Experts say SEA media freedom, viability and safety threatened during pandemic

14 Sept 02:53 Key points summarised by AI

COVID-19 enabled Southeast Asian governments to intensify media regulation, often labeling critical reporting on official mishandling as "fake news."
The pandemic severely impacted media businesses, causing a sharp decline in advertising revenue and leading to journalist pay cuts, threatening financial viability.
Journalists faced increased physical health risks from potential virus contraction and significant mental health challenges due to the stressful and tense work environment.
Despite the challenges, experts identified new opportunities for media, such as remote working to reduce costs and the adoption of subscription or membership models to generate income.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Yesterday 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.