Malaysia's media faces censorship from both the executive level down and through self-censorship by media organizations themselves. This is done partly to avoid offending the government and ensuring "good business" through acceptable content that does not turn readers away. TV media faces similar restrictions as print media in being profit-oriented, though censorship methods differ between platforms.

1. Reality TV in Asia Censorship, Ownership, Legislation. Diana Tjoa, Nelson Chang, Renee Harianty, Shereen Tan, Tristan Lai

3. Malaysia

4. Q: What do you think of Malaysia’s media censorship? Why? A: Malaysia’s media is regulated by several factors. There are limitations imposed from the executive level down but most accredited/recognized news agencies also practice some form of self-censorship. The reason being the media, has outgrew it’s romantic form of “voice to the people” , but is currently run as a business where revenue and profit takes precedence. Censorship is practiced in fear of offending the executive, where in Malaysia has a direct hand in business opportunities, and also at the same time not to put off readers enough for them to stop subscribing to the media, which has a negative impact in terms of circulation/sales/revenue/profit. Censorship is practiced to not offend one end of the spectrum and to take the “middle path”, in doing so, the prospects of “good business” would be ensured.

5. Q: In terms of TV media, are their restrictions similar or less to that of the print media? Why? A: TV media and print media, although both media institutes, convey messages on different platforms. Print media is a mere recollection of events written in words. How the language and sentence structure are established and interpreted are up to the readers to decide. TV media allows more “unwritten” or “subliminal” messages to be communicated. Irresponsible video editing can also amplify the strength of a certain message. The restrictions are similar in the sense they are both profit orientated, but the methods of censorship are entirely different although similar in ideology. Roy, New Straits Times journalist in Malaysia

6. Code of Ethics

8. Women from The Biggest Loser Asia

9. Code of Ethics (Dresscode) Women must be covered from neckline to below the knees Swimming trunks for men and women can only be seen from scenes involving sporting or athletic events

10. Namewee Wee Meng Chee A parody of Malaysian National Anthem & criticized the Malaysian Government Sedition Act 1948 and the National Anthem Act 1965 Made a public apology and forgiven by the Prime Minister of Malaysia He was heavily criticized by the public.

11. Namewee’s Video

12. Islam is the official religion of Malaysia Restrict on the distribution of books, TV shows etc. * Except in Eastern Malaysia Muslims are governed by a Sharia law Religion in Malaysia

14. Influences from the West Intimate physical contact and Nudity * Dress codes: women are required to cover all of their bodies except hands and face. * M en and women are not to be viewed as sexual objects * Pre-martial sex is prohibited in Islam law ( Glorious Quran 24:1-3) Different attitudes between the East and West * “How to look good naked” & “Big Brother” are banned Religion & Media

15. Successful Reality Genre: Talent shows “ Malaysian Idol” Popular music is a identity marker Did not touch on the religious issues The West influences the East

16. is the largest Muslim population of any country in the world. Reality TV shows respect to the religious aspects of the country.

17. Indonesia

18. Suharto (1967-1988) - 2 nd president of Indonesia Passed away in 2008

19. “ Televisi Republik Indonesia” First TV station Role: Inform the public about government politics (Television of Indonesia)

20. Suharto (Son) (Daughter) Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana (Cousin) (Friend) (Politics) Liem Sioe Liong Sudwikatmono Bambang Trihatmodio Dudi Hendrakusuma

21. “ Fate Swap” Swapping houses between a rich family and a poor family. Lasts for 3 days.

22. Wife Swap (UK) Swapping of wives/mothers and sometimes husbands. Lasts for 2 weeks In the 1 st week, swapped wives has to adhere to the original wives house rules. In the 2 nd week, swapped wives make their own rules for the family. Hijab or headscarf

23. Makin Malam Makin Mantap (4M) It gets better later in the night Violate the official broadcasting standards (Standar Program Siaran [SPS]) of Indonesia. Article 11, 13, 17, 19 part 3, 23 part 1 and 3. Article 11: Host has to be polite and not go out-of-line on screen. Host has to be careful in the sense that the content of the show does not give a negative effec t of the characters of the show. Article 13: Host are prohibited to use swear words that insults the human kind, consists of vulgar and crude words as well as offending religions. Vulgar words and swear words , regardless of language , are forbidden to be included verbally or non-verbally. Article 17: Content of programs must observe, empower and protect the interests of children, adolescents and women . Article 19: Hosts are prohibited from having conversations , scenes, or animations that describe the range of activities towards sex. Article 23: Programs containing conversations or discussions about sexual issues should be presented in a polite, carefully and scientifically. The host is responsible for ensuring that such events do not become an arena nasty talk.

24. Suster Hepi (Happy Nurse) Provocative Sexual jokes Flirtatious with the opposite sex

25. Taiwan

26. Interview with Tania Lewis about Taiwan Politics

27. KMT: Nationalist party Originally founded in China in 1894 and moved to Taiwan in 1945 Political view: Believes that most of the Taiwanese were originally from China so Taiwan should accept its friendly neighbor China and build up a good relationship with it. DDP: Democratic Progressives Party Founded in Taiwan in 1986 Political view: Believes that Taiwanese people have their own culture and language and races, and Taiwan is never a part of China but and independent country.

28. Main TV channels and Political Parties          KMT: Nationalist Party KMT: Nationalist Party Associated to Associated to Associated to KMT: Nationalist Party DPP: Democratic Progressive Party    Associated to

29. Government Ownership

30. Changes of Taiwan policies on China Chen Shui- Bian Former President from 2000~2008 Ma Ying-Jeou Current President from 2008 No China, Nothing from China! Built up cross-strait relationship and signed financial agreements with China

33. One million Star   KMT: Nationalist Party

34. One Million Star before the political changes The first season started showing from 5 th Jan, 2007 to 13 th July 2007, all the competitors were from native Taiwan and ¼ of the competitors come from aboriginal background. Second season: shown from 20 th July 2007 to 25 th of Jan 2008, the content remains the same as the first season besides the 10 finalists, where half of the competitors come from aboriginal background. This season hit the highest view ratings among all seasons by 5.35 in total.    

35. One million star after the political changes Foreign competitors entered the show since the third season, (shown from 1 st Feb, 2008 to 22 nd, August 2008) they come from around the world, eg, Malaysia, America, Australia, Singapore… Mainland Chinese competitors entered the show since Season 5 in April 2009 In season 7, shown in August 2010, among the 10 finalists, 5 finalists from are from China, 2 from Malaysia, 1 from Australia, 1 from America and only 1 from local Taiwan, and the winner of that season was a Malaysian.          

36. For further information: http://realitytvinasia.wordpress.com Thank you 