Environmental issues hit S'pore screens as MediaCorp goes green

By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia
04 July 2007

SINGAPORE : MediaCorp is going green this month in an effort to make Singaporeans more aware of environmental issues.

The green programming starts on Saturday with a 24-hour worldwide concert.

"Live Earth" will hit Channel 5 at 7pm on July 7 and last for 24 hours.

Channel U will also telecast Live Earth from 9:30pm on July 7.

Countries from seven continents, including Japan, Brazil and the US, will be hosting concerts featuring over 100 stars and bands committed to saving the environment.

They include Madonna, the Black Eyed Peas and the Police.

Two billion people are expected to watch the event worldwide.

Hollywood's finest are also lending their support, offering green facts and tips.

In Singapore, the MediaCorp television logos will go green for the day.

The broadcaster is also calling on the public to show their support too.

"We hope that by encouraging Singaporeans to wear green on July 7 and 8, it will bring a new level of awareness in Singapore, and for people to show their support for the environment in a highly visual manner," said Joy Olby-Tan, VP of Programming, MediaCorp TV.

As part of Arts Central's month-long celebration of Earth, the channel will air "Life in the Undergrowth" - a documentary that exposes the private lives of creepy crawlies such as spiders, worms and insects. It also includes the mating rituals of the leopard slug.

From July 23, Channel NewsAsia will start screening "Saving Gaia" - a six-part documentary series examining how countries in the region are tackling climate change.

Gaia in Greek means "Earth" and is synonymous with "Mother Earth".

This is the first time MediaCorp is launching a month-long Green campaign across its television, news, radio and print platforms.

The decision follows its signing of the UN Global Compact, with the pledge to support four key principles - human rights, labour standards, anti-corruption and the environment. - CNA /ls