<<总汇报>>新闻内容分析(1908-1941) = AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEWS CONTENT OF THE UNION TIMES, 1908-1941

Abstract

The Union Times is one of the early Chinese newspapers in Singapore. In the early times when newspapers were shortlived, the Union Times had a relatively long life span and considerable influence. As such, the importance of this newspaper should not be taken lightly. This dissertation seeks to analyse the news content of the Union Times, 1908-1941. Data is collected from the newspaper's microfilm collection at the National University of Singapore using the sampling procedure. Although the Union Times started in 1905, the earlier numbers were lost. Thus, samples were taken from the earliest possible number in 1908. The Union Times had to disrupt publication in 1941 due to the Japanese Occupation. Therefore, sample collection ends at 31st September 1941, the last issue available from the National University of Singapore collection before the Japanese invasion. Between 1908 and 1941, samples are collected at the interval of five years. The Union Times laid more emphasis on political and social news. In times of war, it also gave extensive coverage to military affairs. Typical of the Chinese newspapers then, the Union Times was more concerned about Asian news, especially local news and the news from China. It gave limited coverage to European, American, Oceanian and African news. Even though Malaya was a multiracial society and a British colony, the Union Times was more interested in the affairs of the Chinese community. Other races, including the indigenous Malays and the ruling British, were relatively ignored. As for the sources of news, the Union Times relied heavily on the news agencies for its international coverage, including news on China. As for the reporting styles of the Union Times , they left much to be desired. Besides, news presentation was inadequate. The concluding chapter deals with the characteristics of the news content of the Union Times and these can be useful for further research on local Chinese newspapers before World War II.