Myanmar: Broadcasting Law (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) (p) (q) (r) produced by themselves or by other broadcast institutions to their subscribers. Distribution system can be through satellite, cable and terrestrial system. Broadcast Spectrum management means managing radio and television frequencies designated by the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology only for broadcasting. Authority will manage the broadcast spectrum. Broadcast license means the right to operate television and radio stations. Broadcast zone means a specific geographic area reached by a broadcast signal. Code of Conduct means the Code promulgated and adopted by the Council after due consultation with broadcast industry stakeholders. It includes provisions on ethical practices, content standards and other areas the Council may deem necessary. Independent producer is an individual or company who produces programmes for radio or television and who is independent of any particular broadcast institution. Primary broadcaster shall refer to public service, commercial, government and community broadcast institutions engaged in production of original programes. Authority means the National Broadcasting Development Authority. Council means National Broadcasting Council which is created by virtue of this law. The Council shall be autonomous and independent from government authorities, juridical and natural persons involved in the planning, production, and broadcasting of radio and television programmes. Ministry is the Ministry of Information of the Union Cabinet. Chapter II Objectives and Principles 3. The overriding objectives of this law are: (a) to promote the use of broadcast spectrum, designated by the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology, as a common development resource, (b) to promote access by the public to a wide variety of broadcast services as well as broadcasting content, (c) to ensure that broadcast services meet minimum standards, and to provide the public with a system for participating in pursuing quality broadcasting which meets the information, education and entertainment needs of the people of Myanmar. 4. The development and regulation of broadcast industry in Myanmar shall be based on the following principles: (a) freedom of expression, professionalism and independence of the broadcast media (b) balanced development of public service broadcasting, commercial, community and government broadcasting services (c) rational and efficient use of the broadcasting spectrum designated by the Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology. (d) promotion of fair competition and media pluralism in the field of broadcasting (e) fairness, objectivity, non-discrimination, efficiency and transparency in the procedure for granting frequencies and licenses for broadcast media ensuring that all areas of the country receive broadcast service. ARTICLE 19 – Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3GA – www.article19.org – +44 20 7324 2500 Page 17 of 30