CDSSEA 09 Challenges of the Press Freedom to Private News Media in Myanmar

The role of the media as the “fourth pillar” of the nation is important for Myanmar’s political reformation process. Media freedom (freedom of the press) in Myanmar improved when reforms started in 2011.  The censorship board was eliminated; a number of imprisoned bloggers and journalists were released; private daily papers were permitted to publish, and some political opinions and comments were allowed in publications.

Although Myanmar’s reformation grants many new freedoms to the press, there are still limitations, such as lawsuits, charges, editorial control and di culties accessing information. Journalists still face numerous challenges trying to report the truth.

rough qualitative research and in-depth interviews, this book posits that ongoing challenges and constraints facing the press in Myanmar continue to hinder the democratic transition process.