Media censorship officially abolished in Myanmar

The government in Myanmar today announced an end to media censorship in the country after gradually easing restrictions on media over the last year. A major step forward, according to IMS

As of 20 August,  journalists, authors and musicians no longer have to submit manuscripts to the Press Scrutiny and Registration Board for censorship.

“This is a major step forward in the country’s democratic process and will improve the working conditions of journalists, authors and musicians who will no longer have their material marred by red pen lines or receive orders to change the content”,  says Esben Q. Harboe, Myanmar programme manager for IMS.

IMS been working closely with the Burmese government and journalists over the last 6-8 months to build the foundation for an independent and democratic media landscape in the country which began its transition to democracy in March 2010.

“The media in Myanmar have in the course of the last fifty years had to find creative ways to disburse their stories, Esben Q. Harboe adds.

“It is only within the last 12 months that restrictions on media censorship have been eased. Now media can write freely and it is up to the media themselves to judge what is acceptable to publish and set ethical standards – a new situation and a major challenge for media right now.”

In the course of the last year – with support from the governments of Denmark, Norway and Sweden – IMS has together with local and international partners increased its work on media development in the country, focusing on media law reform, the professionalisation of media specialists and improving access to media and information outside the main cities. A new three-year programme is due to begin in Myanmar in September 2012, focusing on the media’s role in the peaceprocess and conflict resolution.

Read more about IMS’ work in Myanmar here or contact Helle Wahlberg, IMS Communications Manager for more information on hwa@mediasupport.org