The people of Burma are turning ever more to outside broadcasts and the media in exile to learn the latest news about the continuing protests against recent price hikes.
With state media strictly censored and most Internet news sites blocked, people in increasing numbers are tuning in to the shortwave broadcasts of such international radio stations as the BBC, the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
Although the regime blocks most Internet news sites and keeps users under surveillance, those with the know-how are still able to access online services provided by The Irrawaddy, Mizzima and NewEra.
According to an Open Net Initiative survey, 85 percent of email service provider sites are subject to a high level of filtering in Burma. Of sites with content judged to be sensitive to the Burmese state, 84 percent are blocked. They include nearly all political opposition and pro-democracy sites.
More than 50 phone services, mostly mobile phones used by members of the opposition National League for Democracy and other activists, were cut off last week in another regime move to prevent the spread of free and accurate information.
Media censorship by the Burmese military regime severely restricts access to unbiased information. State-monopoly radio and television closely control all broadcast media, and the junta's Press Scrutiny Board orders articles even slightly critical of the regime to be inked over or torn from offending issues.
In its own coverage of the continuing demonstrations, the regime media invariably blame protesters, activists and NLD members for the violence that results when the authorities and pro-regime thugs crack down on the protests.
One Rangoon woman spoke for many when she told The Irrawaddy: “We rely on Burmese media in exile a lot now; they are the main source of news about what is currently happening in our community and areas around us.”
Another Rangoon resident said he and others he knew had stopped reading the local press for news of current affairs.
With state media strictly censored and most Internet news sites blocked, people in increasing numbers are tuning in to the shortwave broadcasts of such international radio stations as the BBC, the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
Although the regime blocks most Internet news sites and keeps users under surveillance, those with the know-how are still able to access online services provided by The Irrawaddy, Mizzima and NewEra.
According to an Open Net Initiative survey, 85 percent of email service provider sites are subject to a high level of filtering in Burma. Of sites with content judged to be sensitive to the Burmese state, 84 percent are blocked. They include nearly all political opposition and pro-democracy sites.
More than 50 phone services, mostly mobile phones used by members of the opposition National League for Democracy and other activists, were cut off last week in another regime move to prevent the spread of free and accurate information.
Media censorship by the Burmese military regime severely restricts access to unbiased information. State-monopoly radio and television closely control all broadcast media, and the junta's Press Scrutiny Board orders articles even slightly critical of the regime to be inked over or torn from offending issues.
In its own coverage of the continuing demonstrations, the regime media invariably blame protesters, activists and NLD members for the violence that results when the authorities and pro-regime thugs crack down on the protests.
One Rangoon woman spoke for many when she told The Irrawaddy: “We rely on Burmese media in exile a lot now; they are the main source of news about what is currently happening in our community and areas around us.”
Another Rangoon resident said he and others he knew had stopped reading the local press for news of current affairs.
