4. Telecommunications, TVs, and mass media as a means to disseminate the cultural and creative products. Digital Broadcasting cooperation between Lao PDR and China and Law on Mass Media

Bilateral agreement (MoUs) between Lao PDR and China.

Digital Broadcasting in Lao PDRThe objectives of the Law is to service 25% of family households in both two standards (DTMB and DVBT) Nationwide in 2020 aligned with the National Roadmap and to support DTMB Technology as a priority projects and network development to rural area.

Law on Mass Media (2008 amended 2017)

Article 4-5 define the overall policies on promotion, protection and advancing the media capabilities, freedom of the press and all kinds of its diffusions as well as cooperation with foreign countries on the basis of mutual respect of independence and sovereignty. Article 25 has stated on the entertainment which is one of the mass media tasks for providing entertainment to the society as well as to educate, disseminate, guide and encourage the citizens to actively participate in the development of the nation. The entertainment broadcasting should comply with the national policy, customs and good tradition of ethnic culture that could be integrated with regional and international community as well.

   Community Radio

The Government of Lao PDR through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism recognised that Community Radio has an important role to play to in the development of Lao PDR. In this media landscape, the community radio stations offer a unique channel for community-led media. The volunteers under the Youth Union operate seven Community Radio Stations across four provinces and broadcast in two main ethnic group languages (Hmong and Khmu). Local volunteers include men, women and youth who share a common goal of helping to improve their communities while learning new skills.

Youth Radio

UNICEF supported the Youth Radio in all the provinces particularly the provinces where there are a large group of ethnic groups, with the focus at the district levels. The objective is to build capacity of youth to broadcast their own culture, health, and risk of UXO dangers.