A VETERAN journalist has welcomed an increase in the number of
journals devoted to domestic news, saying they were contributing
to a revival of the profession.
“As a journalist, I welcome the increase in the number
of journals because they are the eyes and ears of the nation and
the information they provide broadens the knowledge of the public,”
said Lu Du Sein Win, 64.
A total of 15 journals, or weekly newspapers, devoted to domestic
news have been launched since 1999, including three this year.
Another five journals have changed their focus from celebrities
to domestic news coverage since the start of the year.
“Myanmar people are hungry for news; that is the main
reason why the journals devoted to domestic news have been successful,”
said Lu Du Sein Win, the editor of the Yangon office of the Mandalay-based
daily newspaper, Lu Du, from 1960 until it was closed in 1967.
He joined the newspaper as a reporter in 1957 when he was studying
for an Arts degree at Mandalay University.
Lu Du Sein Win said the emergence of more journals was making
an important contribution to the development of journalism.
A prolific writer on topics related to journalism for more than
20 years, Lu Du Sein Win contributes more than 30 articles every
month for publication to six journals and 12 magazines.
The director of the Press Scrutiny Board under the Ministry
of Home Affairs, U Aye Tun, said market demand was the main reason
for the increase in the number of journals devoted to news.
“Publishers are more interested in news journals because
the demand is there,” U Aye Tun said.
He said many publishers had become interested in news journals
following the launch in late 2000 of 7 Day News and Kumudra journals.
Figures released by the board show that Myanmar has 144 journals
and 234 monthly magazines, up from six journals and 35 magazines
in 1988.
Among those in a position to observe the expansion of the market
is U Sai Than Win, 42, who sells journals and newspapers from
a stall on Bogyoke Aung San Road.
“When I opened my stall in 1980 there were about five
journals, now I sell 135, of which about 30 cover sport and about
15 cover domestic news,” he said.
U Sai Than Win said sport journals account for most of his sales,
closely followed by 7 Day News, Kumudra and Myanmar Times.
