United States Agency for Global Media

Burma: Post-Coup Developments

USAGM networks continue to provide comprehensive and unbiased coverage of developments of the unrest in Burma following the February 1 military coup that deposed leader Aung San Su Kyi’s elected government. 

The military-controlled government has threatened independent journalists and has blocked internet access to non-state news sources, including social media. Burma ranks 140 out of 180 in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index. The country had seen progress in press freedom after the military junta disbanded itself in February 2011. But the 2021 coup set back journalism in Burma some 10 years, Reporters Without Borders said. 

Burma or Myanmar? USAGM explains.

 

Our journalists in the field

Despite these challenges, journalists for the Burmese-language websites of USAGM-supported Radio Free Asia and Voice of America are still providing credible, exclusive reporting, and regional and global reactions. This content is available to millions in and around Burma who otherwise might not have access to trustworthy, independent news.

Since 1942, VOA Burmese has broadcasts the latest news from Burma, Southeast Asia, the U.S., and the world. Following the Burmese’s military overthrow of the elected government on February 1, VOA saw dramatic spikes in audience engagement. Comments/shares on VOA Burmese Service chief’s analysis live in-studio on Facebook and a Skype discussion with a Burmese rights activist crossed the 3 million mark, while the service’s website attracted 1.9 million views overnight.

Sample VOA’s coverage in Burma, below.

RFA began broadcasting to Burma in 1997. Following the Burmese’s military overthrow of the elected government on February 1, RFA saw dramatic spikes in audience engagement. RFA’s evening news show, which is broadcast on shortwave radio and simultaneously webcast on social media with full video, had a total of 10.1 million views and 1.5 million engagements on February 1.

Explore RFA Burmese’s coverage below.