Mothership (website)
Mothership is a digital media company that operates in Singapore. It was founded in August 2013 and its website officially launched in February 2014.
Type of site
Digital media company
Bridgewater Holdings Pte Ltd
Martino Tan (Managing Editor)
Babelfish[1]
Yes
None
February 2014
Active
History[edit]
Mothership.sg was started in 2013 as a socio-political blog for young Singaporeans. The timing of its conception coincided with a period of political and social change in Singapore following the watershed elections of 2011.[2] Mothership's "48 reasons why you still feel for Singapore" was published in August 2013 when the site was in beta phase. It crashed their servers for two hours after being shared widely.[3]
In February 2014, the website was officially launched.[2] It was initially funded by social enterprise, Project Fishermen, which is chaired by former senior civil servant, Philip Yeo. Former foreign minister of Singapore, George Yeo, is its non-executive advisor.[4]
On 2 April 2014, the website registered for a class license issued under the Broadcasting Act.[5] After the Media Development Authority had introduced a new framework for websites with local news content in 2013, the website sought MDA for advice if it should be licensed under the framework as well. In 2015, the website was told by MDA that it met the threshold that requires the website to be registered.[6] As part of the requirements, the website had to put up a S$50,000 bond.[6]
In 2016, Mothership was incorporated as Bridgewater Holdings Pte Ltd.[2] This was done to change its funding structure from being supported by a social enterprise to a fully commercial media business. It was determined that without commercialising the project and depended on funding from Project Fishermen, the website would potentially have run out of funding by 2016.[2]
In 2017, Mothership rebranded itself and launched a new logo, typeface, and website design.[7]
In 2019, Mothership’s application for press accreditation was approved by the Ministry of Communications and Information.[8] This meant that it would have access to government information, news, and events.[9] However, the press accreditation has been temporarily revoked, 6 months each, twice for breaking press embargo, once in 2022,[10] and once in 2023.[11]
In 2022, Mothership launched a new creative space called “Matchbox”, aimed at empowering emerging creatives in creating content and showcasing their talents.[12] In November 2023, Matchbox held a live event called "Making .wavs" that featured young, up-and-coming local musicians hoping to break into the industry. [13]
Reception[edit]
In 2021, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism issued a Digital News Report which indicated that Mothership was used by 42% of Singapore's population.[14]
In the 2023 edition of the study, Mothership emerged as the most used online news source, surpassing mainstream competitors CNA and The Straits Times.[15]
