Mission: To Tell the Truth
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This is the critical job that media professionals must adhere to—fact-checking, verifying sources and confirming information.
As journalists, our mission is to tell the truth. Releasing false reports can only damage our credibility.
Many exiled publications, including The Irrawaddy, are sympathetic to the democracy movement. But we must be accountable only to our readers. Politicians and opposition groups should not dictate our editorial policies.
Many exiled news agencies shy away from publishing critical commentaries or news reports on the opposition’s weaknesses, flawed strategies or shortcomings. Criticizing Aung San Suu Kyi and other opposition figures often draws a vociferous reaction from dissidents.
Over the past year, The Irrawaddy not only questioned the accountability and transparency of the exiled opposition, but also exposed atrocities, including extrajudicial executions of alleged infiltrators committed by “freedom fighter” rebel groups along the Thai-Burmese border.
In truth, reporting on these issues is never easy.
Aside from threats and intimidation, some exiled groups and opposition groups claim that the time is not right to start putting press freedom into practice.
“You can write freely when the revolution is over,” is a common refrain from opposition members.
In fact, this excuse is no different from the regime’s pretext: “We will give you freedom to criticize us when democracy is restored in the country.”
In the coming months and years, as the pursuit of democracy and freedom continues to intensify, professional media will play a key role in shaping Burma’s future.
The media cannot rest on its accomplishments during the September uprising. The question now is how to improve its credibility and maintain its relevance.
It is hoped that the exiled Burmese media will continue to improve its professionalism and standards of journalism.
We have a key role to play inside Burma once the country opens up.
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