Print media to reapply for licences
Play
Print media outlets, including Myanmar Eleven, are expected to reapply for their licences following the enforcement of the bylaw of the Printing and Publishing Law, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Information.
After the Union Parliament had passed the Printing and Publishing Law, the preceding 1962 legislation and its enforcer Central Supervisory Committee were invalidated. This led the lapse of authorities to issue publication licences for newspapers, journals and magazines.
The bylaw for printing and publishing, once taking effect, is slated to rectify the situation.
At yesterday’s press conference, Information and Public Relations Department’s director Aung Kyaw Oo explained the enactment process of the bylaw. Aung Kyaw Oo told the press that the Ministry had informed various journalist organisations to submit their recommendations by April 11. The Ministry plans to meet with them on April 30 for a final discussion on the bylaw.
“This committee handled licences for printing and publishing. As the Union Parliament passed the Printing and Publishing Law on March 14, the 1962 Printers and Publishers Registration Act became invalid.”
Currently, two newspapers including Myanmar Eleven English newspaper, 17 journals, three magazines, and five individuals are waiting for general publication licences. They have applied for licences at the copyright and registration department and they will have to apply again based on the new application rules following the enactment of the bylaw.
