Media of Burma - Television and Radio

Television and Radio

All broadcast media is owned by the government except for MM which is the only private TV in Burma. The Video Act of 1985 outlined what media could tape. There are seven TV stations in Myanmar, of which, MTV1 and MTV2 are the main channels. And another channel by government is MRTV. MRTV-3 is an English-language channel aimed at an international audience. During the 2007 protests, the stations were used to broadcast messages critical of foreign media.(YouTube clip) Due to lack of equipment, newsreaders often have to read directly off their notes instead of an autocue. Satellite television is illegal, though many citizens watch it. Television broadcasts regularly feature members of the military visiting monasteries and handing out gifts of money and religious material. In February 2010, CNN was removed from Burmese TV because the authorities didn't want their citizens to see the predominantly US aid for Haitian earthquake victims.

Radio broadcasting began in 1936, with the Burma Broadcasting Service beginning operation ten years later. Today there are two FM stations one AM station and three shortwave stations. The main radio stations are Radio Myanmar (operated by MRTV) and City FM. Radio Myanmar usually begins daily with readings from the governments' "Seven Point Road to Democracy", "Twelve Political, Economic and Social Objectives" and "Three Main National Causes". Little or no foreign music is permitted, instead a variety of traditional Burmese classics are played, according to the Union Solidarity and Development Association. However, local radio stations usually play internationally known songs, re-recorded in Burmese. Unlike Radio Myanmar, City FM is primarily an entertainment station. Radio sets are usually tuned to government stations, however, uncensored information from stations such as BBC, VOA, Radio Free Asia and Democratic Voice of Burma (based in Oslo, Norway) are available from sets smuggled into the country and are popular, though some people caught listening to broadcasts have been arrested. Before internet access became available, foreign radio stations were a major source of information, which often helped to break the media blackout in the country.

Given the population of Burma, impact from radio and television has not been significant – only 10%, due to poor living conditions.