Media expected to 'uphold responsible journalism standards', ensure news is 'accurate, fair & complies with the law': Josephine Teo

All media outlets are expected to "uphold responsible journalism standards" by ensuring their news reporting is "accurate, fair and complies with the law", said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo in a written parliamentary reply on Jan. 12.

Her response came after Member of Parliament (MP) Valerie Lee raised concerns about the potential impact that SPH-run online platform Stomp might have on public trust and the standards expected of state-supported platforms.

She also described Stomp's content as similar to "tabloid-style coverage".

Stomp article had criticised a stall's pricing

Speaking to The Straits Times (ST), Lee revealed that she raised the matter as she was concerned that "a state-supported platform amplified one person’s careless opinion and allowed a retiring heritage hawker to be reduced to tears".

Her comments came after the family behind Hup Chong Yong Tau Foo, a 40-year-old stall in Toa Payoh, spoke out against a Stomp article that had criticised their business.

"It turned what should have been a Merry Christmas to the worst Christmas ever in our life," the family said in a Facebook post on Dec. 26, 2025.

Stomp's commentary piece, published two days earlier on Dec. 24, 2025, took issue with the stall’s food pricing, noting that "longevity alone does not guarantee value".

It also noted that the price of the ingredients increased from S$0.60 per piece to S$0.80 each, with "premium" pieces priced at S$1 each.

"I hope this episode reminds all that tabloid-style reporting has real consequences, and that we must safeguard ordinary hawkers and citizens from further undue harm," Lee told ST.

Government does not intervene in editorial decisions

In her reply, Teo also stated the government does not intervene in the editorial positioning of media outlets.

She also added that Stomp is individually licensed under the Online News Licensing Scheme (ONLS).

This requires licensees to comply with content standards to "safeguard racial and religious harmony, public order, as well as good taste and decency".

Stomp acknowledged the feedback received

In response to ST's queries, a Stomp spokesperson stated that while opinion pieces are inherently subjective, it has reviewed the feedback and will address the concerns raised.

The incident would also prompt a review of how opinion-based content will be handled in the future.

The spokesperson added: "We remain committed to a reporting stance that is rooted in encouraging thoughtful discussion around everyday issues, while upholding accuracy."

Top photo via Canva