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Myanmar: Private newspapers finally return against 50-year monopoly

By  |  April 1, 2013

For the first time since the late dictator Ne Win issued a monopolistic state-run newspaper in the 1960s, privately-owned publications have finally reached the public. For those who have lived long enough to remember, the development is a breath of fresh air as the nation attempts to move closer to becoming a democracy. Myanmar now has four daily newspapers, which went on sale on Monday. According to reports, the country – once known as Burma – had several daily publications in Burmese, English, Indian and Chinese languages when the nation won independence from Britain in 1948. But while the new publications are largely considered a win, the owners of those newspapers are anticipating major competition to remain in the market. Additionally, a 1962 law remains intact that allows the government to revoke publishing licenses. But as the newspapers become more established, reports say they will earn support from major media conglomerates that will launch at a later date.

 

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