Burma

Irrawaddy Editor on Trip to Burma

By THE IRRAWADDY Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Irrawaddy editor Aung Zaw (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

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Aung Zaw, the founder and editor of The Irrawaddy, went to Burma on Tuesday for the first time in more than two decades to assess the media situation in the country amid recent reforms.

Traveling on a five-day journalist visa, Aung Zaw said he will meet with Rangoon-based editors and publishers to discuss changes in Burma's media landscape since a nominally civilian government was formed by former general Thein Sein last year.

The author of numerous articles and commentaries on Burma published in The Irrawaddy and other international media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and Foreign Policy, he said he was excited about the prospect of returning to his native country for the first time since September 1988.

“I have always wanted to return to Burma as a journalist,” said The Irrawaddy founder. “I expect to be very busy meeting with fellow journalists and possibly with government officials.”

The Irrawaddy was established in 1993 as an independent news news group. It is not affiliated with any political organization.

COMMENTS (13)

Jaffee Yee Wrote:

10/02/2012

That is great news and it clearly indicate that the government is serious about doing away with media censorship they have been talking about. Even about 2 months ago, they refused to issue a visa to my publisher/journalist friend who is the founder of APA Travel Guides. Now, they may have to beg him to go to write about Myanmar and give him a 50 years visa!!!

Alan nichols Wrote:

10/02/2012

It is a true sign of openness that the editor of the Irrawaddy received a visa.

C Thein Han Wrote:

09/02/2012

Irrawaddy is my favourite media, be neutral , keep on writing the TRUTH and Irrawaddy will survive in the changed Myanmar. The Pen is mightier than the Sword.

David Wrote:

08/02/2012

Look @ him in this mug shot.Looks like butter won't melt in his mouth.I want 2 know what has he contributed towards the change "ZILCH". But like many others he wants a lot of credit for the change that's going on in "MYANMAR". Yes all of you people who keep calling it "BURMA". get real people. Like it or not it's "MYANMAR now. All those who want 2 keep calling it "BURMA" r still living in the "PAST". All of u guys who wanted "CHANGE" now change has come accept it accept it.

No thanks 2 any outsiders or insiders who kept on blaming the "JUNTA". Now they have made change by themselves,every 1 is jumping on the "BAND WAGON" 2 be part & want 2 take credit 4 it.

It was not Mrs.Aris,not NLD,or outsiders who changed the system.It was the "JUNTA" themselves that changed & made the country what it is & where its heading now.

So,don't any 1 even thinking of taking any "CREDIT" 4 it.

supalak Wrote:

08/02/2012

For any reason you want to go home, I'm glad to know you eventually can go. No matter how the home is, it's still home.

Khin Zaw Wrote:

08/02/2012

Well done Aung Zaw. Pen is mightier than Sword.
Keep the good work going on. All the best.

Phyu Wrote:

08/02/2012

Thank you and your team for your work here. I really appreciate Irrawaddy's quality news articles on Burma. It keeps us informed even though I take everything with a grain of salt.

Please find more truth to tell us and have a good time on your trip. After all, you haven't been home 20 years. God bless!

Venus Wrote:

08/02/2012

Please don't expect too high for media freedom yet. Many business opportunities of the previous leaders' cronies do not agree with U Thein Sein and be prepard of more assisanation.

Tettoe Aung Wrote:

08/02/2012

Seems like we are going to put the so-called Burmese exiles on the list of 'endangered species' like Bengal tigers, African rhinos and elephants. What will happen to the so-called 'Government-in-exile'? They have no one to govern before and now no one to fund them. They might even become 'anti-democratic forces' - just kidding!

smile Wrote:

08/02/2012

Please meet with Ex General Khin Nyut asking the prospect of "truth and reconciliation" in kind manner.

Love Burma Wrote:

08/02/2012

Aung Zaw hasn't done so far for any progessive politics inside the country. But he wants to take this done by others.

kerry Wrote:

08/02/2012

Go well in your native land. Be safe. You have all done your jobs well, and assisted to educate the world.

May the news that comes truthfully from Burma get better each day. This is the fervent prayer of the world.

Wanna Oo Wrote:

07/02/2012

Big photo because you are editor
Don't say you want to return hometown as a journalist instead of doing business with the money which earned from Irrawaddy funding