They have used covid-19 to justify a crackdown that was already under way
, the biggest broadcaster in the Philippines, ceased transmission. In theory, its licence simply expired—nothing to do with a years-long feud with President Rodrigo Duterte. But his administration had warned the regulator against giving the company a temporary extension, and Congress, which is dominated by the president’s allies, had dawdled for months over renewing its 25-year franchise . The Supreme Court may yet allowto resume broadcasting until Congress makes up its mind.
By the same token, it was perhaps too much to hope that the authorities in Myanmar would slough off the legacy of decades of military dictatorship overnight. Over the past four years the armed forces have filed 52 legal complaints against their critics, more than half of them in the past year alone. Two journalists from Reuters, a news agency, were jailed for over a year after they exposed a massacre of civilians by soldiers. The soldiers themselves spent far less time in prison.
There is commercial pressure, too. Unfriendly newspapers seem to miss out on government advertising. And since the conglomerates that own most television channels and newspapers are sprawling businesses that depend on the government for umpteen licences, approvals and loans, it is easy for those in power to press them for favourable coverage.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asia Today: China reports 57 new cases; 34 in South KoreaChina reports its biggest one-day jump in cases in two months after closing the biggest wholesale food market in Beijing and locking down nearby residential communities. The 57 new confirmed coronavirus infections include 36 in Beijing.
Read more »
Annecy Stages 2nd Focus on South-East Asia MIFA ProgramThis year’s online Annecy Festival includes a Territory Focus on South-East Asia, co-organized by Annecy and the French Embassy. This is the second edition of the initiative, part of Annecy’s…
Read more »
Coronavirus live updates: European countries ease travel restrictions, bans still in place for U.S., AsiaThe coronavirus has infected more than 7.80 million people globally as of Sunday, and killed at least 430,550.
Read more »
Asia stocks set to slip as virus fears resurface; China's industrial production data aheadStocks in Asia were set to decline at the open on Monday as fears resurface over the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
Asia Today: Beijing reinstates virus controls as cases riseNew coronavirus cases reported in the past few days mark China's highest daily total in two months. The rise has prompted Beijing to reverse the relaxation of some social isolation measures.
Read more »
Saudi Aramco cuts July crude supplies to at least five buyers in Asia: sourcesWorld's largest oil exporter Saudi Aramco has reduced the volume of July-loading crude that it will supply to at least five buyers in Asia, seven sources said on Monday.
Read more »