The Press Scrutiny and Registration Division is a major oppressive tool of the incumbent regime. Not surprisingly, Burma stands downgraded from a free state to a prison state. All news media à ‚¬" all daily newspapers, radio and television stations à ‚¬" are subject to the supervision and censorship of the junta. Privately owned journals and magazines are also under the PSRD scanner. No printed matter can be published without its permission.
Radio, television and other media outlets are monopolized for propaganda warfare by the military regime and opposition views are not allowed. The recent emergence of the junta's new FM stations is seen as part of an attempt to lure voters' support for pro-military candidates in the 2010 general election.
The regime knows well how to take advantage of the popularity of FM radio. It is now using the new stations to draw people away from the exiled media. The media is a tool for the military regime with no space for the opposition party.
Unless the junta guarantees human rights including the freedom of expression and freedom of association, its ongoing polling process will be meaningless at best.
The lifeblood of democracy is the free flow of information. Burma's media workers hope for assistance and support from international media groups so they can play a role in their country's transformation. Without press freedom, a nation cannot have social equality or democracy.
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