CNI News
5 May 2024
The National Unity Government released its attitude towards the freedom of press and news media on 3rd May, 2024.
The freedom of the press, the rights to information and the rights to free reporting that are included in the Section.42, Part (1) of the federal democratic charter must be protected in accordance with the basic policy, it stated.
" The NUG seriously recognizes that the role of the freedom of press and responsible and accountable news media is especially important to ensure that the public can understand thoroughly all the affairs of the country and make a right decision." said the NUG.
It encouraged and supported the strong existence of responsible and accountable news media including local ethnic media, the NUG stated.
While seeing the NUG's attitude towards journalists
The NUG decisively protested against any restriction that could hurt freedom, neutrality and objectivity of news media and would encourage and support the strong existence of the freedom of press, and would unequivocally oppose any acts of intimidation or harassment to journalists and would make an effort to make those actions disappear and to protect journalists, said in the statement released by the NUG.
" Now, journalists are asked to choose a certain side. Which side will you stand with. But as a journalist living within the country and even if you are a writer and presenter who follows news ethics, you will be misunderstood. You will be surrounded and attacked. Some journalists are being threatened. How can we control these things. They can't be controlled in practice. The NUG released the statement for a reason, I think." said a local journalist.
A foreign-based journalist said that he went abroad and was working in the news industry he loved. But he was accused of being a supporter of revolution and facing the danger of being arrested by the authorities and he asked how the NUG would protect him.
" The news agency where I work is no more in Myanmar. So, I had to go abroad with the agency. But I report in accordance with news ethics. But the State Administration Council will try to arrest me, saying that I'm a supporter of the revolution. How will it be controlled? Journalists are being examined sort of." he said.
Journalists must not have a bias in favor of or against individuals, religion, party and organization and must stand justly and report the truth only, which are mentioned in the Myanmar news media ethics.
However, with the Myanmar political conflict that arose after 1st February, 2024, many journalists became weak in keeping news ethics and have a bias in favor of a certain side. At the same time, some journalists reporting in accordance with the news ethics are facing threats.
