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Media Analysis Report
17–22 February 2012
Prepared for
Singapore Budget 2012
Contents
INTRODUCTION        3   LEADING MEDIA                       10

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY   4   LEADING SPOKESPEOPLE/COMMENTATORS   11
ARTICLE TYPE        6   TREND                               12

LEADING TOPICS      7   METHODOLOGY                         13

LEADING MESSAGES    8
Introduction

                                                                             The sample, derived from print and internet monitoring
This document presents the results                                                                                                                                                                NOTE
                                                                             by Media Monitors, included the following media:
                                                                                                                                                                                                MEDIA MONITORS’
of media analysis of coverage of the                                         Print                                                                                                              MEDIA ANALYSIS
                                                                             >   Berita Harian/Berita Minggu                                                                                    REPORTS USE THE
Budget 2012 between Friday 17                                                >   Business Times                                                                                                 CARMA®
                                                                             >   Lianhe Wanbao                                                                                                  METHODOLOGY – FOR
February and Wednesday 22                                                    >   Lianhe.Zaobao                                                                                                  MORE INFORMATION,
                                                                             >   My Paper                                                                                                       SEE PAGE 13.
February 2012.                                                               >   Shin Min Daily News
                                                                             >   Tamil Murasu
                                                                             >   The New Paper
The objective of this media analysis was to measure                          >   The Straits Times
media response to the FY2012 budget announcement                             >   Today/Weekend Today
in terms of favourability. This study identifies key
topics and messages that were communicated in the                            Online
media discussion.
                                                                             >   Aware.org.sg
The sample analysed consisted of print and internet                          >   VR-zone
media reports, as well as user-generated content                             >   Musings from the Lion City
(blogs and forums), that were published during the                           >   Hardware Zone Singapore
period, and that contained opinion about the FY2012                          >   Martin Lee @ Sg
Budget. The Budget was announced on Friday,17                                >   My Autoblog
February 2012 by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance                           >   Sam’s Alfresco Coffee
Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.                                            >   Singapore Notes
                                                                             >   Singapore Sojourn
                                                                             >   Singapore News Alternative
                                                                             >   Singapore Surf
                                                                             >   SPUG Forums
                                                                             >   The Online Citizen
                                                                             For analysis of forums, one page of posts was
                                                                             considered to be equivalent to one media report.



DISCLAIMER: While Media Monitors endeavours to provide accurate, reliable and complete information, Media Monitors makes no representations in relation to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the
information contained in this report. To the extent permitted by law, Media Monitors excludes all conditions, warranties and other obligations in relation to the supply of this report and otherwise limits its liability to the
amount paid by the recipient for the report. In no circumstances will Media Monitors be liable to the recipient or to any third party for any consequential loss or damage, including loss of profit, in connection with the
supply of this report.



SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                                                                                    PAGE / 3
Executive Summary

Key Findings
Table 1                                                                                  heavily reliant on foreign labour; and on the other, an appreciation of the longer
                                                                                         term benefits of reducing reliance on foreign workers. Key arguments against
KEY METRICS                                                                              the use of foreign labour that were cited included Singaporean demographics,
TOTAL VOLUME                                                                    84       as well as competition for employment. In the case of the latter, some coverage
                                                                                         distinguished between foreign workers who are engaged in low-skilled work that
AVERAGE FAVOURABILITY                                                          55.4      was unattractive to Singaporean nationals, and skilled foreign employees.
LEADING STORY FOCUS (REPORTS)                                   PUBLIC ISSUES (51)    > Relating to this, SMEs were prominently discussed in the analysed coverage,
LEADING MESSAGE (MENTIONS)               HAS THE PEOPLE’S INTEREST AT HEART (26)
                                                                                        often in the context of the tightened labour market (23 mentions of SMEs,
                                                                                        making it the fifth leading topic). Although concerns were frequently raised
LEADING SPOKESPERSON                   THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM, DEPUTY PRIME             about SMEs in relation to foreign labour cuts, coverage of this topic was the
(MENTIONS)                                      MINISTER & FINANCE MINISTER (13)        second most favourable of the eight leading topics (61.1 average rating). The
                                                                                        relatively high favourability of this reporting was due to positive discussion of the
LEADING MEDIA (REPORTS)                                     THE STRAITS TIMES (13)
                                                                                        S$5,000 cash grant and other subsidies to support SMEs in the Budget, such as
                                                                                        the Productivity and Innovation Credit scheme, the SPRING and IE Singapore
> A total of 84 print and online media reports collated between 17 and 22               productivity grants, subsidised training, the Renovation and Refurbishment
  February 2012 were identified as containing opinion on the FY2012 Singapore           Deduction scheme, and Special Employment Credit (SEC).
  Budget. Overall, this media coverage was moderately favourable in tone, with
                                                                                      > Senior citizens were also very commonly mentioned in the analysed coverage
  an average rating of 55.4 (see page 13 for further discussion of the CARMA
                                                                                        as key beneficiaries of the 2012 Budget. Of the eight most frequently discussed
  favourability scale, where 50.0 is neutral and 60.0 is highly favourable).
                                                                                        topics, six related to seniors, namely: individual tax and subsidies, ageing
> Stories relating to the Singapore public were the most common (61% of the total       population, CPF, public healthcare, older/disabled workers and housing. Some
  analysed coverage), followed by stories on the overall economy (21%) and the          of the discussed incentives that catered for seniors were subsidies for families
  private sector (14%). Only 4% of the analysed reporting focused on the public         and homes that care for the elderly, the MediShield allocation, the Silver
  sector, and these reports discussed the defence ministry allocation or                Housing bonus, increased CPF contribution rates for older workers, and
  prominently featured views on the Budget from government officials.                   incentives for employers who hire seniors.
> With the bulk of reports focusing on the Singapore public, the topic that was       > On average, housing was the least favourably discussed of the leading topics
  most favourably and frequently discussed was individual tax and subsidies             (21 mentions, 52.1 average rating). While half of the coverage of this issue was
  (46% of the coverage analysed mentioned this topic, and these reports had an
  average rating of 60.0). This reporting frequently acknowledged those benefits
  proposed for lower-income families, the disabled and the elderly (see chart 2).
> The second most frequently mentioned topic was foreign labour. Although 34%
  of the analysed reports on this subject were unfavourable in tone, the overall
                                                                                      → SIX OUT OF THE EIGHT LEADING
  average rating of this coverage was favourable (56.1 average rating). Media         TOPICS IN THE ANALYSED MEDIA
  discussion about the lowered dependency ratio ceilings (DRCs) was polarised
  between two different subjects: on the one hand, concern expressed by
                                                                                      COVERAGE RELATED TO SENIORS
  businesses – particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – that are


SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                                PAGE / 4
favourable and related to the Silver Housing Bonus, reporting also cited
   prominent criticism of housing affordability, which decreased the favourability of
   coverage of the subject.                                                               WHAT MEDIA SAYS
> The top five leading messages to appear in reporting were favourable, followed          “POLICY WONKS MUST BE HONEST AND
  by three unfavourable messages. The most prominent favourable messages                  COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO ADMIT THAT THE SINGLE
  were has the people’s interest at heart (26 mentions), is focused on the long           BIGGEST MISMANAGED ECONOMIC FACTOR THAT
  term (20 mentions) and is focused on increasing productivity (19 mentions).
  These messages were conveyed in reporting about the benefits proposed in the            HAS BROUGHT US OUR DISMAL POPULATION
  Budget for different stakeholders, as previously discussed, as well as in reports       FIGURES TODAY ARE THE SKY-HIGH LAND AND
  on economic restructuring, particularly with regard to labour and productivity.         PROPERTY PRICES”
> The three most prominent unfavourable messages were is not inclusive (ten               Law Kim Hwee, The Straits Times, 18 February 2012
  mentions), does not benefit stakeholders (eight mentions) and is not focused on
  the short term (seven mentions). An equal number of reports communicated the
  reverse of the first message relating to the inclusiveness of the Budget (see
                                                                                           (six forum pages, 44.2 average rating) and Hardwarezone.com (five forum
  chart 3); however, much of the criticism pertained to the exclusion of middle
                                                                                           pages, 49.0 average rating). Although these sites were considerably less
  income earners, of women of different age groups, of singles and young adults
                                                                                           favourable than the analysed print media, the least favourable of the leading
  including single parents. The message that the Budget does not benefit
                                                                                           internet media was still only moderately unfavourable on average (Sam’s
  stakeholders was often conveyed in coverage about inflation, high living costs
                                                                                           Alfresco Coffee, 44.2 average rating) (see chart 4 for Leading Media).
  or housing affordability, as well as in discussion of the low birth rate – core
  issues that the Budget was not seen to effectively address. Reports that              > A total of six articles/forum pages that included comment on the Budget were
  focused on the overall economy typically pointed out that the Budget seemed to          posted on analysed blogs and forums on the day of the announcement (17
  neglect imminent short-term challenges; these communicated that the Budget is           February), and these were moderately negative overall (44.2 average rating).
  not focused on the short term. However, a few of the same reports additionally          Reporting peaked on the day following the Budget announcement, with wider
  suggested that the government had reserves upon which it could draw if a crisis         print coverage in addition to online (24 total reports on 18 February, 60.6
  did break out (see examples in the Leading Messages section).                           average rating). The favourability of opinion coverage steadily declined over the
                                                                                          subsequent three days. Opinion coverage spiked again on 21 February, when
> The leading spokespeople to be quoted in coverage of the Budget comprised a
                                                                                          discussion of the Budget was both critical and balanced (19 articles that had an
  mix of government spokespeople and third-party commentators. The most
                                                                                          average rating of 51.1, very close to neutral). This included four opinion articles
  prominent spokespeople were the Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister (13
                                                                                          by columnists, three letters-to-the-editor, an editorial and two blog posts.
  reports, 66.5 average rating) and the Minister of State for Community
                                                                                          Coverage that expressed opinions about the Budget dropped drastically on 22
  Development, Youth and Sports (six reports, 69.2 average rating; see chart 5).
                                                                                          February to a total of five reports (see chart 6 for Trend).
> Of the analysed print media, The Straits Times led opinion reporting on the
                                                                                        > Although there was active media debate about the social dynamics between the
  Budget (13 reports, 57.3 average favourability), followed by Lianhe Zaobao
                                                                                          ageing population, foreign labour, rising living costs and the low birth rate,
  (nine reports, 61.1 average rating) and Today (eight reports, 55.6 average
                                                                                          analysed coverage did not explicitly discuss the fact that the population
  rating). A third of the articles from Lianhe Zaobao were slightly to moderately
                                                                                          challenges facing Singapore are similar to those faced by other developed
  unfavourable towards the Budget, discussing challenges that the Budget posed
                                                                                          Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. This comparative approach
  to businesses; however, four out of the nine reports by the Chinese-language
                                                                                          may better contextualise the Budget recommendations in light of the aims to
  media were highly favourable (70.0 or higher rating), and praised the support
                                                                                          preserve the country’s culture and sustain its growth.
  that was proposed for vulnerable groups. The most prominent online sites were
  The Online Citizen (seven reports, 52.1 average rating), Sam’s Alfresco Coffee

SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                                 PAGE / 5
Article Type

Chart 1                                                                                                             NOTE
          80                                                                                  70
                                                                                    65.7
                                                                                                                   THIS CHART SHOWS THE TYPES OF ARTICLES IN
                                                                                                                   ANALYSED PRINT AND ONLINE MEDIA. NEWS,
               58.8                                59.1                                                            OPINION, LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR AND
          60                                                                                  60
                                                                                                                   EDITORIALS WERE FROM PRINT MEDIA OR




                                                                                                   FAVOURABILITY
                                                                                                                   WERE ONLINE VERSIONS OF PRINT. THESE
 VOLUME




                37              47.9                                                                               INCLUDE ONLINE VERSIONS OF ARTICLES THAT
          40                                                                                  50
                                                                        45.0                                       WERE SYNDICATED ON BLOGS.
                9
                3                21                                                                                BLOGS AND FORUMS HERE REFER TO USER-
          20
                                                    11
                                                                                              40                   GENERATED CONTENT AS OPPOSED TO MEDIA-
                                 11                                      8
                25                                                                    7                            GENERATED COVERAGE.
                                                    4
                                  8                 7                    5
                                                                                      6
          0                                                                                   30
               NEWS       BLOGS & FORUMS          OPINION     LETTER-TO-EDITOR    EDITORIAL
                                 FAV        NEU           UNFAV         AVG FAV




SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                 PAGE / 6
Leading Topics

Chart 2
              80                                                                                                                      70

                                                        60.7                      61.1                         61.4
                        60.0
                                                                                            58.6
              60                                                         57.5                                                         60
                                         56.1




                                                                                                                                           FAVOURABILITY
                                                                                                                              52.1
     VOLUME




                        39
              40                          32                                                                                          50
                         6                               28
                         4                                               26
                                                                                  23         22                 21            21
                                          11
                                                         4                5
              20                                                                   5                                                  40
                                                                          6                  4                  3              7
                        29
                                                         21                                                                    4
                                          19                             15       17         15                 15
                                                                                                                              10
              0                                                                                                                       30
                   INDIVIDUAL TAX   FOREIGN LABOUR     AGEING            CPF     SME       PUBLIC         OLDER/ DISABLED   HOUSING
                   AND SUBSIDIES                     POPULATION                          HEALTHCARE          WORKERS
                                                        FAV             NEU     UNFAV       AVG FAV




                                                                                                   NOTE

                                                                                                   THE CHART ABOVE SHOWS THE TOPICS
                                                                                                   DISCUSSED MOST FREQUENTLY IN RELATION
                                                                                                   TO THE SINGAPORE 2012 BUDGET, BY VOLUME
                                                                                                   OF COVERAGE AND THE FAVOURABILITY OF
                                                                                                   THEIR MEDIA DISCUSSION.


SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                  PAGE / 7
Leading Messages

Chart 3                                                                                                                    NOTE
                                                                                 VOLUME
                                                                                                                         THIS CHART SHOWS THE EIGHT MESSAGES
                                                       0       5       10          15     20        25        30
                                                                                                                         THAT WERE MOST FREQUENTLY
           HAS THE PEOPLE'S INTEREST AT HEART                                                            26              COMMUNICATED IN THE ANALYSED COVERAGE.

                  IS FOCUSED ON THE LONG TERM                                                  20

      IS FOCUSED ON INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY                                                19

                         BENEFITS STAKEHOLDERS                                      15

                                       IS INCLUSIVE                         10

                                  IS NOT INCLUSIVE                          10

               DOES NOT BENEFIT STAKEHOLDERS                           8

            IS NOT FOCUSED ON THE SHORT TERM                       7

                                                 FAV       UNFAV
                                                                                               initiatives that will leave a more lasting effect” (The Straits Times, 18 February
HAS THE PEOPLE’S INTEREST AT HEART
                                                                                               2012).
> “[Dr Amy Khor, chairman of government portal REACH] said the Budget will
  help manage key challenges like slower economic growth, income inequality               IS FOCUSED ON INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY
  and the ageing population. She said: ‘It is also a Budget with a heart because it
                                                                                          > “Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were given a Budget that had a clear
  has got targeted schemes to help the elderly, low income and disabled, as well
                                                                                            message: Shape up by raising productivity, or face the risk of being shipped out.
  as local companies to help them restructure.’ She also noted the ‘stepped-up
                                                                                            Using a carrot and stick approach to spur firms to raise efficiency levels, Deputy
  efforts to give social support assurance to vulnerable groups’ such as the
                                                                                            Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday announced that the
  elderly, the low income and the disabled” (Today, 20 February 2012).
                                                                                            government will double the maximum cash payout to firms that tap into the
                                                                                            Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIG) scheme” (The Business Times, 18
IS FOCUSED ON THE LONG TERM
                                                                                            February 2012).
> “Seen in that light, Mr Tharman’s unwavering stance on foreign workers (and
  indeed his move to tighten the supply further in some sectors) is really tough          BENEFITS STAKEHOLDERS
  love. So, too, are the measures announced to help small and medium-sized
                                                                                          > “[The Budget] reinforces the government’s determination to buttress, and where
  enterprises, a group that has been crying out for more attention as business
                                                                                            necessary, remodel economic and social foundations to give individuals and
  costs rise. Instead of taking the easy option of handing out rental and other
                                                                                            businesses alike the means to cope and overcome global economic
  rebates, the Finance Minister has put his money into grants and schemes that
                                                                                            uncertainties that still lie ahead. The Budget also addresses concerns from a
  will modernise their operations and upgrade the skills of their workers –
                                                                                            population that has griped about the growing number of foreign workers, the



SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                                      PAGE / 8
DOES NOT BENEFIT STAKEHOLDERS
   squeeze on buses and other modes of the public transport system, and worries    > “Instead of redundant, to be more exact I will say I find this budget announced
   – especially among the lower-income – about not having enough to get by on as     by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam to
   Singaporeans work and live longer” (The Straits Times, 18 February 2012).         be very strange. It is as if the Singapore government knows what is needed by
                                                                                     Singaporeans but is unsure how much to push to give the benefits needed by
IS INCLUSIVE                                                                         the disadvantaged. So the budget is filled with half-hearted measures that don’t
                                                                                     do enough. More than anything, I find that disappointing” (Musings from the Lion
> “However, [Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Tharman                      City, 20 February 2012).
  Shanmugaratnam] might have surprised people by the extent of measures to
  boost inclusiveness and social equity – themes that have not traditionally
                                                                                   IS NOT FOCUSED ON THE SHORT TERM
  dominated budgets in Singapore, but which have come to occupy an
  increasingly prominent place on the government’s agenda” (The Business           > “[It] is imperative to note that the government has not taken too kindly to
  Times, 18 February 2012).                                                          stimulus measures, opting instead, to invest on a long term basis. However
                                                                                     astute as it might be, this leaves the short and medium term vulnerable to
IS NOT INCLUSIVE                                                                     exposure to an external shock … Being an export driven economy, we are often
                                                                                     faced with upheavals in the economic and financial market. In particular, any
> “Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) expressed concern            shock factors experienced in the US market is felt exponentially here in
  that the government paid little attention to women at the Budget statement         Singapore” (The Online Citizen, 21 February 2012).
  recently … Measures only benefit those who work or are willing to return to
  employment. Aware drew attention to the fact that most older women no longer
  work. Last year, only 55.1 percent of women between 55 and 59 were in
  employment compared to 85.7 percent of men in the same age group. Most
  women stop working to be housewives and that it is not easy for them to find
  work in formal sectors, said Aware” (Berita Minggu, 19 February 2012).




