IPCM and IMJA Oppose the Military Council’s Newly Formed Media Council
Arakha Times (25-November-2024)
The Independent Myanmar Journalists Association (IMJA) and the Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) have separately issued statements condemning the establishment of the Myanmar Press Media Council by the military council.
According to IMJA, the council, formed under the military regime, aims solely to oppress independent media and journalists while suppressing press freedom. In a statement released today, November 22, IMJA expressed their belief that the council will neither respect press freedom nor promote journalistic integrity but instead operate as a propaganda tool for the military regime.
IMJA further stated that the formation of the military-backed media council is designed to serve the interests of the junta by restricting press freedom, silencing independent media outlets, and intimidating journalists.
On November 20, 2024, the military council announced the establishment of the Myanmar Press Media Council.
IPCM criticized the council, claiming it does not represent independent Myanmar media professionals and serves only to strengthen the military junta’s propaganda machinery. It accused the council of being a tool to disseminate misinformation internationally while prolonging the regime’s control. IPCM strongly opposed its creation.
The newly appointed chairman of the military-controlled media council, Dr. U Tin Htun Oo, is reportedly a former candidate for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), a pro-military political party, while the council’s secretary, U Aye Chan, is said to be the son of a former navy chief. These appointments demonstrate that the council exists solely to protect the military’s interests, with no commitment to press freedom or journalist safety, IPCM argued.
Since the military coup in 2021, the junta’s Ministry of Information has exerted pressure on media outlets not to refer to the regime as a ” coup regime.” Following such pressures, 24 out of 26 members of the previous media council resigned, IMJA noted in its statement.
