Myawaddy Newspaper Launched in Burma

02 April 2011: Naypyidaw’s authorities have launched a new state-run daily newspaper called ‘Myawaddy’, another mouthpiece of Burma’s ruling junta published by the Department of Psychological Warfare.

The launch of the 16-paged Myawaddy, which is made available today as the fourth state-owned newspaper, came two days after the civilian-led government took over the country’s administration in a ‘symbolic’ official ceremony held on Wednesday.

Political Analyst Aung Naing Oo was quoted by DVB as saying that the move was yet another attempt by the junta to counter the flow of independent media in Burma that has spread as more Burmese log on to the internet.

Other state-run dailay newspapers include Kyaymon, Myanmar Alin, and the New Light of Myanmar, which are are all under the control of the Ministry of Information.

The Psychological Warfare Department is also in charge of Myawaddy TV and the Myawaddy magazine, according to DVB.

It is reported that Burma has currrently got 172 journals and 182 magazines in circulation in the country, besides the state-owned newspapers.

Among 2076 political prisoners, there are currently at least 26 media activists held in Burma’s prisons, with some being sentenced up to 27 years, according to a report released in February 2011 by Assistant Association for Political Prisoners (Burma).

Van Biak Thang
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