All Myanmar Newspapers

A Guide to the Press of Myanmar: Media Under Siege

Welcome to your guide to the newspapers and news outlets of Myanmar. It is crucial to understand that the country’s media landscape has been fundamentally and violently transformed since the military coup of February 1, 2021. A once-burgeoning and vibrant independent press, which had flourished for nearly a decade, has been decimated by the ruling military junta. Most private newspapers have had their licenses revoked and offices raided, with journalists being arrested, imprisoned, and killed.

Today, the news landscape in Myanmar is split into two distinct and opposing worlds: the state-controlled propaganda outlets operating legally within the country, and the independent, exiled media operating online from abroad and through clandestine networks.

The State-Run Media: The Junta’s Mouthpiece

The only officially sanctioned “newspapers” currently published in print within Myanmar are state-owned and serve as mouthpieces for the military regime. They provide a heavily censored and propagandistic view of the country.

• The Global New Light of Myanmar: This is the primary English-language daily newspaper controlled by the state. It publishes the junta’s official announcements, decrees, and narratives on domestic and international affairs.
• Myanma Alin (The New Light of Myanmar) and Kyemon (The Mirror): These are the two main Burmese-language state-run dailies. They serve the same propaganda function as their English counterpart for the local population.

The Independent Press: Journalism in Exile and Underground

The true source of independent journalism and reliable news about Myanmar now comes from the nation’s courageous independent media outlets, which have been forced into exile. These organizations continue their vital work online, relying on brave reporters inside the country and staff operating from neighboring countries like Thailand.

• The Irrawaddy: A highly respected and long-standing independent news outlet, The Irrawaddy provides in-depth coverage and analysis in both English and Burmese. It is a vital source for understanding the reality of the situation on the ground.
• Myanmar Now: Known for its hard-hitting investigative journalism, Myanmar Now was one of the first outlets to be banned by the junta but continues to publish critical news in both English and Burmese.
• Mizzima News: Another leading independent media organization that provides daily news and analysis of the political and social turmoil within the country.
• Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB): A long-running media organization, DVB has been a key source of independent news since the days of the previous military dictatorship and continues its work through satellite television and online platforms.

A Fallen Private Press

It is important to remember the vibrant private press that was lost after the coup. Publications like The Myanmar Times, 7Day Daily, and Frontier Myanmar were once central to the country’s democratic transition, providing diverse perspectives and critical reporting. While some, like Frontier Myanmar, continue to produce some content under extreme pressure, the era of a free and open private print media has been extinguished.

Navigating the news on Myanmar requires a critical understanding of this stark divide. Accessing state-run papers shows the official narrative, while following the exiled independent media offers a window into the reality faced by the nation’s people. Our collection on w3worldnewspapers.com aims to provide access to both, giving a complete picture of this deeply troubled country.