The media of Burma refers to print, broadcast and online media in Burma (Myanmar). The media has undergone strict censorship and regulation since the 1962 Burmese coup d'état. The constitution provides for freedom of speech and the press; however, the government prohibits the exercise of these rights in practice. Reporters Without Borders ranked Burma 174th out of 178 in its 2010 Press Freedom Index, ahead of just Iran, Turkmenistan, North Korea, and Eritrea.[1]
There have been moves to lift censorship in the country. Tint Swe, head of the country's "Press Scrutiny and Registration Division", told Radio Free Asia that censorship "should be abolished in the near future" as it is "non-existent in most other countries" and "not in harmony with democratic practices."[2][3]
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Before British colonisation, local media was very active.[4] In 1836, the country's first newspaper, The Maulmain Chronicle, was published.[5] King Mindon was an advocate of press freedom and encouraged the creation of the Burma's first Burmese-language newspaper, Yadanapon Naypyidaw Thadinsa (ရတနာပုံနေပြည်တော်သတင်းစာ) to report on him and the Queen, even if it portrayed them in a negative way.[4][6] After King Mindon, the media was useful for the resistance of colonialism.[5] Several Chinese, Burmese and English-language newspapers were permitted to report news from around the country and internationally, interviewing politicians and interacting with foreign journalists, contrary to most of Burma's Southeast Asian neighbours.[5] Throughout the colonial era, there was a steady increase in the number publications in circulation. In 1911, there were 44 periodicals and newspapers in circulation, and 103 in 1921.[7] By the end of the 1930s, there were over 200 newspapers and periodicals in circulation, double the amount in 1921.[7] From the independence of Burma from the United Kingdom in 1948 until 1962, the country experienced a temporary period of democracy and free media. Journalist U Thaung founded Kyemon (The Mirror Daily) in 1957, and its 90,000 circulation was Burma's largest.[8]
After the March 1962 coup d'état, journalists quickly responded by forming the Burma Press Council in order to protect press freedom.[9] Within a month however, several journalists were arrested and publications shut down. By 1988, the number of newspapers had decreased from 30 to 8.[9] The media gradually became the monopoly of the military junta under Ne Win.
The press environment remains tightly controlled in the country. Journalists are often harassed, arrested or jailed for reporting unfavourable news that reflects badly on the country or the regime.[10] The media is also instructed to vilify opposition members.[4] Burmese media acts as the mouthpiece for the regime, where during the anti-government protests in 2007, it labelled the protesters as "devils"[11] and blamed foreign media for starting the protests.[12] Several media outlets were closed down after refusing to publish propaganda.[13] However, many outlets stopped publication as a mark of solidarity with the protesters.[12]
Subjects out of bounds for journalists include discussions of democracy, the legitimacy of the regime, political corruption, HIV/AIDS, the aftermath of natural disasters and the national football team losing,[8][14] though some attempt to hide criticism amongst words or images.[8] Because the media is restricted from reporting negative events in this way, it can often be unreliable.[4] Words by Aung San Suu Kyi are rarely covered in the media.[15] Similarly, references to the United Nations are rare, as the junta views the organisation of trying to overthrow the regime.[5] The Burmese state-owned media also speaks ill of the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.[5] The Burmese government is wary of international media, and as a consequence, many news organisations are banned from reporting in the country.[5] One senior General accused foreign media of "spreading lies" to undermine national unity.[16] Some private media is allowed, though the government owns around 75% stake in it.[17] In 2005, several domestic journalists were released.[18]
There are a total of 20 news agencies based in Myanmar, including Agence France-Press, Associated Press, Reuters and Xinhua.[19] Exile media outlets such as the Democratic Voice of Burma based in Oslo, Norway, seek to promote civil society efforts and freedom of expression within Burma from abroad, while attempting to offer an uncensored perspective on Burmese affairs to the rest of the world.[20]
Several media laws are in place across print, broadcast and the Internet media:[5][21]
All newspaper articles, regardless of content, must pass through the censor board at the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, set up by the Ministry of Information in 2005.[23] Despite the tight press laws, there a wide variety of publications available. Some foreign publications from Thailand and India appear occasionally, though are sometimes removed.[12] Magazines are less affected by the strict press laws compared to newspapers, as many avoid discussion of the political situation.[23] There are a huge variety of magazines, ranging from monthly to biannuals, although their market is smaller compared to the "journals". Topics include Burmese traditional medicine, various magazines published by non-Burmese ethnic races (like the Shan and Rakhine), Buddhist and astronomy related magazines. There are also about 15 newspapers published daily, devoted entirely to football. In all, there are 187 weekly journals registered to the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division under the Ministry of Information.[24]
On occasion, only the Myanmar Times has been allowed to break regulation and discuss articles that would try to cast the junta in a positive light, such as the relationship with Aung San Suu Kyi.[8][25]
Weekly Eleven news journal, The Voice Weekly and 7 Days News journal are some of popular journals in Myanmar.
Like print media, all broadcast media is owned by the government except for MM which is the only private TV in Burma. The Video Act of 1985 outlined what media could tape.[26] There are seven TV stations in Myanmar, of which, MTV1 and MTV2 are the main channels. And another channel by government is MRTV. MRTV-3 is an English-language channel aimed at an international audience. During the 2007 protests, the stations were used to broadcast messages critical of foreign media.[12](YouTube clip) Due to lack of equipment, newsreaders often have to read directly off their notes instead of an autocue.[27] Satellite television is illegal, though many citizens watch it.[28] Television broadcasts regularly feature members of the military, visiting monasteries and handing out gifts of money and religious material.[29] In February 2010, CNN was removed from Burmese TV because the authorities didn't want their citizens to see the predominantly U.S. aid for Haitian earthquake victims.
Radio broadcasting began in 1936, with the Burma Broadcasting Service beginning operation ten years later.[5] Today there are 2FM stations 1AM station and 3 shortwave stations. The main radio stations are Radio Myanmar (operated by MRTV) and City FM.[5] Radio Myanmar usually beings daily with readings from the governments' "Seven Point Road to Democracy", "Twelve Political, Economic and Social Objectives" and "Three Main National Causes".[30] Little or no foreign music is permitted, instead a variety of traditional Burmese classics are played, according to the Union Solidarity and Development Association.[30] However, local radio stations usually play internationally known songs, re-recorded in Burmese.[30] Unlike Radio Myanmar, City FM is primarily an entertainment station. Radio sets are usually tuned to government stations, however, uncensored information from stations such as BBC, VOA, Radio Free Asia and Democratic Voice of Burma (based in Oslo, Norway) are available from sets smuggled into the country and are popular, though some people caught listening to broadcasts have been arrested.[23] Before internet access became available, foreign radio stations were a major source of information, which often helped to break the media blackout in the country.[31]
Given the population of Burma, impact from radio and television has not been significant - only 10%, due to poor living conditions.[4]
The internet in Burma is strictly controlled, with access blocked to websites critical of the junta, Burmese exile groups, and foreign media.[23] Government approval is usually needed to own a computer and other electronic devices capable of accessing outside information.[8] And Internet access varies due to electricity shortages.[14]
The internet media has yet to make a significant impact in Burma, where according to official statistics, as of July 2010, there were only 400,000 Internet users (0.8% of the population).[32] However during the anti-government protests in 2007, some footage was posted on video sharing sites like YouTube and Flickr which gave international media an inside look at the protests.[12]
A number of Burmese exile sites publish information from inside Burma, including Mizzima (based in New Delhi), The Irrawaddy (based in Thailand), Freedom News Group (based in Bangkok and U.S.),[33] and BurmaNet News.[34]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the CIA World Factbook.
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