The government’s deep-seated distrust of the technological advances of publishing was clearly voiced at a meeting Kyaw Hsan had with publishers last December, when he warned that powerful countries with advanced information technologies were trying to destabilize the peace and stability of smaller ones.
Some publishers provide training and send staff to neighboring countries on “exposure” trips or short-term journalism courses, particularly in Thailand and Cambodia. Some Western embassies in Rangoon also conduct short term journalism courses, and at least one American college, the University of California, Berkeley, offers scholarships.
Some publications—notably Weekly News Eleven—have begun to expand their coverage with regular features on the culture and customs of Burma’s various ethnic groups. However, it is still impossible to report on what is really happening in the ethnic regions, particularly on anything related to ethnic and racial tensions, ceasefire issues and the involvement of the Tatmadaw, Burma’s armed forces, in human rights violations.
Although some editors and publishers in Rangoon see reasons for optimism in the recent small advances in the media scene, the news journal sector actually began to pick up 10 years or more ago, when publishing licences were granted to a number of weekly publications. There have been several success stories—noted by Living Color magazine—although advertising revenue usually played a big role.
Sports news takes first place in readers’ tastes, followed by entertainment world gossip and anything at all concerning the supernatural. Veteran journalist Ludu Sein Win says it will take time for magazines to acquire “quality,” but he remains optimistic, particularly in view of the number of publications now coming off the presses.
Optimism about the chances of Burma’s press taking on a serious role, however, remains at a very low level. The PRSD requires editors to avoid reporting on sensitive political developments in Burma and to shun critical analysis of events in China, India or Asean countries. The editor of one business monthly laments: “Critical reporting is not allowed and political news is out of the question…The media’s role as a watch dog is still a long way off.”
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