Unit 7: 7.1. Recommendations for Sustaining Local Media Ensuring Press Freedom and Journalistic Career and Practices 1. According to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of the press needs to be fully guaranteed. 2. Expressing respect for the integrity of the media and journalists, SAC must immediately stop taking violent actions and tortures, arresting and detaining journalists, and prosecution of the media and journalists applying criminal laws. 3. Since the amended Television and Radio Broadcasting Law suppress press freedom, intimidating the independent media, and ceasing the existence of online-based TV news channels, SAC needs to prevent laws enforcements from contravening press freedom standards. 4. The SAC should strictly adhere to the provisions of News Media Law and amend Antiterrorism Law (2014) instead of arresting and prosecuting by applying provisions of Penal Code, Unlawful Association Act (1908), and Explosive Substance Act (1908). 5. Revocation of broadcasting licenses, shutting down television channels, and banning and black-listing websites and Facebook pages for news media need to be lifted. 6. Investigations, raids, threats, and prosecution of news outlets and journalists need to be ended. 7. Offices and agencies under SAC require acknowledging the right of journalists and news media when accessing information and conducting interviews without restriction, discrimination, or refusal. 8. Local and international organizations working for media development need to stand in solidarity with local news media and journalists with adequate and continuous support and effectively call for press freedom and journalistic rights. 9. The international community needs to integrate policies to ensure Myanmar’s press freedom, journalistic rights, and career, creating opportunities and practical support accessible to every journalist. Repeated Dark Age of News Media 31