Myanmar Spring Chronicle – March 22 Overview
MoeMaKa, March 23, 2125
The Role of News Media and Social Media in the Spring Revolution
The “Spring Revolution” is a broad term referring to the resistance movement against the military coup that took place on February 1, 2021. This movement includes armed resistance against military dictatorship, efforts to establish a federal system, the right to self-determination, and confederation. It also encompasses human rights movements, minority rights, indigenous rights, gender equality, and the fight against religious and ethnic discrimination. There is no strictly defined meaning for the term “Spring Revolution,” but it generally refers to the collective resistance against the military coup.
One key aspect worth discussing is the role of news media in the Spring Revolution. News media serves as a means to strengthen support for the movement, exchange information among like-minded individuals, provide updates on the latest developments, inform the public about activities of resistance groups, and mobilize public participation—whether through direct involvement or financial and technical contributions. This dissemination of information occurs both through traditional news media and social media platforms.
During the 1988 Uprising, traditional news media outlets were already present. For the Burmese audience, independent news sources were limited to shortwave radio broadcasts, while international newspapers and magazines provided updates on Myanmar’s political situation. Burmese audiences mainly relied on international news sources, such as BBC Burmese radio, to learn how global media reported on the uprising.
However, the situation changed drastically 33 years later during the 2021 coup and the subsequent Spring Revolution. The communication landscape had evolved so much that it was no longer comparable to 1988. Not only did activists communicate among themselves, but various groups involved in the revolution also had their own channels to reach the public. Unlike in 1988, where independent media inside Myanmar was virtually nonexistent, by 2021, nearly a hundred independent media outlets were operating inside the country. The presence of the internet, shortwave radio, satellite communications, daily newspapers, and weekly journals, along with the widespread use of social media, significantly transformed the information landscape. At that time, nearly half of Myanmar’s population—around 18 to 19 million people—were active social media users.
Technological advancements in IT, internet networks, and satellite communications, which are beyond governmental control, played a crucial role in enabling supporters of the Spring Revolution to communicate, organize, and coordinate actions in real-time. These modern communication tools have been instrumental in mobilizing the resistance movement.
At the same time, however, the military junta and its supporters have also utilized the same communication platforms for propaganda. Media outlets that had previously been sponsored by the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) during the 2015 and 2020 election campaigns transitioned into state-sponsored media after the coup. For example, People Media, which once operated independently, shifted to military council sponsorship and began disseminating propaganda in favor of the junta.
Following the coup, the military regime shut down independent media outlets, revoked their licenses, and raided their offices, forcing many journalists to flee to ethnic-controlled areas or neighboring countries. As a result, independent media organizations became increasingly dependent on international donors for funding.
Independent news media remains crucial to the Spring Revolution, not only as a communication tool but also as a platform for exchanging perspectives and verifying information. Social media, in addition to facilitating communication among the public, has become a vital tool for resistance groups to disseminate their messages and mobilize support.
This shift raises the question: Are independent, professional news media organizations still necessary? With social media enabling activists and individuals to communicate and share information directly, some might argue that traditional news media has become less relevant. However, professional journalism still plays an essential role in investigative reporting, offering in-depth analysis, presenting diverse perspectives, and holding those in power accountable. Unlike social media, professional journalism can provide well-researched reports that contribute to informed decision-making by political and public leaders.
Moving forward, professional news media must adapt to these changes by focusing more on investigative reporting, fact-checking, and providing comprehensive analysis—functions that social media alone cannot fulfill.