Media Literacy Workshop: 2-day session to combat disinformation

The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) and Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV) under the Ministry of Information jointly organized a workshop on Media Literacy to Address Disinformation.

MRTV became a full member of AIBD on 29 July 1997 and is actively participating in seminars, workshops and webinars of AIBD. This is the 3rd workshop jointly organized by MRTV and AIBD.

During the two-day workshop, Speaker Associate Professor Dr. Sara Chinnasamy led the discussions, focusing on the topics including  "Journalism Objectivity and Values in Content," "Targets of Lies, Rumors, and Hoaxes," "Methods or Tools to Identify Disinformation and Exercise Judgment," and "Journalists' Role in Changing the Public's Perception of Disinformation."

Moreover, officials from the Ministry, private media organization and Myanmar Press Council also discussed on the topics including "Restrictions and Confronting Limitations," "Restrictions and Government and Public Offices Self-Censorship in Myanmar," and "Myanmar Media Council Responsibilities and Stakeholder Connections."

Chairman, Myanmar Press Council, Ohn Maung (Myin Mu Maung Naing Moe): "When it comes to dealing with fake news, there is always the possibility that some of the news stories are wrong. There are honest and ignorant mistakes while some are intentional ones. Myanmar Press Council will provide necessities for the media publishing the news story honestly. But if they intentionally report the false news, it’s hard to help. It is necessary to be careful not to publish false news. Every journalist needs to avoid reporting fake news and not to deal with such media outlets."

Assistant Director, Media Development Department, Myat Kyaye Hmone: "There are chaos and panic among the public as they cannot distinguish fake news and the true one. To prevent this from happening, we share the knowledge on addressing the disinformation to the staff who are working in the media field. If these staff can disseminate their knowledge to educate the public, it will be very beneficial."
 

50 trainees from relevant departments under the Ministry of Information and other private media organizations attended the workshop which run for two days from the 27th to the 28th of September.