What the Committee Does
The Publications Consultative Panel (PCP), a citizen advisory committee, was formed to encourage public participation in the regulation of publications that would be consistent and reflective of society’s expectations and progress.
The PCP advises and provides feedback on trends and issues of concern regarding publications, including newspapers. It also advises MDA on controversial publications, as well as on the formulation of content guidelines.
Who They Are
The Panel presently comprises 36 members who are appointed for a term of two years. The Ministry appoints the members drawn from a cross-section of society, representing the different age groups, races, religions and professions.
The Chairman of the Panel is Mr Basskaran Nair, Senior Vice President, Communications, CapitaLand. The Vice-Chairmen are Mr Charles Ho Nai Chuen, CEO, On Cheong Co. Pte Ltd and Mr Edward D’Silva, Architect/Director, SAA Architects.
Please click here for a list of current PCP members.
Achievements of the Panel
The committee has contributed to the review of content guidelines for publications. It played an important role in the de-gazetting of the then-banned magazine “Cosmopolitan” in 2004, and in the introduction of consumer advice and shrink wrapping for imported adult-interest lifestyle magazines, comics and books. It also played a key role in helping to foster greater transparency between MDA and the industry regarding our consultation process.