EDITOR'S PERSPECTIVE

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But the role of the media is much greater than this and, in the event of a democratic transition, the press will play an even more important role than it does now. In a future democratic Burma, the need for newspapers and broadcasters will grow as the country seeks to ensure its stability and prosperity.

The media is not merely an “add on” to the political arena—it is integral to the success of any effort to improve the lives of ordinary people. For instance, on the issue of HIV/AIDS, one of the regime’s biggest failures in the past was not acknowledging this devastating health crisis in the media. If the people of Burma had been properly informed about the virus, many lives could have been saved.

Media plays an important role in making government more accountable, exposing corruption and abuse of power, and even improving the performance of both government and opposition groups. At the same time, it can empower people to make their own decisions. Access to information and transparency of government makes societies more open and more responsive to the greater good.

With a viable and professional independent media, it is difficult for any government to resist the forces of public opinion. An independent press can make a nascent democracy more democratic and secure.

Media freedom is both a means of achieving democracy and the surest way of fostering its survival. King Mindon was ahead of his time—and wiser than many in our own time—in recognizing the vital role of press freedom. Burma would be a much stronger country today if its ruling regime and the democratic opposition shared his appreciation of the importance of a free and independent media.

This commentary was originally presented at a conference on “Burmese Media: Present and Future,” organized by the Democratic Voice of Burma and held in Bangkok in March 2008.