 survey.
Verified17Local music airplay quota: 40% on commercial stations 2022.
Verified18Peak listener hours (6-9am/pm): 1.5 million concurrent 2023.
Verified19Community radio stations like RadioHeat: 200,000 youth listeners 2022.
Directional20Ad-supported radio revenue breakdown: 60% national, 40% local 2023.
Single source21Symphony 92.4 classical station: 150,000 loyal listeners weekly 2023.
Verified22Radio production costs per hour: SGD 2,000 average 2022.
Verified2370% of Singaporeans discover music via radio in 2023.
Verified24Oldies 96.3 Love FM: 1 million weekly reach 2022.
Directional25Radio events sponsorships generated SGD 20 million 2023.
Single source26Tamil radio RIA 89.7 FM: 300,000 listeners monthly 2023.
VerifiedRadio Broadcasting Interpretation
While podcasts are the new fling for the young, radio remains Singapore’s steadfast, multitasking workhorse, serenading 85% of the nation in cars and kitchens while quietly moving $120 million in ads to the familiar rhythm of drive-time chatter and a 40% local music heartbeat.
Television and Broadcasting
1In 2022, Singapore's television advertising revenue reached SGD 450 million, marking a 5% year-on-year growth driven by increased demand for sports broadcasting.
Verified2As of 2023, 98.5% of Singapore households have access to digital terrestrial television services provided by Mediacorp.
Verified3Mediacorp's Channel 8 averaged 15.2% audience share in prime time slots during 2022.
Verified4In 2021, free-to-air TV viewership among 25-44 year olds dropped to 65% from 72% in 2019.
Directional5Pay-TV subscriptions in Singapore totaled 1.2 million in 2022, with StarHub leading at 45% market share.
Single source6Average daily TV viewing time per person in Singapore was 2.8 hours in 2023.
Verified7Sports content accounted for 28% of total TV ad spend in Singapore in 2022.
Verified8Mediacorp launched 12 new original dramas on Channel 5 in 2022, attracting 1.5 million viewers per episode on average.
Verified9Digital video-on-demand (VOD) overtook traditional TV for 18-34 demographics with 62% preference in 2023.
Directional10TV household penetration rate stood at 99.1% in Singapore as of end-2022.
Single source11In 2022, news programming captured 22% of total TV audience share across all channels.
Verified12Advertising rates for 30-second prime time slots on Channel U rose 8% to SGD 5,000 in 2023.
Verified1345% of Singaporeans watched live sports on TV during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Verified14Mediacorp's CNA (Channel NewsAsia) reached 4.2 million unique viewers monthly in 2023.
Directional15Traditional TV revenue declined 3% to SGD 1.1 billion in 2022 amid streaming competition.
Single source1672% of TV ads in Singapore were 15 seconds or shorter in 2022.
Verified17Channel 8's Chinese New Year specials drew peak audiences of 1.8 million in 2023.
Verified18IPTV services grew 12% in subscribers to 850,000 in 2022.
Verified19Women aged 50+ represented 28% of total TV viewership in 2023.
Directional20Local content hours on free-to-air TV increased 15% to 4,500 hours in 2022.
Single source21TV news credibility rating among Singaporeans was 82% in 2023 survey.
Verified22Prime time (7-11pm) accounted for 55% of daily TV ad impressions in 2022.
Verified23Mediacorp's kids channel Okto reached 450,000 children monthly in 2023.
Verified24Cable TV market share fell to 15% from 22% in 2018-2022 period.
Directional2560% of TV viewers multitask with mobiles during viewing sessions in 2023.
Single source26Drama genre held 35% audience share on Channel 8 in 2022.
Verified27TV production costs averaged SGD 500,000 per hour for local series in 2023.
Verified281.1 million households subscribed to Singtel's mio TV in 2022.
Verified29Late-night programming viewership grew 10% post-pandemic in 2023.
Directional30Public service broadcaster Mediacorp allocated SGD 300 million for content in 2023.
Single sourceTelevision and Broadcasting Interpretation
In a landscape where traditional television clings like a determined auntie to her 99% household reach, its heart—the advertising revenue—beats stronger for sports and news, even as its arteries harden with declining revenue and its younger audience floats away on digital streams.
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 2IMDAimda.gov.sgVisit source
- Reference 3MEDIACORPmediacorp.sgVisit source
- Reference 4NIELSENnielsen.comVisit source
- Reference 5KANTARkantar.comVisit source
- Reference 6GROUPMgroupm.comVisit source
- Reference 7DELOITTEwww2.deloitte.comVisit source
- Reference 8MARKETING-INTERACTIVEmarketing-interactive.comVisit source
- Reference 9PWCpwc.comVisit source
- Reference 10REUTERSreuters.comVisit source
- Reference 11PRODUCTIONSOCIETYproductionsociety.sgVisit source
- Reference 12SINGTELsingtel.comVisit source
- Reference 13SPHsph.com.sgVisit source
- Reference 14SPHMEDIAsphmedia.comVisit source
- Reference 15WAN-IFRAwan-ifra.orgVisit source
- Reference 16SPHMAGSsphmags.com.sgVisit source
- Reference 17NEAnea.gov.sgVisit source
- Reference 18STRAITSTIMESstraitstimes.comVisit source
- Reference 19TODAYONLINEtodayonline.comVisit source
- Reference 20EDELMANedelman.comVisit source
- Reference 21ZAOBAOzaobao.com.sgVisit source
- Reference 22ENTERPRISESGenterprisesg.gov.sgVisit source
- Reference 23SPHTAMILsphtamil.com.sgVisit source
- Reference 24DATAREPORTALdatareportal.comVisit source
- Reference 25SIMILARWEBsimilarweb.comVisit source
- Reference 26EDISONRESEARCHedisonresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 27OAAAoaaa.org.sgVisit source
- Reference 28LINKEDINlinkedin.comVisit source
- Reference 29EMARKETERemarketer.comVisit source
- Reference 30ONERADIOSINGAPOREoneradiosingapore.comVisit source
- Reference 31RAJARATINGSrajaratings.sgVisit source
- Reference 32MONEYFM893moneyfm893.sgVisit source
- Reference 33RADIOHEATradioheat.sgVisit source
- Reference 34IFPIifpi.orgVisit source
- Reference 35LOVE963love963.sgVisit source
- Reference 36SGCINEsgcine.comVisit source
- Reference 37MPmp.com.sgVisit source
- Reference 38SHAWSGshawsg.com.sgVisit source
- Reference 39BOXOFFICEMOJOboxofficemojo.comVisit source
- Reference 40OOHMEDIAoohmedia.sgVisit source
- Reference 41ANIWORKSaniworks.sgVisit source
- Reference 42GVgv.com.sgVisit source
- Reference 43SGIFFsgiff.comVisit source
- Reference 44IMAXimax.com.sgVisit source