Will Mediacorpse die or go bankrupt if they continue to provide Teletext service?

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

73345.1http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2013...letext-service

Our Elderly need the Teletext Service

September 11
15:44 2013

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��by Jeraldine Phneah  4 Comments




By: Jeraldine Phneah

I am writing this open letter to urge Mediacorp to reconsider its decision to cease its Teletext service this month.
This service is currently being used by many senior citizens who rely on it to check the daily news, TV programmes schedules and lottery results.
Teletext to them is similar to how our youths depend on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Although there is an increase in the availability of alternative online sites for information, many elderly do not access to these online outlets.
While some are fortunate enough to learn how to utilize these digital platforms easily, there is a significant proportion who struggle with picking up these new skills
A 2010 survey by the Institute of Policy Studies revealed that one-fifth of the elderly in Singapore does not have enough for daily living. As such, I believe many of them may not be able to afford Internet services or laptops and ipads.
I grew up with my grandparents in an elderly neighbourhood – Bukit Ho Swee. My grandfather and his friends used Teletext to monitor their stocks and shares prices daily.
I have observed that this is a very important source of intellectual and mental stimulation which keeps their brain active, and which also helps them stay involved in society.
In our fast-paced world, our senior citizens are increasingly being isolated from the rest of society. The ban on dialects on local television and radio is one example of how they are being alienated.
I hope that they will not be isolated further through the removal of this critical Teletext service.
I hope that the government will keep this service as a small token of appreciation of those who have helped carry the burden of nation building in our earlier years.
They are what the Prime Minister recently described as the “pioneer generation” when he revealed plans to help elder Singaporeans pay their Medishielf Life premiums. http://www.todayonline.com/singapore...remiums-pm-lee
Perhaps we could also show our appreciation by retaining this Teletext service for them to enjoy in their silver years.



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