Questions Raised over PAP-Linked Journalist at Berita Harian amid SPH Media Funding
Title: Questions raised over PAP-linked journalist at Berita Harian amid SPH Media funding
Source: The Online Citizen (TOC),
https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/03...a-funding/
Author Information: Not specified
Article Summary:
Theme: The article examines concerns over potential conflicts of interest and editorial impartiality at Berita Harian, a publication under SPH Media Trust, following revelations of a journalist's reported ties to the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).
Core Points:
- Concerns were raised about the political neutrality of Anwar Saleh, a political correspondent at Berita Harian, due to his reported affiliation with the PAP Policy Forum (PPF) and previous roles in PAP-linked entities.
- SPH Media stated that Anwar resigned from the PAP in February 2023, but discrepancies in timeline records, showing Anwar listed as a PPF council member as late as October 2023, cast doubt on this claim.
- Anwar's reporting has been observed to favor government and PAP perspectives, raising questions about the potential for bias in his coverage.
- The article highlights the significant government funding allocated to SPH Media Trust, amounting to S$900 million over five years, and questions whether public funds are indirectly supporting content promoting the ruling party.
Phenomenon:
- The article examines a specific case study involving Anwar Saleh and his reported political affiliations, highlighting the potential for conflicts of interest within state-supported media structures.
- The article points to concerns surrounding the interplay between government funding, editorial independence, and the potential for biased reporting in a media landscape where journalists may have close ties to the ruling party.
Additional Information:
- The article emphasizes the importance of transparency in hiring practices, editorial safeguards, and upholding editorial independence in publicly funded newsrooms.
- The article underscores the critical role of maintaining credibility, balance, and independence in political reporting, particularly for news outlets like Berita Harian, which serve as key information sources for specific communities.