MediaCorp Channel 5

MediaCorp TV Channel 5 (Channel 5)
Channel 5 logo
Launched	15 February 1963 as Television Singapura
Network	MediaCorp TV
Owned by	MediaCorp
Picture format	576i (16:9 and 4:3) (SDTV), 1080i (HDTV)
Slogan	Come Home to 5
Country	Singapore
Language	English
Broadcast area	Singapore
Headquarters	Caldecott Broadcast Centre, Andrew Road, 299939 Singapore
Formerly called	Television Singapura (15 February 1963–1 April 1963), Saluran 5 Television Singapura (2 April 1963–27 December 1963), Saluran 5 Television Malaysia (Singapura) (28 December 1963–9 August 1965), Radio Television Singapore Channel 5 (RTS-5) (10 August 1965–31 January 1980), Singapore Broadcasting Corporation Fifth Frequency/Channel 5 (SBC-5) (1 February 1980-31 December 1993), Television Corporation of Singapore Fifth Frequency/Channel 5 (TCS-5) (1 January 1994-22 December 2000)
Sister channel(s)	MediaCorp HD5 MediaCorp Channel 8
Website	MediaCorp TV Channel 5
Availability
Terrestrial
MediaCorp - Analogue (PAL-B)	Channel 5 (UHF 175.25 MHz)
MediaCorp - Digital (DVB-T)	Channel 29 (UHF 599.25MHz) Multiplex carrying Mediacorp channels digitally.
Cable
StarHub TV	Channel 102
MediaCorp (via SCV socket)	Channel 5 (UHF 196.25 MHz)
IPTV
mio TV	Channel 2

MediaCorp Channel 5 or Channel 5 (Chinese: 五频道, Before 1 January 2005: 第五波道) is a 24-hour free-to-air English and Malay language television channel based in Singapore.

Programmes on Channel 5 normally include English language drama (both foreign imports and locally-made), movies, sports, reality show, variety show, news, current affairs and game show programmes. Local editions of overseas programmes like Singapore Idol, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and Deal or No Deal have also been produced.

History

Channel 5 was launched on 15 February 1963 as Television Singapura, and was the first free-to-air terrestrial TV station in Singapore that broadcasts in English, although the station also aired Malay programmes at the time. Its sister station, Channel 8, was launched on 23 November 1963, with a mix of Chinese and Tamil language programmes.

Channel 5 began transmitting in colour on 7 July 1974, and by the 90s, the station was airing 24-hours a day, with stereo audio. By 1994, Malay programmes were transferred to Prime 12, later renamed Suria.

In 2007, HD5 was launched, and Channel 5 became the first (and as of 2010, only) terrestrial TV station in Singapore to broadcast in HD.

Local programmes

In addition to foreign programmes, Channel 5 also produces some sitcoms, dramas and local adaptations of some overseas entertainment programmes. The first sitcom produced by Channel 5 was called Under One Roof, which was aired in 1994. Despite criticisms over its use of Singlish (a local English patois), it was well received by the Singapore audience, and became a finalist at the International Emmy Award. Under One Roof paved the way for future local comedy programmes like Mr. Kiasu, Sayang Sayang, and Living with Lydia.

One of the most notable local production was Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd, often known as Phua Chu Kang. It, like Under One Roof, suffered from criticisms (some coming from the Government) over its use of Singlish. However, Phua Chu Kang went on to enjoy almost the same level of popularity and acclaim.

International line-up

Channel 5 also imports a variety of programmes from other country, most of them American. In 2011, Channel 5 will be telecast the 2002 Indonesian drama series Keluarga Cemara (Pine Family) (from RCTI) with English dubbing and English-Malay subtitles.

External links

• MediaCorp TV Channel 5 Official Website(xinmsn)