Straits Times

The Straits Times

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Type	Daily newspaper
Format	Broadsheet
School
Owner(s)	Singapore Press Holdings
Founder(s)
Publisher
President
Editor-in-chief
Editor	Warren Fernandez
Deputy editor

The Straits Times is a leading English-language daily newspaper based in Singapore. It is the flagship publication of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and has been in continuous publication since its founding on 15 July 1845. The newspaper is widely regarded as the most influential and widely read newspaper in Singapore, providing comprehensive coverage of local, regional, and international news.

History

The Straits Times was founded by an Armenian, Catchick Moses, and an Englishman, Robert Carr Woods, in 1845. Initially, it served the British colonial community in Singapore and the surrounding region. Over the years, it has evolved to become a major newspaper in Southeast Asia, adapting to the changing political and social landscape of Singapore.

During the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II, the newspaper was temporarily suspended. It resumed publication after the war and continued to grow in prominence. In 1984, The Straits Times became part of the newly formed Singapore Press Holdings, which consolidated various media assets in Singapore.

Content and Sections

The Straits Times covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, technology, lifestyle, and sports. It is known for its in-depth analysis and investigative journalism. The newspaper is divided into several sections:

• Home: Focuses on local news and issues affecting Singaporeans.
• World: Provides international news coverage.
• Business: Covers financial markets, economic trends, and corporate news.
• Life: Features articles on entertainment, culture, and lifestyle.
• Opinion: Includes editorials, commentaries, and letters to the editor.
• Sports: Covers local and international sports events.

Digital Presence

In response to the digital age, The Straits Times has developed a strong online presence. Its website, straitstimes.com, offers digital subscriptions and provides access to a wide array of multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and interactive graphics. The newspaper also maintains active social media profiles to engage with readers and provide real-time news updates.

Criticism and Controversies

The Straits Times has faced criticism over the years for its perceived pro-government stance, given that it operates in a media environment where the government has significant influence. Critics argue that this affects the newspaper's editorial independence. However, The Straits Times maintains that it strives to provide balanced and accurate reporting.

Awards and Recognition

The Straits Times has received numerous awards for its journalism, including accolades for its investigative reporting and innovative use of digital media. It is recognized as a leading newspaper in Asia and continues to play a significant role in shaping public discourse in Singapore.

Also see

• Singapore Press Holdings
• Media of Singapore
• History of Singapore
• List of newspapers in Singapore