Myanmar's new Media Council has heard a call by President U Thein Sein for more responsible and ethical reporting, while journalists said they hoped the next government would give them more freedom despite recognising progress made under the outgoing administration.
The swearing-in ceremony to inaugurate the quasi-autonomous council, which was partially elected in October, was held on December 11 in the Thabin Hall of the presidential palace.
A major theme of the president’s opening speech was the need for the Media Council to develop its complaints process.
Noting that the council was authorised to negotiate and take action, the president said it needed a complaints settlement process that would be transparent and credible. He observed that press councils outside Myanmar handled ethical problems, rather than the courts.
U Thein Sein said the council was there to help journalists “obtain their rights” and to encourage journalists to pursue their “responsibilities and ethics”. It should also ensure that it would protect the right of the public to access information, he said. (Courtesy of MMTimes)
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