SPH MediaWorks Channel U

SPH MediaWorks Channel U (Channel U)
Launched	6 May 2001
Closed	1 January 2005
Network	SPH MediaWorks
Owned by	Singapore Press Holdings
Picture format	PAL 576i (SDTV) 4:3
Slogan	以优为先 (Translation: Promotions Independent Manager Youth Quality)
Country	Singapore
Language	Mandarin Chinese
Broadcast area	Nationwide
Headquarters	82 Genting Lane
Replaced by	MediaCorp TV Channel U
Sister channel(s)	SPH MediaWorks Channel i
Availability
Terrestrial
SPH MediaWorks – Analogue (PAL-B)	Channel 28 (UHF 527.25 MHz)
Satellite
SPH MediaWorks – Digital (DVB-T)	Channel 28 (UHF 527.25 MHz)
Cable
StarHub TV	Channel 103
SPH MediaWorks (via SCTV socket)	Channel 28 (UHF 527.25 MHz)

SPH MediaWorks Channel U (Chinese: 优频道; pinyin: yōu píndào), commonly known as Channel U, is a now-defunct Chinese language television channel in Singapore. This television channel began broadcasting on 6 May 2001 and ceased operations on 1 January 2005 after it changed ownership. As a result of a merger with MediaCorp, the channel is now run by MediaCorp under the name MediaCorp TV Channel U.

Although initially having to rely largely on imported content, the channel later introduced well-received programming. Despite the limited size of its talent base, the channel managed to receive ratings equal to or exceeding that of MediaCorp TV Channel 8 before its transfer to MediaCorp.

Awards

Since its launch, SPH MediaWorks Channel U had received awards such as PROMAX, BDA Asia Awards and Asian Television Awards because of the creativity and the standard its programming.

It also won the Best Logo Design and the Best TV Advertising. On 20 December 2002, Channel U won the "Channel of the Year Award" in the Asian Television Awards.

Newscasters

• Lin Wanfei 林琬緋
• Wang Yanqing 王嬿青
• Zhang Haijie 張海潔 – resigned but now back at MediaCorp TV Channel 8 as Singapore Daily and News Tonight since 1 January 2005
• Zhou Hui Min 周慧敏
• Evelyn Tan (陳毓芸)

Artistes

When the MediaWorks and MediaCorp merged, 20 of MediaWork's artistes crossed over to MediaCorp, and continued their television acting career.

To MediaCorp

• Jeanette Aw (歐萱, Left in 2002, before the MediaWorks-MediaCorp merger)
• Adam Chen
• Michelle Chia (謝韻儀)
• Celest Chong (張玉華)
• Guo Liang (郭亮)
• Apple Hong (洪乙心)
• Ann Kok (郭淑嫻)
• Eelyn Kok
• Ezann Lee
• Kym Ng (鐘琴)
• Ong Ai Leng
• Darren Lim (林明倫)
• Adrian Pang (彭耀順)
• Lynn Poh (傅芳玲)
• Quan Yifeng (權怡風)
• Ix Shen (沈傾掞)
• Constance Song {宋怡霏}
• Bryan Wong Lok Kiang (王祿江)
• Ben Yeo (楊志龍)

Released

• Evelyn Tan (陳毓芸)
• Tan Huihui
• Erica Lee (李之晴)
• Celest Chong (張玉華)
• Lina Ng
• Irin Gan (顏俐蓁)

Programmes

Current Affairs

• Inside Out 非常透视眼
• Legally Yours 知法不犯法
• Go East 把把脉抓抓药 (4 seasons)
• Sense of Being 冷暖人间事 (6 seasons)

Dramas

• Money No Problem 恭喜发财 (50 episodes)
• OK, No Problem Ok，没问题 (also comprised a talkshow segment) (60 episodes)
• 2001: Making Headlines独家头条 (13 episodes)
• 2001: Apple Pie 苹果派 (13 episodes)
• 2001: Ad War 完美把戏 (20 episodes)
• 2003: The Frontline 家在前线 (13 July) (6 episodes)
• 2003: Together Whenever 天伦 (42 episodes)
• 2004: Perfect Women 完美女人 (50 episodes)
• 2004: Be Somebody 海军 (25 May) (6 episodes)
• 2004: Zero 零楼 (20 episodes)
• Project J 水母计划 (6 episodes)
• Happy Family 原氏一家人 (26 episodes)
• Cash Is King 胜券在握 (40 episodes)
• Touched 情色男女 (13 episodes)
• She Drives Me Crazy 爱上女车长 (4 episodes)
• Back To Basics (5 episodes)
• Seventh Month 奇症能医 (7 episodes)
• Heal And Be Healed 易心人 (20 episodes)
• Tonight I Will Tell 人生导火线 (2 seasons of 13 episodes each)
• Crunch Time 转捩点 (2 seasons of 13 episodes each)

Variety

• 2001: Big Challenge 骨牌真情录

• Celebrity Travellers换栖俱乐部
• Snap (3 seasons) 全星总动员
• Yummy King (3 Seasons) 优选美食王
• Variety Unlimited 综艺无界限
• Ready Steady Go! (2 Seasons)
• Food Train (2 Seasons)
• Route to Glamour 新卧虎藏龙
• Happy Rules 开心就好
• 人人有份
• 病非末日
• Ooooh 元气大搜查
• What Say You 人人爱理 (2 seasons)

Specials

• 2003: Ren Ci Charity Show 2003 仁心慈爱照万千2003
• 2004: Ren Ci Charity Show 2004 仁心慈爱照万千2004
• Add Your Service 服务加加加
• Banzai My Kids 亲子关系
• The Westside Story西街少年
• Top 10

Closing night

SPH MediaWorks Channel U ceased broadcasting just before late night on Friday, 31 December 2004.

On the last episode of Zero (零楼), after the final close end credits rolled there is a photo montage of the SPH MediaWorks staffs and some of their playful moments.

While other stations were broadcasting farewell programmes, e.g., SPH MediaWorks Channel i, SPH MediaWorks Channel U chose to opt-out and air its own final programme titled News U at 10 (10.00 新闻), a retrospective of SPH MediaWorks programming presented by Wang Yanqing (王嬿青) and Zhang Haijie (张海洁) pre-recorded in front of a studio audience earlier in the day.

The programme closed with an amended version of "SPH MediaWorks" last main ident (along with the message "The End"), station ident and national anthem of Singapore has : "Majulah Singapura" (Singapore National Anthem) vocal by : All Choir (Choir or Vocal) join Singapore Vocal National Anthem (Majulah Singapura Vocal) from subtitle as "前进吧，新加坡！" for Chinese-Malay Subtitles lyric songs vocal for music orchestra bowl anthem version key people video clip request all durations (replay Startup (sign-on)).

See also

• SPH MediaWorks Channel i
• MediaCorp Channel U
• SPH MediaWorks