Five content providers in a shortlist of ten companies will be announced at the end of this month, said Dr Pe Myint, from the Ministry of Information.
The minister made his remarks when he explained the ministry’s work progress and future tasks to MPs at the dinning hall after the regular session of the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) on March 14.
“Five out of ten companies that are on the shortlist to be content providers will be announced at the end of this month. Then digital newspapers will start in the next two months,” the minister said.
The applicants that are currently on the shortlist are Eleven Media Group, Mizzima Media Company Limited, DVB Multi Media Group Company Limited, Bo Bo Entertainment Myanmar Group Company Limited, Tikhina Company Limited, VOIP Myanmar Group (VMG) Company Limited, Global Technology Company Limited, Fortune International Limited, Kaung Myanmar Aung Company Limited, and Young Investment Group Company Limited.
The reporters asked Myint Htwe, the director-general, about the shortlist situation. The director-general replied that they first chose ten content providers as the initial list. Among them five applicants would be granted broadcast permission. They chose content providers depending on these points—transparency, assets, press ethics and financial status. Five companies would be announced as broadcast license winners after an overview of all shortlisted companies.
Being content providers is a small kind of enterprise and so the investment is small. Later, we can go to DTH or cable TV if the council appears. Such type of business needs huge investment. When the council emerges, private media will have to apply for broadcasting licenses in accord with rules and regulations set by the council, Myint Htwe said.
Anyone can apply for a broadcast license when it appears in the country. Licenses will be granted to suitable content providers that meet the requirements. Five companies to be announced at the end of this month will re-apply for licenses. The Sky Net, Forever, MRTV, and Myawady will be treated the same way. We have no restrictions on the channels allowed to broadcast. It depends on their operations. Some channels will focus on entertainment. Some will place emphasis on broadcasting news and entertainment. The currently shortlisted companies are almost the same, Myint Htwe said.
Source: Eleven Myanmar
