Bill to amend IMDA Act passed to strengthen competition and consumer protection regulatory framework for media sector

25 May 2026

On 7 May 2026, the Info-communications Media Development Authority (Amendment) Bill (“Bill”) was passed in Parliament. The Bill seeks to amend the Info-communications Media Development Authority Act 2016 (“IMDA Act”) to strengthen the competition and consumer protection regulatory framework for the media sector and align it with that for the telecommunications sector. The amendments will enhance regulatory oversight by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) to ensure fair competition in the media sector, safeguard consumers’ interests, and offer greater regulatory clarity to industry stakeholders. 

Set out below are the key changes that will be made to the IMDA Act as explained by IMDA in its press release issued on 6 May 2026. 

Broaden oversight of ownership and control changes in media sector 

Currently, only acquisitions, mergers, or consolidations between regulated persons (“RPs”) or between RPs and ancillary media services require IMDA’s prior approval. An RP refers to a corporation that publishes a newspaper under a newspaper permit, or a broadcasting licence holder or entity whose business is regulated under a broadcasting licence. 

The amendment expands the requirement so that prior IMDA approval is required for transactions by any person that results in the person acquiring 30% or more equity interests or voting power in an RP, effective control over its operations, or the person taking over the RP’s media business as a going concern. This allows for clearer oversight of market developments, especially in relation to ownership changes for regulated persons, and aligns with the existing practice in the telecommunications sector. 

Powers for more timely intervention to ensure fair and efficient market conduct 

Currently, IMDA can only provide directions to RPs if there is non-compliance with competition or consumer protection obligations under the IMDA Act and the Telecom and Media Competition Code (“TMCC”). There may be instances where actions from RPs result in outcomes that are undesirable to consumers or undermine fair market conditions, despite there being no breach of the IMDA Act or the TMCC. With the amendment, IMDA can take swifter and targeted action by issuing a direction to prevent unfair market conduct in the media sector and better protect consumers. 

Streamlined treatment of immaterial transactions 

Currently, immaterial transactions, i.e. transactions which do not have an impact on equity interests or control of voting power held by shareholders of key media entities, involving RPs would still require IMDA’s prior written approval. The amendment replaces this requirement with a simpler obligation to inform IMDA of such transactions. IMDA explains that this change will lighten the regulatory burden for the industry while maintaining oversight of such transactions in the media sector. 

Related amendments to Telecommunications Act 1999 

Amendments will also be made to the Telecommunications Act 1999 for alignment purposes. Terminology and cross-references will be updated to be consistent with changes to the IMDA Act. 

Reference materials 

The following materials are available on the Parliament website www.parliament.gov.sg, IMDA website www.imda.gov.sg, and Ministry of Digital Development and Information website www.mddi.gov.sg: