Myanmar to discuss next steps for its media sector
Election reporting, media ethics and public service broadcasting are among the topics on the agenda at the 3rd conference on media development in Myanmar taking place in Yangon
In the three and a half years that have passed since the government in Myanmar initiated significant media reforms, the Myanmar media environment has undergone a major transformation. Significant milestones have been achieved, while lingering challenges remain. Together with the main stakeholders in Myanmar media, IMS takes stock of the positive progress so far, as well as what remains to be improved and strengthened.
In the course of the last year, the Media Law and the Printing and Publishing Enterprises Law have been passed. Private dailies saw the light of day on the media market for the first time in more than 50 years and a new Code of Conduct was adopted by the Interim Press Council. A professional and sustainable media environment is slowly emerging, while new challenges arise for the country’s mediastakeholders.
On 18 – 19 September, members of Myanmar’s media, government, civil society, and international media support organisations will meet for the 3rd Conference on Media Development in Myanmar to discuss developments in the Myanmar media sector over the last year and how these compare to internationally recognised standards.
The speakers will delve into issues such as ethics in journalism, media law reforms and reforms and changes in the broadcast sector, and the role and practices of media in elections and during conflict and peace negotiations.
The conference is organised by the Myanmar Media Development Thematic Working Group jointly with UNESCO, Ministry of Information (MoI) and International Media Support (IMS). The first Myanmar Media Development Conference in Yangon took place in March 2012. The meeting was the first of its kind in Myanmar to specifically address media development in a gathering of national and international media stakeholders. It was followed by the 2nd Conference on Media Development in May 2013. For more information visit www.myanmarmediadevelopment.org.
