(Editorial) – Rather than expecting greater freedom for the media in Burma, the media should prepare to face new challenges from the newly installed government led by President Thein Sein.
If the media can cope with these challenges, Burmese society will grow, otherwise we will only prolong the vicious cycle of one step forward and two steps back. All media, whether domestic or foreign, must work to improve coverage of governmental issues, the economy, the environment and civic relations.It’s not realistic to expect much relaxation on the tight censorship from the regime-transformed new government. In his policy speech, President Thein Sein said that some outdated media laws should be amended, but as long as the government sees media as its enemy, it’s a long way to real media freedom.
Currently, some media tries to bypass tight censorship by building a close rapport with the authorities, buying the censor board so to speak, and putting it in their pockets only to become propaganda machinery for the authorities by cleverly implementing government policies.
A new twist in the Burmese media community is the movement of some cronies of the government, entire families in some cases, into the media business with their fat wallets even though there’s no lucrative incentive because of the underdeveloped media market.
While running in the red, these media businessmen can only expect an opportunity to whitewash their dark images and win some awards and prizes which will be given by their masters, the government.
In the past, they supported the regime’s seven-step roadmap including the general election. They tried to brainwash the public about the military dictatorship. And now, even though there are no positive developments or constructive signs from the new government, they are advocating for more patience and more tolerance by giving more time to the new government. They are creating a new media world in Burma, one which will never criticize the government and which will never see the dark side of its policies.
At the same time, the government itself is still upholding Stalinist style propaganda and it routinely tries to defame the dissidents in the pro-democracy movement while puffing up their informants and stooges.
This regime-turned new government which emphasizes economic growth at the top without any substantial political reform at the bottom might even be able to attract some foreign investors.
A market research team estimated that about 30 media companies were gearing up to establish new media businesses in Burma, including new TV channels, new Internet service providers and new digital channels.
In the meantime, literature declines in Burma and young people leave for foreign countries to seek greener pastures. There’s a new media coming in Burma, which could significantly threaten the responsible media. Professional media people must take the initiative in raising their voices to get their messages through the growing noise of the new media owners.
Responsible media people must band together. Raising our voices amid the new noise is called for, and we must rely on the Burmese people to be able to find responsible news and information. This is democracy, and responsible journalism will find an audience if we give the public relevant news and information.
