Media in exile producing more reliable information

Media in exile producing more reliable information

Human Rights

News produced by Burma's exile organizations during the last five years have significantly increased in amount and more reliable, according to a research report recently released by a Canadian journalist-researcher. 

"In general, (expatriate) journalists are doing a better job," according to a member of an unidentified organization interviewed by Chris Tenove. 

Different reasons were given for the improvements: people inside becoming more open, ability to make phone calls into the country, increased traffic across the border and competition among media groups to get accurate information, among others. 

However, some felt the increase has also resulted in significant overlap, says the report quoting one of the respondents: "You find a lot of duplication of stories, and you sometimes wonder if there is a need for so many publications." 

Still, it adds, there are areas of information still waiting to be covered by the exile media, such as those on the activities of NGOs inside Burma, drug movements, ceasefire groups, Japan or Asian aid funding. 

Among the expatriate radio broadcasters, the MAP (Migrant Assistance Program) program, that is aired in Karen and Shan, appeared to be the most listened to, according to the figures given (35%). 

However, the researcher was quick to point out that the statistics on MAP listenership only refer to the Chiangmai area interviewees. Democratic Voice of Burma turns next with 16.6% (The BBC, VOA and RFA, all non-expatriate broadcasters, continue to enjoy higher awareness and listenership.)

Among the exile newspapers, New Era was the most commonly read publication, followed by Mo Joe and New Vision. (S.H.A.N.'s Independence Burmese language section came sixth most read - 18.8% - after Purl and Refugee respectively.) 

Nearly two-thirds (66%) of the respondents read newspapers. For people who did not read a newspaper, 60% said they could not get one. (For people who didn't listen to radio programs, 62% said they didn't have access to a radio.) "Thus, the biggest obstacle to getting the news was a lack of access, and not a lack of time or interest," concludes Tenove. 

The research is still going on and the final findings should be released by the end of the year, he says.