The “Rat Droppings” in the Myanmar Media

Written by Kyi Win

Mandaing, April 18, 2025.

The well-known Myanmar proverb, “Rat droppings mixed with rice-offerings,” is familiar to many. It is often used to describe a situation where useless or undesirable elements are found among valuable ones for instance, when a few corrupt or evil individuals are present within a group of decent people. Similarly, in today’s media landscape, we are beginning to see a few of these “rat droppings” emerge.

Journalism is a vital profession for any country. Journalists working in the media industry carry significant responsibilities. When they adhere to the ethical standards of journalism and perform their duties with integrity, this profession becomes a noble one to be proud of.

However, after the military coup, many independent newspapers and journals were shut down, leading to the rise of numerous online news outlets. Unfortunately, some “rat droppings” media outlets have also infiltrated this new environment. Due to the actions of these few unethical outlets, the journalism profession is now facing dishonor, and journalists are being viewed with suspicion and disrespect.

This situation has largely worsened because of certain so-called chief editors and media owners who entered journalism without even understanding the “5W1H” of news reporting, let alone the ethics of the profession. These opportunists, lacking both experience and integrity, are a significant reason why things have reached this point.

These individuals are more concerned with the kind of car they drive, how many cars they own compared to others, and which liquor is superior and how to drink it rather than considering how journalism should be practiced, how news should be written, or how a newsroom should be properly managed. Yet, they somehow refer to themselves as chief editors or media owners.

While they are out driving fancy cars, partying at various clubs, and drinking top-shelf liquor, they cannot even consistently provide fair and timely salaries to the journalists working in their own offices. Furthermore, they even go so far as to take a cut from their employees’ already meager wages.

What is even more reprehensible is how some of them exploit their fellow female journalists. Instead of supporting women who have fled the country due to safety concerns, they take advantage of their vulnerability acting like saviors with the hidden intention of getting close to and exploiting them in personal and inappropriate ways. They imagine themselves living in a Korean drama, playing the charming lead role in their own fantasy. However, in reality, they resemble extras from a low-budget soap opera-a fact they fail to recognize.

Observing them, it is clear that their focus is not on valuing journalists or striving to do meaningful, dedicated work in the field. Instead, their sole concern seems to be showing off, accumulating wealth, and achieving fame. In these challenging times, they aspire to become tycoons. We are now witnessing media owners and publishers attempting to use journalists as stepping stones in their pursuit of wealth and status.

They only value journalists when it serves their own interests. Since the time of the Spring Revolution until today, the record shows that media owners and self-proclaimed chief editors have prospered, while those diligently working in the newsrooms have struggled daily just to survive. Some have even been forced to seek employment in other fields simply to make ends meet.

What is truly heartbreaking is that the wealth these media owners have acquired did not come from their own hard-earned money or inheritance; it originated from support intended for the development of the media industry. They have amassed their fortune using funds that should have been allocated to supporting journalism. If it were their own money, they would be free to do as they wished and I would have no grounds for complaint.

Every time I reflect on this, I find myself respecting those media owners who established their own newspapers or journals using their personal funds and granted their publications the freedom to operate independently. It is because of these honorable individuals that the Myanmar media once held prestige. However, due to the actions of a few “rat droppings,” media outlets in that same world are losing their integrity and honor.

Following the military coup, newspapers and journals were shut down, and online media outlets began to proliferate rapidly. Nevertheless, many journalists who genuinely love and are dedicated to their work continue their efforts quietly, persistently moving forward. These individuals remain focused on their mission, working tirelessly despite the obstacles.

Similarly, alongside the Spring Revolution against the Military Junta, numerous new and truly reliable media outlets have emerged. These outlets are staffed by talented, emerging journalists who are capable of managing newsrooms and assuming leadership roles. These individuals are committed to the work of journalism, continuing to fulfill their responsibilities regardless of financial rewards or setbacks. They are dedicated to their craft, persevering in their work in the face of adversity.

Currently, in the media world, we can clearly observe “rat droppings mixed with rice-offerings.” When media support diminished, these rat droppings began to surface. These individuals the self-proclaimed chief editors and media owners who have risen to prominence by exploiting the system are the ones who take advantage of journalists, reducing their salaries and creating instability. They are also the ones involved in scandals, fostering a toxic environment within the media industry. The characteristics of these individuals are reflected in their brand.

These rat droppings, despite widespread awareness of their mistakes, still refuse to reflect on or retract their actions. They make no effort to improve and continue their wrongdoings, exacerbating the situation. Some individuals continue to support and enable them, leading these rat droppings to believe they are still part of the “rice-offerings,” justifying their actions and considering their behaviors acceptable. They maintain the illusion that they are acting with integrity, while in reality, they continue to descend further into corruption.

Ultimately, the future rests with the journalists themselves whether they desire to see the media landscape as a place of honor and integrity, or whether they are willing to accept the polluted environment tainted by rat droppings. The destiny of the media landscape lies in the hands of those who genuinely value the profession, and only they can decide whether to uphold its dignity or allow it to continue being dragged down by corruption.

Therefore, those who truly love and cherish the profession of journalism must take it upon themselves to root out and expose the rat droppings within the media landscape. If they do so, it will not be long before the rat droppings are eliminated, and the media world will once again be a place of honor, where reputable journalism can flourish and return to its rightful place.