Singapore enforces company standards for media freelancers

The guidelines will cover contracts, insurance, and dispute resolutions.

Singapore launched an industry-specific tripartite standard for media freelancers called Tripartite Standard on the Procurement of Services from Media Freelancers (TS Media Freelancers).

According to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the standard outlines four key areas on written contracts, timely payment, dispute resolution, and insurance.

Companies are required to provide media freelancers with a written contract clearly stating terms such as the agreed deliverables, ownership of intellectual property, and payment milestones.

Companies are also expected to adhere to the payment milestones outlined in the agreed terms.

TS Media Freelancers also said mediation should also be taken as the first course of action for any dispute resolution. The IMDA will also partner with the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) to provide subsidies for mediation services.

Companies should also offer workplace protection for media freelancers through insurance for production equipment, commercial general liability, and work-related accidents.

The firms will be required to adopt the TS Media Freelancers starting 1 April 2018 in order to qualify for IMDA media grants and funding for Public Service Broadcast content.