                                                           WHAT MEDIA SAYS
                                                           [FINANCE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER THARMAN
                                                           SHANMUGARATNAM] MIGHT HAVE SURPRISED PEOPLE BY THE EXTENT
                                                           OF MEASURES TO BOOST INCLUSIVENESS AND SOCIAL EQUITY –
                                                           THEMES THAT HAVE NOT TRADITIONALLY DOMINATED BUDGETS IN
                                                           SINGAPORE, BUT WHICH HAVE COME TO OCCUPY AN INCREASINGLY
                                                           PROMINENT PLACE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S AGENDA.
                                                           The Business Times, 18 February 2012


SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                        PAGE / 9
Leading Media

Chart 4
           32                                                                                                                                       70

                                  61.1
           24      57.3                                                                                                                             60
                                                     55.6




                                                                                                                                                         FAVOURABILITY
                                                                                                                        55.0
                                                                                    53.3
                                                                        52.1
  VOLUME




                                                                                                                                         49.0
           16       13                                                                                                                              50
                                                                                                     44.2
                    3              9
                                                      8
                    2                                                    7
           8                                                                         6                6                  6                          40
                                   3                  2                                                                                   5
                                                                         2
                                                                                     2                                   2
                    8                                                    2                            4                                   3
                                   6                  5
                                                                         3           3                                   4
           0                                                                                                                                        30
                THE STRAITS     LIANHE             TODAY           THE ONLINE   BERITA HARIAN   SAM'S ALFRESCO     BUSINESS TIMES   HARDWAREZONE.
                  TIMES         ZAOBAO                              CITIZEN                        COFFEE                               COM
                                                      FAV               NEU        UNFAV             AVG FAV




                                                                                                            NOTE

                                                                                                            THE CHART ABOVE SHOWS THE EIGHT PRINT
                                                                                                            AND ONLINE MEDIA THAT PROVIDED OPINION
                                                                                                            MOST FREQUENTLY ON THE BUDGET 2012.
                                                                                                            FORUMS WERE ANALYSED AS ONE PAGE OF
                                                                                                            POSTS BEING EQUIVALENT TO ONE MEDIA
                                                                                                            REPORT.


SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                               PAGE / 10
Leading Spokespeople/Commentators

Chart 5

             24                                                                                                                                          90
                                                                                                                                             75.0
                        66.5                 69.2




                                                                                                                                                              FAVOURABILITY
             18                                                                   61.7                                                                   70
                         13
    VOLUME




                                                                                                                         50.0
                                                              46.7
             12          2                                                                                                                               50
                                                                                                      35.0
                                              6
             6           11                                     3                  3                                                                     30
                                                                                                       2                     2                2
                                              6
                                                                3                  3                   2                                      2
             0                                                                                                                                           10
                       THARMAN          HALIMAH YACOB,   MANU BHASKARAN,       HAZEL POA,       KIT WEI ZHENG,      SELENA LING,       HENG SWEE KEAT,
                  SHANMUGARATNAM,         MINISTER OF    CENTENNIAL ASIA   NSP CANDIDATE FOR    CITI ECONOMIST      OCBC HEAD OF         MINISTER OF
                     DEPUTY PRIME          STATE FOR     CONSULTING CEO      CHUA CHU KANG                            TREASURY           EDUCATION
                      MINISTER &          COMMUNITY                               GRC                                RESEARCH &
                   FINANCE MINISTER      DEVELOPMENT,                                                                 STRATEGY
                                        YOUTH & SPORTS
                                      FAV COMMENT                   NEU COMMENT                  UNFAV COMMENT                     AVG FAV




   NOTE
                                                                                         WHAT MEDIA SAYS
  THIS CHART SHOWS THE GOVERNMENT                                                        “MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNITY
  SPOKESPEOPLE AND OTHER COMMENTATORS
  ON THE BUDGET WHO WERE CITED MOST
                                                                                         DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS HALIMAH
  FREQUENTLY IN THE ANALYSED COVERAGE.                                                   YACOB FELT IT IS ‘NOT A BUDGET FOR [THE] SHORT-
  THE AVERAGE FAVOURABILITY RATINGS HERE                                                 TERM’. ‘IT IS INVESTMENT IN THE LONG TERM IN OUR
  INDICATE THE AVERAGE TONE OF THE OVERALL                                               CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, TEACHERS, SYSTEM,
  MEDIA REPORTS THAT MENTIONED THE                                                       AND ALSO INVESTMENT IN OUR LOW INCOME
  SOURCE – NOT THE FAVOURABILITY OF
  COMMENTS BY THE INDIVIDUAL SPOKESPEOPLE
                                                                                         FAMILIES WHICH IS THE KEY TO SOCIAL MOBILITY.”
                                                                                         Today on Sunday, 19 February 2012
  AND COMMENTATORS.


SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                    PAGE / 11
Trend

Chart 6                                                                                                               NOTE
          48                                                                                     70
                                                                                                                      THIS CHART SHOWS THE TREND IN VOLUME
                                                                                                                      AND FAVOURABILITY OF MEDIA REPORTS THAT
                              60.6
                                              58.1                                                                    PROVIDED OPINION ABOUT THE BUDGET 2012
          36                                                                                     60
                                                                                                                      BETWEEN FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY AND




                                                                                                      FAVOURABILITY
                                                           54.3                        54.0
                                                                                                                      WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2012.
                                                                          51.1
 VOLUME




                               24
          24                                                                                     50
                                5                                         19
                  44.2                        16
                                                           14
                                               4                           8
          12                                   2            4                                    40
                   6           18                           2              4            5
                   3                          10            8              7
                   2                                                                    4
          0                                                                                      30
               17/02/2012   18/02/2012     19/02/2012   20/02/2012     21/02/2012   22/02/2012
                                     FAV        NEU     UNFAV         AVG FAV




SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17–22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                    PAGE / 12
Methodology

Best-Practice Media Analysis
Media Monitors’ best-practice media analysis uses a     An aggregate score is calculated based on these          key issues and attitudes that appear in the media,
systematic approach to turn media content into          multiple variables and presented on a 0–100 scale        answer clients’ key questions, and, where relevant,
meaningful data. This approach analyses media           where 50 is neutral. This is an overall rating of the    provide recommendations for further action.
content both quantitatively and qualitatively.          favourability of each media report towards the client
                                                                                                                 The consistency of analysis is ensured in three key
                                                        organisation (and, if relevant, other organisations or
Media Monitors uses the CARMA® media content                                                                     ways:
                                                        competitors). This aggregate score is called the
analysis methodology, which is internationally
                                                        CARMA® Favourability Rating.                             > Most of the variables analysed are objective
recognised as one of the leading commercial systems
                                                                                                                   criteria (such as media name, positioning,
available. CARMA® (Computer Aided Research and          The average favourability is the aggregated rating of
                                                                                                                   sources’ names);
Media Analysis) uses advanced technology to             the media coverage analysed. This can identify the
quantify media content, and human intelligence to       potential impact of media reporting, and can be used     > The somewhat more subjective topics and
provide qualitative insight and analysis.               to identify trends and establish benchmarks for future     messages are identified by either exact phrasing
                                                        data.                                                      or acceptable alternatives, provided to researchers
Media Monitors uses the CARMA® methodology to
                                                                                                                   before analysis begins; and
qualitatively analyse media coverage by taking into     The criteria for analysis (such as topics and specific
account multiple variables. These include the:          key messages) are set up uniquely for each individual    > Media Monitors uses multiple researchers on
                                                        client by a team of media analysis experts. These          projects to minimise individual subjectivity.
> Placement of media reports (front page or lead
                                                        experts bring their industry knowledge to identify
  item in broadcast media and websites);
> Positioning of organisation discussion (headline,     Average Favourability Explained
  prominent mentions, passing mentions);
> Image (photos, illustrations, charts, cartoons, or
  the image content of video);
> Topics discussed in the media and their relative
  importance to the client organisation;
> Messages, both favourable and unfavourable,
  communicated in media reports;
> Sources quoted (both organisation representatives
  and other individuals who make relevant
  comments in the media); and
> Tone of content (extreme language, adjectives and
  adverbs, metaphors or similes and other figures of
  speech).




SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17–22 FEBRUARY 2012                                                                                            PAGE / 13
AMEC Membership                                      Media Monitors’ Award-Winning
Media Monitors is a member of the Association for    Media Analysis and Evaluation
Measurement and Evaluation of Communication
(AMEC), the leading international organisation for   AMEC Communication Effectiveness Awards 2010
communication and media research based in the UK     > Gold – Best use of communication measurement:
and fully complies with its strict standards (see      public sector
www.amecorg.com).
                                                     > Gold – Best use of measurement for a single event
                                                     > Silver – Best use of communication measurement:
                                                       business-to-consumer
                                                     > Bronze – Best use of communication
                                                       measurement: not-for-profit
Singapore Budget 2012 Media Analysis

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Singapore Budget 2012 Media Analysis

