Stamps of Singapore: 50 years of Television (2013)

Television has entered its golden age, as Singapore Post commemorates 50 years of TV broadcasting this year by issuing a series of stamps.

Over the last 50 years, local television has helped to entertain, inform, and unify the Singapore nation in times of adversary and triumph, and it continues to play these roles today.

Since the inaugural black and white broadcast on a single channel on 15 February 1963 and the commencement of colour transmission some 10 years later, the local TV landscape has undergone significant changes. With the introduction of more free-to-air channels over the years, the launch of pay-TV services in 1995, and more recently, high-definition TV, local television continues to evolve to offer local audiences greater programming choices and enhanced viewing experiences. Alongside these changes, the emphasis on quality local content remains unchanged. Home-grown programming, from current affairs to drama series and animation, continues to enthrall viewers and has given rise to many iconic television characters that audiences continue to remember fondly till today.

As TV marks its golden jubilee, Singapore will enter a new chapter in its television broadcasting history. From end 2013, Singapore’s free-to-air TV will switch from analogue to digital TV. Razor-sharp images and superior audio will become a reality, when all seven free-to-air channels are transmitted digitally using the Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial (DVB-T2) broadcasting standard. The move will prepare Singapore for the future of TV, paving the way for more high-definition channels and new services that local viewers can enjoy for many years to come.

This stamp issue meaningfully illustrates the journey of TV over the last 50 years.