Singapore’s citizen journalism website, Stomp, is set to cease operations on May 31, 2024, after more than two decades of publishing user-submitted content. the platform,known for its coverage of local news,incidents,adn everyday life in Singapore,announced its impending shutdown on its Facebook page on May 16,2024.

Stomp, launched in 2001 by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) – now known as SPH Media Trust – pioneered a model of crowdsourced news gathering in the region.It allowed members of the public to submit photos and videos of events, often providing firsthand accounts of incidents before traditional media could arrive on the scene.The site quickly gained popularity,becoming a go-to source for breaking news and quirky stories.

The decision to close Stomp comes amid a broader restructuring of SPH Media Trust,which has been facing financial challenges. In recent years, the media group has been working to transform its business model and reduce its reliance on advertising revenue. SPH Media Trust reported a loss of $16.4 million for the financial year ended August 31, 2023, according to its annual report. The closure of Stomp is part of a series of cost-cutting measures implemented by the company.

Throughout its history, Stomp has been both praised and criticized. Supporters lauded its ability to provide timely and unfiltered news, while critics raised concerns about privacy, accuracy, and the potential for sensationalism. The platform faced legal challenges on several occasions, including defamation suits related to user-submitted content. In 2014, Stomp was ordered by a Singapore court to pay damages to a man after publishing photos of him that were deemed defamatory.

Stomp’s archive of user-generated content offers a unique snapshot of Singaporean society over the past two decades. From traffic accidents and public disputes to heartwarming acts of kindness and unusual sightings, the platform documented a wide range of experiences. The site’s content frequently enough sparked public debate and contributed to a greater awareness of social issues. The platform currently boasts over 280,000 followers on Facebook.

The closure of Stomp marks the end of an era for citizen journalism in Singapore. While other platforms have emerged to fill the gap, Stomp’s legacy as a pioneer in crowdsourced news gathering remains notable. SPH Media Trust has not announced any plans to launch a replacement for Stomp, but continues to operate other news outlets including The Straits Times, Shin min Daily news, and Lianhe Wanbao.