Breakfast Network

Breakfast Network was an independent online news and commentary platform in Singapore, founded in early 2013 by veteran journalist Bertha Henson, a former Associate Editor at The Straits Times.

The platform aimed to provide an alternative perspective on socio-political issues, fostering critical discourse and community engagement in a media landscape dominated by mainstream narratives.

The platform ceased operations in December 2013 following regulatory pressures from the Media Development Authority (MDA).

The circumstances surrounding its closure highlighted the challenges faced by independent media in navigating Singapore’s tightly controlled media environment.

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Establishment and Objectives

Breakfast Network was launched to fill a gap in Singapore’s media ecosystem, offering community-driven news, in-depth analysis, and commentary on local and regional issues. It positioned itself as a platform for thoughtful discussion and alternative viewpoints, with contributions from experienced journalists and volunteer contributors.

Bertha Henson’s leadership and reputation lent credibility to the platform, which quickly gained traction among readers seeking diverse perspectives on governance, politics, and society in Singapore.

Regulatory Challenges

In October 2013, Bertha Henson incorporated the platform under Breakfast Network Pte. Ltd. (BNPL), formalizing its legal status. However, this move brought the platform under the purview of Singapore’s Class Licence Scheme, which required Internet Content Providers (ICPs) discussing political issues to register with the MDA. The registration process mandated disclosure of key personnel and funding sources, which BNPL viewed as a potential threat to editorial independence.

On December 6, 2013, the MDA issued a directive requiring BNPL to register. The regulatory authority stated that corporate entities engaged in political commentary had a greater potential for foreign influence, which justified stricter oversight. However, BNPL declined to comply, citing concerns over vague guidelines, administrative burdens, and the implications for its operations.

Closure and Dissolution

Facing increasing uncertainty, Bertha Henson decided to shut down the Breakfast Network website on December 10, 2013, before the MDA’s registration deadline. However, its social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter, continued to operate as the MDA had not explicitly prohibited their use.

On December 13, 2013, the MDA clarified that as long as BNPL remained active as a company, it could not operate any online platforms, including social media pages. This prompted Henson to wind up BNPL entirely, effectively ending the Breakfast Network’s operations. In her public statement, Henson expressed frustration over the lack of clear guidance from the MDA, noting the ambiguities surrounding compliance requirements and the closure process.

She explained that the decision to dissolve BNPL was to ensure compliance with the MDA’s regulations, stating:

"If dissolution of the corporate entity is key, then it is easy enough to dissolve Breakfast Network Private Limited. It's done."

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Volunteer Contributors and MDA Dispute

Another point of contention arose regarding the MDA’s interpretation of "voluntary contributors" and their role in the registration process. The MDA clarified that only pro bono editorial team members needed to be listed, distinguishing them from guest writers. However, Breakfast Network’s editorial team, composed of more than half a dozen volunteers, blurred these distinctions. This miscommunication further complicated the platform’s dealings with the MDA.

Henson emphasized that these contributors were working out of goodwill, highlighting the grassroots nature of Breakfast Network and its reliance on community-driven support.

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Legacy and Impact

Although short-lived, Breakfast Network is remembered as a bold attempt to diversify Singapore’s media landscape. Its closure underscored the challenges faced by independent media organizations in Singapore, particularly in balancing editorial freedom with regulatory compliance.

Following the closure of Breakfast Network, Bertha Henson launched Middle Ground, another online news and commentary platform, in 2015. Middle Ground aimed to continue the mission of fostering thoughtful discourse and providing alternative perspectives on socio-political issues in Singapore.

The platform operated on a more modest scale but retained Henson’s hallmark approach to journalism: incisive, balanced, and community-focused. However, Middle Ground also faced sustainability challenges and ceased operations in 2018.