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Central (TV channel)

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Revision as of 06:55, 29 August 2023 by 109.145.134.109 (talk) (→Arts Central)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Singaporean television channel

Television channel
Central
CountrySingapore
Broadcast areaNationwide
HeadquartersBestway Building, 12 Prince Edward Road, 079212 Singapore
Programming
Language(s)English
Tamil
Picture format576i (4:3 SDTV)
Ownership
OwnerMediacorp TV12
Sister channelsSuria
History
Launched1 September 1995; 29 years ago (1995-09-01)
Closed19 October 2008; 16 years ago (2008-10-19)
Replaced byVasantham (physical slots)
Okto (format)
Former namesChannel 12
(1984 – 1995)
Premiere 12
(1995 – 2000)
Availability
(at time of closure)
Terrestrial
Analog terrestrial televisionChannel 24

Central was a Singaporean English and Tamil language free-to-air television channel. Its programming schedule was composed of three timeshared channels on its frequency slot: Kids Central, Vasantham Central and Arts Central.

Previously, Indian-related programming was broadcast along with Malay-language programmes on Prime 12, while Premiere 12's schedule consisted of arts, documentaries and kids shows.

MediaCorp TV12 Central was closed down on 19 October 2008 when Vasantham Central relaunched as the standalone channel Vasantham. Arts Central and Kids Central were merged into a single channel named okto, with kids and arts programming.

History

On 26 August 1994, ahead of the bill that suggested the planned privatisation of the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation, the Minister for Information and the Arts (Brigadier General) George Yeo announced the plan for the creation of a fourth free-to-air television channel in Singapore, offering a predominantly cultural lineup. Under this plan, Channel 8 would switch to an entirely-Chinese format, causing the Tamil shows there to move to Channel 12, using its new format to concentrate primarily on Malay and Indian content, whereas the cultural output that was on the former Channel 12 would move to a new UHF channel, due to the lack of VHF slots available.

Television Twelve (later renamed Singapore Television Twelve), who following the privatisation was the owner of Channel 12, received the greenlight from the Singapore Broadcasting Authority to broadcast a UHF channel on 27 July 1995.

In preparation for the launch of the two channels, it was announced that the logos and identities of services were to be revealed on launch night (1 September), as part of a special programme, 12 by 12, which was to be simulcast over both channels. The former Channel 12 output that had been virtually unchanged since its inception in 1984 (aside the inclusion of Malay content that would later appear on Prime 12) was to be carried over by the frequency 72 hours a week, with 15 1/2 hours devoted to sports, which The New Paper was its "crowd puller", football being its main driving force, emphasizing on Serie A, the S. League and Asian football. Sandra Buenaventura, CEO of Singapore Television Twelve, said that the channels were "like a tin of assorted biscuits", reflecting the individual nature of the specialist programming of the new services.

The channel launched at 8pm on 1 September 1995. Up until the start of the launch show, what would become Prime 12 was still carrying the "old" Channel 12.

At the end of 1999, Singapore Television Twelve announced that Premiere 12 was going to be replaced by Central as part of a company-wide restructuring of MediaCorp's television output, with the launch set for January 30, 2000.

Central's programming schedule was composed of three timeshared channels: Kids Central, focused on kids' programming; Vasantham Central, a Tamil-language programming block; and Arts Central centred on cultural programming. On launch week, Kids Central reportedly had 70,000 to 173,000 viewers, Vasantham Central exceeded 30% share and the showing of the Cirque du Soleil performance Quidam on Arts Central attracted 140,000 viewers. On 28 February 2000, Singapore Television Twelve increased Central's on-air hours from 91½ to 110½ hours per week.

On 19 October 2008, Central was dissolved. Vasantham Central on-air time was extended to form Vasantham, an independent channel focused on the Indian community of Singapore, as announced on 29 February that year by then Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts Dr. Balaji Sadasivan in Parliament. Meanwhile, Kids Central and Arts Central were merged into a single channel named Okto, which took Channel i's frequency and channel space.

Timeshared channels

Kids Central

Kids Central was Singapore's most-watched children's channel. Its programmes aim to bring fun television entertainment to children aged 4 to 12 years, as well as appeal to people's inner children. The channel was set up to be a strong terrestrial alternative to cable channels and programming blocks aimed at children.

Vasantham Central

File:Mediacorp vasantham central logo.png
Logo of Vasantham Central

Vasantham Central was focused to the Tamil community of Singapore, broadcasting Indian-produced dramas, variety, news, information, and entertainment shows in Tamil language. The station offered hours of programming on weekdays and on weekends, with approximately a quarter of local content.

The Children's Day Telemovie Special Matchstick was awarded the Certificate of Distinction at the New York Festivals in 2004. The channel conducted acting workshops, training and events such as Mother's Day celebrations in Tekka Mall.

Arts Central

File:Mediacorp arts central logo.png
Logo of Arts Central

Arts Central consisted on cultural-focused programming, with magazine shows, in-depth documentaries, performances, art-house movies, adult animation and short films. Arts Central offered 20 hours of programming per week.

In 2001, both Hanging by the Thread and AlterAsian received a Finalist status at the New York Festival, and in 2007, the I-Collector series placed as runners-up in the Asian TV Awards.

Programmes That Aired On Premiere 12

Imported Programmes

Animation

Children's Programmes

Programmes That Aired On Kids Central

Domestic Programmes

  • Hip-O and Friends

Imported Programmes

See also

References

  1. "Fourth TV channel will feature cultural shows". The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB). 27 August 1994. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  2. "TV 12 to start new channel". The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB). 29 July 1995. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  3. "More as TV 12 splits into 2". The New Paper (retrieved from NLB). 31 August 1995. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  4. "Page 37 Miscellaneous Column 2". The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB). 1 September 1995. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  5. Haman, Andrea (1 December 1999). "STV 12 unveils Kids Central". Kidscreen. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  6. "Programme Ratings for STV12 Channels Soared on Debut!". MediaCorp Group. February 2000. Archived from the original on 27 June 2001. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  7. "STV12 to Increase Programming Hours on Central". MediaCorp Group. February 2000. Archived from the original on 10 April 2001. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  8. Wong, Alicia (1 March 2008). "Dedicated Indian and kids TV channels". Today (retrieved from NLB). Retrieved 24 March 2020.
  9. Haman, Andrea (1 December 1999). "STV 12 unveils Kids Central". Kidscreen. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
Mediacorp
Television
Radio
Artiste group
Other
Defunct
See also: Mass media in Singapore
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