TV channel in ethnic languages to be launched in Burma

09 September 2013: The government of Burma is to start a new television channel for ethnic nationalities in the country.

The programme of the National Races Channel will be broadcast in eight ethnic languages including Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Wa.

It is aimed at ‘widening the scope of the people’, according to media reports.

One of the Chin community leaders said setting up a TV channel would not be enough, adding: “What is more important is its contents. Now people don’t normally watch Burmese TV channels.”

U Aung Kyi, Minister of Information, was quoted by Xinhua as saying sharing of accurate and knowledgeable information through media is needed for ethnic nationalities.

During his speech at a coordination meeting at Nay Pyi Taw last Saturday, he said the TV channel would serve the interest of all ethnic nationalities.

He also highlighted the ‘crucial role of dissemination of knowledge’ for the development of the peoples not only in urban areas but also in remote areas of ethnic nationalities.

It is claimed that a preview of the new channel in eight languages would be done next month.

Community leaders are concerned that the program might create wider misunderstanding among ethnic nationalties.

“In Chin State, we have dozens of dialects but no common language. It is important that the authorities look into it in details and consult with local communities,” said the Chin leader.

He also said what people, especially in ethnic areas, need most include electricity, water and road, among many others.#