Burma has been a nation known for tight restrictions on reporting. However, the government recently announced the approval of private dailies being sold – which marks the end the state monopoly in terms of media reporting writes Christel Lee from PrintWorld Asia.
16 papers reportedly have been granted licenses, which is a notable milestone for the country's regulations on media control. Journalists were informed last August drafts submission to state censors before publication has been waived. Previously, the media was subject to close monitoring and survelliance. In worst cases, newspapers which violated the country's media regulations were closed.
Though private dailies are now allowed, the print runs are expected to be within modest numbers. "I foresee several hurdles along the way. However, I am ready to run the paper in the spirit of freedom and professionalism taught by my peers during the good old days," Khin Maung Lay, the 81-year-old editor of Golden Fresh Land, told the Associated Press.
The arrival of privately owned papers on the newsstands coincides with the first anniversary of the election of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to parliament. Aung San Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, is to start printing its own daily newspaper later this month.
