The BBC’s Burmese radio service, the first broadcast media in the Burmese language, marks its 70th anniversary today. The milestone is being celebrated in Mae Sot, Thailand, a border town across the Moei River from Burma, with the distribution of free Hello monthly journals.
Although the Voice of America Burmese service and two stations in exile provide public broadcasting in Burmese, the BBC’s service has a larger audience. Small teams based in Bangkok and London’s Bush House broadcast to an estimated 22.9% of Burma’s adult population, and in times of national crisis these figures soar.
Most of the audience who listen to the Burmese service in Burma still have to do so in secret because of extensive junta censorship.
Related articles:
- “Lifeline service”: BBC Burmese marks 70th anniversary
- BBC audio report by Chloe Hadjimatheou (5′24″)
on Sep 2nd, 2010 at 23:05
I’m surprised the authorities don’t try to jam it.
on Sep 3rd, 2010 at 17:22
It is an excellent milestone, & I am very proud of your news & current affair without a doubt.
I’ve been listening to the radio hand it down by my be loved father since 1965-66.
I hope that the service & the program will last at least another couple of centuries. thank you, & good on you BBc
naing