Narinjara, 13rd May 2025

The ninth Ethnic Media Conference (EMC) took place successfully outside Myanmar over the course of three days.

The conference, organized with the theme “Survival of Independent Media in Times of Crisis,” was conducted by Burma News International (BNI) from May 5 to 7.

The 9th Ethnic Media Conference, hosted by Burma News International (BNI), was held outside Myanmar from May 5 to 7, 2025. Almost 130 attendees participated in the conference, comprising journalists from independent Myanmar media, civil society organization representatives, diplomats, and members of media support organizations.

The chairwoman of the conference organizing committee, Ma Ar Me, informed Narinjara News that they talked about the challenges encountered by the media in different ethnic regions that are fighting to endure during the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar since the military assumed control, as well as ways to tackle these challenges.

"The country's political turmoil following the coup in Myanmar. There were numerous influences, not just political, but also many from the media. Ways to ensure our survival in the media landscape despite diminished funding options after financial cuts have been implemented. What opportunities do we discover? There are reporters, civil society organizations, and a few international embassies present to assess the potential outcomes. Involvement of stakeholders, their recommendations, and ways we can collaborate. In what ways can we collaborate to find solutions? We talked about the matter during the conference.”

The 9th Ethnic Media Conference, focused on the theme “Myanmar Independent Media Surviving Under the Crisis,” delved into the current issues surrounding the formation and management of interim governance in Myanmar, the condition of news production and broadcasting during political upheaval, and the prospects for governance in the nation.

Furthermore, contributors and involved organizations offered suggestions in reaction to the challenges highlighted by conference attendees concerning financial matters and other issues they are presently encountering.

In the same vein, for news media to thrive over the long haul and guarantee ongoing news production, they recommended that every news outlet seek methods to generate its own revenue, alongside international support, BNI Editorial Board member Nan Pho Gay informed Narinjara.

"The key aspect is the long-term operation of Myanmar media's independence. Currently, support for independent media in Myanmar has diminished. To ensure the sustainability of the media in the long run, we must establish our own revenue sources instead of relying on donors. Since the military assumed control in Myanmar, both the news media and the populace have encountered challenges.”

In January, newly elected US President Donald Trump halted international assistance, complicating survival for numerous media organizations in Myanmar that had depended on funding from USAID.

Moreover, global military conflicts, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, are hindering the survival of news organizations, stated U Sein Win, an experienced journalist and newsroom manager at Mizzima News, to Narinjara.

Consequently, he mentioned that news organizations must strive to generate their own revenue instead of depending on foreign assistance if they wish to keep functioning.

“As journalists, especially independent ones, we must depend on ourselves to endure and function. We must generate income on our own. Although there may be donor nations, their contribution will constitute a minor fraction. That is the truth. Thus, I wish to carry this out. This is what I truly stand for regarding press freedom. I will keep advocating for press freedom. And when the military council chooses to halt the media and press on, we will keep fighting,” he stated.

At present, the aid reductions by US President Donald Trump have caused the shutdown of significant media organizations like the Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA).

Ethnic media organizations in Myanmar are facing difficulties as well, with certain outlets needing to cut staff and regular broadcasts, stated Ko Ne Win San, editor of the Rakhine-based DMG News Agency, a member of BNI.

"We are unable to foresee the extent to which the political circumstances in Myanmar will develop. In this scenario, we encounter numerous challenges, yet the ethnic media must persevere and move forward. Certain media outlets have ceased operations entirely, while others have decreased the number of journalists they employ. We have witnessed such scenarios. However, we aim to keep producing our media products in spite of the challenges,” he stated.

Throughout the deliberations at the EMC conference, it was highlighted that, alongside pursuing international support, every media organization must investigate strategies to secure its lasting sustainability.

The conference additionally discussed suggested changes to the draft policy recommendations for media legislation prepared by Burma News International (BNI). Subjects covered included the Media Council, the Myanmar Media Law, Television and Broadcasting regulations, and the function of public service media.

The dialogue highlighted that the formulation of media regulations ought to adhere to a bottom-up federalism approach that could evolve over time. Furthermore, it was observed that the Media Council and public service media entities ought to function independently from the government. These entities ought to be created in a way that encompasses ethnic and other diverse groups.

Since 2013, the Ethnic Media Conference, organized by the BNI, a coalition of ethnic media outlets, has taken place in every region and state, including Rakhine, to address and seek solutions for the challenges and issues encountered by ethnic media. Following the military's assumption of power in 2021, the conference has occurred outside of Myanmar.