This file contained correspondence relating to the announcement of Toto and Big Sweep Results over Radio and TV News reports, the Sunday Toto Draw programme which saw toto winning numbers being drawn, and Singapore Pools' requests to advertise on Radio and TV. It covered the period 1971-78. Both commercial and censorship interests and concerns were raised in the correspondence.
Discussions raised included whether the mention of 'product / brand' name of prizes featured in the Toto Draw programmes would be acceptable; if News on TV and Radio should carry Toto and Big Sweep results; the appropriateness of a jingle for Toto; the need to ensure no long-haired judges appeared for the Toto Draw; production charges to Singapore Pools for the Toto Draw programme in view of higher production costs for colour.
The discussions led to the decision that the practice should end - no more announcements of Toto and Big Sweep results over Radio and TV. However, the live telecast of the Toto Draw programme, and TV slides publicising Big Sweep results would be allowed since these were paid advertising and sponsorship.
There was also correspondence covering the parliamentary question faced by Minister (Culture) in 1978 where he was asked if he would consider abolishing ads on Toto over RTS as such ads would imply that the government was encouraging gambling. PS(Culture) wrote to RTS' CM on 7/9/78, informing him of Minister's decision to ban the advertising of Toto and Big Sweep over TV and Radio. In file was a copy of New Nation's writeup on the ban which hit its front page. The report was dated 19/9/78. It was mentioned that the ban would be effective from Dec 1, 1978.
Jun 1970 - Nov 1978
SBC 371
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