  • 1. Media Analysis Report 17–22 February 2012 Prepared for Singapore Budget 2012
  • 2. Contents INTRODUCTION 3 LEADING MEDIA 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 LEADING SPOKESPEOPLE/COMMENTATORS 11 ARTICLE TYPE 6 TREND 12 LEADING TOPICS 7 METHODOLOGY 13 LEADING MESSAGES 8
  • 3. Introduction The sample, derived from print and internet monitoring This document presents the results NOTE by Media Monitors, included the following media: MEDIA MONITORS’ of media analysis of coverage of the Print MEDIA ANALYSIS > Berita Harian/Berita Minggu REPORTS USE THE Budget 2012 between Friday 17 > Business Times CARMA® > Lianhe Wanbao METHODOLOGY – FOR February and Wednesday 22 > Lianhe.Zaobao MORE INFORMATION, > My Paper SEE PAGE 13. February 2012. > Shin Min Daily News > Tamil Murasu > The New Paper The objective of this media analysis was to measure > The Straits Times media response to the FY2012 budget announcement > Today/Weekend Today in terms of favourability. This study identifies key topics and messages that were communicated in the Online media discussion. > Aware.org.sg The sample analysed consisted of print and internet > VR-zone media reports, as well as user-generated content > Musings from the Lion City (blogs and forums), that were published during the > Hardware Zone Singapore period, and that contained opinion about the FY2012 > Martin Lee @ Sg Budget. The Budget was announced on Friday,17 > My Autoblog February 2012 by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance > Sam’s Alfresco Coffee Minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam. > Singapore Notes > Singapore Sojourn > Singapore News Alternative > Singapore Surf > SPUG Forums > The Online Citizen For analysis of forums, one page of posts was considered to be equivalent to one media report. DISCLAIMER: While Media Monitors endeavours to provide accurate, reliable and complete information, Media Monitors makes no representations in relation to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained in this report. To the extent permitted by law, Media Monitors excludes all conditions, warranties and other obligations in relation to the supply of this report and otherwise limits its liability to the amount paid by the recipient for the report. In no circumstances will Media Monitors be liable to the recipient or to any third party for any consequential loss or damage, including loss of profit, in connection with the supply of this report. SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 3
  • 4. Executive Summary Key Findings Table 1 heavily reliant on foreign labour; and on the other, an appreciation of the longer term benefits of reducing reliance on foreign workers. Key arguments against KEY METRICS the use of foreign labour that were cited included Singaporean demographics, TOTAL VOLUME 84 as well as competition for employment. In the case of the latter, some coverage distinguished between foreign workers who are engaged in low-skilled work that AVERAGE FAVOURABILITY 55.4 was unattractive to Singaporean nationals, and skilled foreign employees. LEADING STORY FOCUS (REPORTS) PUBLIC ISSUES (51) > Relating to this, SMEs were prominently discussed in the analysed coverage, LEADING MESSAGE (MENTIONS) HAS THE PEOPLE’S INTEREST AT HEART (26) often in the context of the tightened labour market (23 mentions of SMEs, making it the fifth leading topic). Although concerns were frequently raised LEADING SPOKESPERSON THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM, DEPUTY PRIME about SMEs in relation to foreign labour cuts, coverage of this topic was the (MENTIONS) MINISTER & FINANCE MINISTER (13) second most favourable of the eight leading topics (61.1 average rating). The relatively high favourability of this reporting was due to positive discussion of the LEADING MEDIA (REPORTS) THE STRAITS TIMES (13) S$5,000 cash grant and other subsidies to support SMEs in the Budget, such as the Productivity and Innovation Credit scheme, the SPRING and IE Singapore > A total of 84 print and online media reports collated between 17 and 22 productivity grants, subsidised training, the Renovation and Refurbishment February 2012 were identified as containing opinion on the FY2012 Singapore Deduction scheme, and Special Employment Credit (SEC). Budget. Overall, this media coverage was moderately favourable in tone, with > Senior citizens were also very commonly mentioned in the analysed coverage an average rating of 55.4 (see page 13 for further discussion of the CARMA as key beneficiaries of the 2012 Budget. Of the eight most frequently discussed favourability scale, where 50.0 is neutral and 60.0 is highly favourable). topics, six related to seniors, namely: individual tax and subsidies, ageing > Stories relating to the Singapore public were the most common (61% of the total population, CPF, public healthcare, older/disabled workers and housing. Some analysed coverage), followed by stories on the overall economy (21%) and the of the discussed incentives that catered for seniors were subsidies for families private sector (14%). Only 4% of the analysed reporting focused on the public and homes that care for the elderly, the MediShield allocation, the Silver sector, and these reports discussed the defence ministry allocation or Housing bonus, increased CPF contribution rates for older workers, and prominently featured views on the Budget from government officials. incentives for employers who hire seniors. > With the bulk of reports focusing on the Singapore public, the topic that was > On average, housing was the least favourably discussed of the leading topics most favourably and frequently discussed was individual tax and subsidies (21 mentions, 52.1 average rating). While half of the coverage of this issue was (46% of the coverage analysed mentioned this topic, and these reports had an average rating of 60.0). This reporting frequently acknowledged those benefits proposed for lower-income families, the disabled and the elderly (see chart 2). > The second most frequently mentioned topic was foreign labour. Although 34% of the analysed reports on this subject were unfavourable in tone, the overall → SIX OUT OF THE EIGHT LEADING average rating of this coverage was favourable (56.1 average rating). Media TOPICS IN THE ANALYSED MEDIA discussion about the lowered dependency ratio ceilings (DRCs) was polarised between two different subjects: on the one hand, concern expressed by COVERAGE RELATED TO SENIORS businesses – particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – that are SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 4
  • 5. favourable and related to the Silver Housing Bonus, reporting also cited prominent criticism of housing affordability, which decreased the favourability of coverage of the subject. WHAT MEDIA SAYS > The top five leading messages to appear in reporting were favourable, followed “POLICY WONKS MUST BE HONEST AND by three unfavourable messages. The most prominent favourable messages COURAGEOUS ENOUGH TO ADMIT THAT THE SINGLE were has the people’s interest at heart (26 mentions), is focused on the long BIGGEST MISMANAGED ECONOMIC FACTOR THAT term (20 mentions) and is focused on increasing productivity (19 mentions). These messages were conveyed in reporting about the benefits proposed in the HAS BROUGHT US OUR DISMAL POPULATION Budget for different stakeholders, as previously discussed, as well as in reports FIGURES TODAY ARE THE SKY-HIGH LAND AND on economic restructuring, particularly with regard to labour and productivity. PROPERTY PRICES” > The three most prominent unfavourable messages were is not inclusive (ten Law Kim Hwee, The Straits Times, 18 February 2012 mentions), does not benefit stakeholders (eight mentions) and is not focused on the short term (seven mentions). An equal number of reports communicated the reverse of the first message relating to the inclusiveness of the Budget (see (six forum pages, 44.2 average rating) and Hardwarezone.com (five forum chart 3); however, much of the criticism pertained to the exclusion of middle pages, 49.0 average rating). Although these sites were considerably less income earners, of women of different age groups, of singles and young adults favourable than the analysed print media, the least favourable of the leading including single parents. The message that the Budget does not benefit internet media was still only moderately unfavourable on average (Sam’s stakeholders was often conveyed in coverage about inflation, high living costs Alfresco Coffee, 44.2 average rating) (see chart 4 for Leading Media). or housing affordability, as well as in discussion of the low birth rate – core issues that the Budget was not seen to effectively address. Reports that > A total of six articles/forum pages that included comment on the Budget were focused on the overall economy typically pointed out that the Budget seemed to posted on analysed blogs and forums on the day of the announcement (17 neglect imminent short-term challenges; these communicated that the Budget is February), and these were moderately negative overall (44.2 average rating). not focused on the short term. However, a few of the same reports additionally Reporting peaked on the day following the Budget announcement, with wider suggested that the government had reserves upon which it could draw if a crisis print coverage in addition to online (24 total reports on 18 February, 60.6 did break out (see examples in the Leading Messages section). average rating). The favourability of opinion coverage steadily declined over the subsequent three days. Opinion coverage spiked again on 21 February, when > The leading spokespeople to be quoted in coverage of the Budget comprised a discussion of the Budget was both critical and balanced (19 articles that had an mix of government spokespeople and third-party commentators. The most average rating of 51.1, very close to neutral). This included four opinion articles prominent spokespeople were the Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister (13 by columnists, three letters-to-the-editor, an editorial and two blog posts. reports, 66.5 average rating) and the Minister of State for Community Coverage that expressed opinions about the Budget dropped drastically on 22 Development, Youth and Sports (six reports, 69.2 average rating; see chart 5). February to a total of five reports (see chart 6 for Trend). > Of the analysed print media, The Straits Times led opinion reporting on the > Although there was active media debate about the social dynamics between the Budget (13 reports, 57.3 average favourability), followed by Lianhe Zaobao ageing population, foreign labour, rising living costs and the low birth rate, (nine reports, 61.1 average rating) and Today (eight reports, 55.6 average analysed coverage did not explicitly discuss the fact that the population rating). A third of the articles from Lianhe Zaobao were slightly to moderately challenges facing Singapore are similar to those faced by other developed unfavourable towards the Budget, discussing challenges that the Budget posed Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. This comparative approach to businesses; however, four out of the nine reports by the Chinese-language may better contextualise the Budget recommendations in light of the aims to media were highly favourable (70.0 or higher rating), and praised the support preserve the country’s culture and sustain its growth. that was proposed for vulnerable groups. The most prominent online sites were The Online Citizen (seven reports, 52.1 average rating), Sam’s Alfresco Coffee SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 5
  • 6. Article Type Chart 1 NOTE 80 70 65.7 THIS CHART SHOWS THE TYPES OF ARTICLES IN ANALYSED PRINT AND ONLINE MEDIA. NEWS, 58.8 59.1 OPINION, LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR AND 60 60 EDITORIALS WERE FROM PRINT MEDIA OR FAVOURABILITY WERE ONLINE VERSIONS OF PRINT. THESE VOLUME 37 47.9 INCLUDE ONLINE VERSIONS OF ARTICLES THAT 40 50 45.0 WERE SYNDICATED ON BLOGS. 9 3 21 BLOGS AND FORUMS HERE REFER TO USER- 20 11 40 GENERATED CONTENT AS OPPOSED TO MEDIA- 11 8 25 7 GENERATED COVERAGE. 4 8 7 5 6 0 30 NEWS BLOGS & FORUMS OPINION LETTER-TO-EDITOR EDITORIAL FAV NEU UNFAV AVG FAV SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 6
  • 7. Leading Topics Chart 2 80 70 60.7 61.1 61.4 60.0 58.6 60 57.5 60 56.1 FAVOURABILITY 52.1 VOLUME 39 40 32 50 6 28 4 26 23 22 21 21 11 4 5 20 5 40 6 4 3 7 29 21 4 19 15 17 15 15 10 0 30 INDIVIDUAL TAX FOREIGN LABOUR AGEING CPF SME PUBLIC OLDER/ DISABLED HOUSING AND SUBSIDIES POPULATION HEALTHCARE WORKERS FAV NEU UNFAV AVG FAV NOTE THE CHART ABOVE SHOWS THE TOPICS DISCUSSED MOST FREQUENTLY IN RELATION TO THE SINGAPORE 2012 BUDGET, BY VOLUME OF COVERAGE AND THE FAVOURABILITY OF THEIR MEDIA DISCUSSION. SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 7
  • 8. Leading Messages Chart 3 NOTE VOLUME THIS CHART SHOWS THE EIGHT MESSAGES 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 THAT WERE MOST FREQUENTLY HAS THE PEOPLE'S INTEREST AT HEART 26 COMMUNICATED IN THE ANALYSED COVERAGE. IS FOCUSED ON THE LONG TERM 20 IS FOCUSED ON INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY 19 BENEFITS STAKEHOLDERS 15 IS INCLUSIVE 10 IS NOT INCLUSIVE 10 DOES NOT BENEFIT STAKEHOLDERS 8 IS NOT FOCUSED ON THE SHORT TERM 7 FAV UNFAV initiatives that will leave a more lasting effect” (The Straits Times, 18 February HAS THE PEOPLE’S INTEREST AT HEART 2012). > “[Dr Amy Khor, chairman of government portal REACH] said the Budget will help manage key challenges like slower economic growth, income inequality IS FOCUSED ON INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY and the ageing population. She said: ‘It is also a Budget with a heart because it > “Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were given a Budget that had a clear has got targeted schemes to help the elderly, low income and disabled, as well message: Shape up by raising productivity, or face the risk of being shipped out. as local companies to help them restructure.’ She also noted the ‘stepped-up Using a carrot and stick approach to spur firms to raise efficiency levels, Deputy efforts to give social support assurance to vulnerable groups’ such as the Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday announced that the elderly, the low income and the disabled” (Today, 20 February 2012). government will double the maximum cash payout to firms that tap into the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIG) scheme” (The Business Times, 18 IS FOCUSED ON THE LONG TERM February 2012). > “Seen in that light, Mr Tharman’s unwavering stance on foreign workers (and indeed his move to tighten the supply further in some sectors) is really tough BENEFITS STAKEHOLDERS love. So, too, are the measures announced to help small and medium-sized > “[The Budget] reinforces the government’s determination to buttress, and where enterprises, a group that has been crying out for more attention as business necessary, remodel economic and social foundations to give individuals and costs rise. Instead of taking the easy option of handing out rental and other businesses alike the means to cope and overcome global economic rebates, the Finance Minister has put his money into grants and schemes that uncertainties that still lie ahead. The Budget also addresses concerns from a will modernise their operations and upgrade the skills of their workers – population that has griped about the growing number of foreign workers, the SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 8
