IMDA unveils $8m fund for the media sector

The initiative aims to assist media practitioners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) rolled out the $8m Public Service Content Fund to catalyse more production projects, according to an announcement. This aims to benefit media companies with opportunities and reduced operating costs, and to assist media professionals and freelancers.

Under this initiative, Mediacorp, Viddsee, and Singapore Press Holdings will commission short-form content for their digital platforms through a call for proposal (CFP), providing $150,000 per project per call. Mediacorp will launch the first CFP on 23 April.

Self-employed persons (SEPs) will be provided a training grant of up to 90% of course fees, capped at $3,000 per course under the Talent Assistance Programme.

In addition, IMDA will contribute $20,000 to the Singapore Association for Motion Picture Professionals' COVID-19 Relief Fund, offering grants between $300 and $500 to film and TV media practitioners affected by project cancellations and postponements.

IMDA has also worked with multinational media corporations to implement the Capabilities Partnership Programme, pairing them with local media companies to develop "Made in Singapore" content. This is expected to benefit 80 to 100 local media companies over the next 12 months.

The agency will waive the film exhibition and distribution license fees for media companies starting 17 April. Classification fees for films, video games, and label fees will also be waived until further notice.