Newsroom Compliance with the Beyond the Label Media Guide

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how the National Council of Social Service monitors uptake of the Beyond the Label Media Guide among newsrooms since its 2021 launch; (b) whether any assessment has been made of its impact on reducing stigmatising reporting; (c) how the public can flag any non-compliance; and (d) whether there are plans to update the Guide given developments since 2021 such as AI-generated content.

Answer

1. The Beyond the Label (BTL) Media Guide was developed in consultation with representatives from the media, social service agencies and persons with lived experience. It was updated in 2024 to include reference to the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy launched in October 2023. 

2. Major media organisations like SPH Media Trust and MediaCorp have incorporated the Guide’s reporting principles into their newsroom and editorial practices. The then-MCI also noted that mainstream media demonstrated a responsible and sensitive approach to reporting suicide and attempted suicide cases. 

3. Members of the public who have concerns about a specific report may raise them with the relevant media outlet. They may also provide feedback to NCSS, which can inform its continuing engagement with media partners on responsible reporting. 

4. The Guide focuses on the principles of responsible reporting, regardless of how content is produced. The principles therefore remain relevant to AI-generated content.