  • 9. DOES NOT BENEFIT STAKEHOLDERS squeeze on buses and other modes of the public transport system, and worries > “Instead of redundant, to be more exact I will say I find this budget announced – especially among the lower-income – about not having enough to get by on as by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Singaporeans work and live longer” (The Straits Times, 18 February 2012). be very strange. It is as if the Singapore government knows what is needed by Singaporeans but is unsure how much to push to give the benefits needed by IS INCLUSIVE the disadvantaged. So the budget is filled with half-hearted measures that don’t do enough. More than anything, I find that disappointing” (Musings from the Lion > “However, [Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Tharman City, 20 February 2012). Shanmugaratnam] might have surprised people by the extent of measures to boost inclusiveness and social equity – themes that have not traditionally IS NOT FOCUSED ON THE SHORT TERM dominated budgets in Singapore, but which have come to occupy an increasingly prominent place on the government’s agenda” (The Business > “[It] is imperative to note that the government has not taken too kindly to Times, 18 February 2012). stimulus measures, opting instead, to invest on a long term basis. However astute as it might be, this leaves the short and medium term vulnerable to IS NOT INCLUSIVE exposure to an external shock … Being an export driven economy, we are often faced with upheavals in the economic and financial market. In particular, any > “Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) expressed concern shock factors experienced in the US market is felt exponentially here in that the government paid little attention to women at the Budget statement Singapore” (The Online Citizen, 21 February 2012). recently … Measures only benefit those who work or are willing to return to employment. Aware drew attention to the fact that most older women no longer work. Last year, only 55.1 percent of women between 55 and 59 were in employment compared to 85.7 percent of men in the same age group. Most women stop working to be housewives and that it is not easy for them to find work in formal sectors, said Aware” (Berita Minggu, 19 February 2012). WHAT MEDIA SAYS [FINANCE MINISTER AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM] MIGHT HAVE SURPRISED PEOPLE BY THE EXTENT OF MEASURES TO BOOST INCLUSIVENESS AND SOCIAL EQUITY – THEMES THAT HAVE NOT TRADITIONALLY DOMINATED BUDGETS IN SINGAPORE, BUT WHICH HAVE COME TO OCCUPY AN INCREASINGLY PROMINENT PLACE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S AGENDA. The Business Times, 18 February 2012 SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 9
  • 10. Leading Media Chart 4 32 70 61.1 24 57.3 60 55.6 FAVOURABILITY 55.0 53.3 52.1 VOLUME 49.0 16 13 50 44.2 3 9 8 2 7 8 6 6 6 40 3 2 5 2 2 2 8 2 4 3 6 5 3 3 4 0 30 THE STRAITS LIANHE TODAY THE ONLINE BERITA HARIAN SAM'S ALFRESCO BUSINESS TIMES HARDWAREZONE. TIMES ZAOBAO CITIZEN COFFEE COM FAV NEU UNFAV AVG FAV NOTE THE CHART ABOVE SHOWS THE EIGHT PRINT AND ONLINE MEDIA THAT PROVIDED OPINION MOST FREQUENTLY ON THE BUDGET 2012. FORUMS WERE ANALYSED AS ONE PAGE OF POSTS BEING EQUIVALENT TO ONE MEDIA REPORT. SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 10
  • 11. Leading Spokespeople/Commentators Chart 5 24 90 75.0 66.5 69.2 FAVOURABILITY 18 61.7 70 13 VOLUME 50.0 46.7 12 2 50 35.0 6 6 11 3 3 30 2 2 2 6 3 3 2 2 0 10 THARMAN HALIMAH YACOB, MANU BHASKARAN, HAZEL POA, KIT WEI ZHENG, SELENA LING, HENG SWEE KEAT, SHANMUGARATNAM, MINISTER OF CENTENNIAL ASIA NSP CANDIDATE FOR CITI ECONOMIST OCBC HEAD OF MINISTER OF DEPUTY PRIME STATE FOR CONSULTING CEO CHUA CHU KANG TREASURY EDUCATION MINISTER & COMMUNITY GRC RESEARCH & FINANCE MINISTER DEVELOPMENT, STRATEGY YOUTH & SPORTS FAV COMMENT NEU COMMENT UNFAV COMMENT AVG FAV NOTE WHAT MEDIA SAYS THIS CHART SHOWS THE GOVERNMENT “MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNITY SPOKESPEOPLE AND OTHER COMMENTATORS ON THE BUDGET WHO WERE CITED MOST DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS HALIMAH FREQUENTLY IN THE ANALYSED COVERAGE. YACOB FELT IT IS ‘NOT A BUDGET FOR [THE] SHORT- THE AVERAGE FAVOURABILITY RATINGS HERE TERM’. ‘IT IS INVESTMENT IN THE LONG TERM IN OUR INDICATE THE AVERAGE TONE OF THE OVERALL CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, TEACHERS, SYSTEM, MEDIA REPORTS THAT MENTIONED THE AND ALSO INVESTMENT IN OUR LOW INCOME SOURCE – NOT THE FAVOURABILITY OF COMMENTS BY THE INDIVIDUAL SPOKESPEOPLE FAMILIES WHICH IS THE KEY TO SOCIAL MOBILITY.” Today on Sunday, 19 February 2012 AND COMMENTATORS. SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17 – 22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 11
  • 12. Trend Chart 6 NOTE 48 70 THIS CHART SHOWS THE TREND IN VOLUME AND FAVOURABILITY OF MEDIA REPORTS THAT 60.6 58.1 PROVIDED OPINION ABOUT THE BUDGET 2012 36 60 BETWEEN FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY AND FAVOURABILITY 54.3 54.0 WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2012. 51.1 VOLUME 24 24 50 5 19 44.2 16 14 4 8 12 2 4 40 6 18 2 4 5 3 10 8 7 2 4 0 30 17/02/2012 18/02/2012 19/02/2012 20/02/2012 21/02/2012 22/02/2012 FAV NEU UNFAV AVG FAV SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17–22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 12
  • 13. Methodology Best-Practice Media Analysis Media Monitors’ best-practice media analysis uses a An aggregate score is calculated based on these key issues and attitudes that appear in the media, systematic approach to turn media content into multiple variables and presented on a 0–100 scale answer clients’ key questions, and, where relevant, meaningful data. This approach analyses media where 50 is neutral. This is an overall rating of the provide recommendations for further action. content both quantitatively and qualitatively. favourability of each media report towards the client The consistency of analysis is ensured in three key organisation (and, if relevant, other organisations or Media Monitors uses the CARMA® media content ways: competitors). This aggregate score is called the analysis methodology, which is internationally CARMA® Favourability Rating. > Most of the variables analysed are objective recognised as one of the leading commercial systems criteria (such as media name, positioning, available. CARMA® (Computer Aided Research and The average favourability is the aggregated rating of sources’ names); Media Analysis) uses advanced technology to the media coverage analysed. This can identify the quantify media content, and human intelligence to potential impact of media reporting, and can be used > The somewhat more subjective topics and provide qualitative insight and analysis. to identify trends and establish benchmarks for future messages are identified by either exact phrasing data. or acceptable alternatives, provided to researchers Media Monitors uses the CARMA® methodology to before analysis begins; and qualitatively analyse media coverage by taking into The criteria for analysis (such as topics and specific account multiple variables. These include the: key messages) are set up uniquely for each individual > Media Monitors uses multiple researchers on client by a team of media analysis experts. These projects to minimise individual subjectivity. > Placement of media reports (front page or lead experts bring their industry knowledge to identify item in broadcast media and websites); > Positioning of organisation discussion (headline, Average Favourability Explained prominent mentions, passing mentions); > Image (photos, illustrations, charts, cartoons, or the image content of video); > Topics discussed in the media and their relative importance to the client organisation; > Messages, both favourable and unfavourable, communicated in media reports; > Sources quoted (both organisation representatives and other individuals who make relevant comments in the media); and > Tone of content (extreme language, adjectives and adverbs, metaphors or similes and other figures of speech). SINGAPORE BUDGET 2012 / MEDIA ANALYSIS REPORT / 17–22 FEBRUARY 2012 PAGE / 13
  • 14. AMEC Membership Media Monitors’ Award-Winning Media Monitors is a member of the Association for Media Analysis and Evaluation Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC), the leading international organisation for AMEC Communication Effectiveness Awards 2010 communication and media research based in the UK > Gold – Best use of communication measurement: and fully complies with its strict standards (see public sector www.amecorg.com). > Gold – Best use of measurement for a single event > Silver – Best use of communication measurement: business-to-consumer > Bronze – Best use of communication measurement: not-for-profit