MediaCorp dumps TVMobile service

MediaCorp has announced plans to discontinue TVMobile, its free-to-air mobile television broadcast service, on 1 January 2010.

When TVM was launched in 2001, it was the only platform that offered quality digital content to public commuters.

Said MediaCorp in its announcement: “Inasmuch as TVM provides a rich source of entertainment and information to commuters, the resources required to operate and maintain the service are substantial. Having carefully evaluated the viability of the service, MediaCorp has decided to discontinue the service upon expiry of its current agreement with SBS Transit.”

When approached by the Singapore Business Review, MediaCorp declined to comment on costs or profits, citing “commercial viability” as the reason for discontinuing the service.

SBSTransit is also looking into other options for the television terminals in their buses. Ms Tammy Tan, Vice President, Corporate Communications, SBS Transit says: "There are no plans to remove the tvs at this point. We are currently exploring various options."

MediaCorp has said it will re-deploy its entire TVM staff to other operations.

Commuter Rachael Klyne, 23 says: “I like the news updates in the morning from CNA (ChannelNewsAsia). It’s great for an early morning update on the way to work. I will miss having a form of entertainment on long bus journeys, but I’m sure it won’t make a big difference if we don’t have it around anymore either.”

Housewife Agnes Yong. 60, also says: “ I don’t mind the shorter videos, but I don’t like the way the program keeps showing re-runs of old shows like Phua Chu Kang. Anyways, the journey is usually too short to watch a whole show. Also, I usually can’t hear the sound on the shows properly. From what I see, most people in the bus are not watching(the programme). I think there will be no difference when the programme ends.