VZCZCXRO5550
RR RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHVN #0461 2341009
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 211009Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2167
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS

UNCLAS VIENTIANE 000461 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KPAO LA SOCI SCUL
 
SUBJECT: LAO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES NEW MEDIA LAW 
 
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Lao National Assembly (NA) approved a new law 
on the roles and responsibilities of the media during its July 
session by a vote of 101 to 2.  The new media law codifies the 
powers of the Ministry of Information and Culture's Mass Media 
Department.  It remains to be seen whether the law will enhance 
freedoms of the press or further control an already very restricted 
media.  Over time, it will become clear whether the various new laws 
passed by the NA are part of Laos' movement towards the rule of law 
or perhaps just an expanded approach to "rule by law". 
 
¶2. (U) On July 25, 2008, the Lao National Assembly approved a law on 
the roles and responsibilities of the media in Laos.  Drafting of 
the new media law began in 1995.  A first draft of the law presented 
to the government for approval in 2000 was rejected for a "lack of 
comprehensiveness."  We understand veteran academics, 
representatives of the mass media, legal technical officials, and 
interested Government of Laos (GOL) officials helped revise the 
draft during the past 13 years. 
 
¶3. (SBU) The new media law provides a legal framework to implement 
Resolution 36 of the Party Politburo, which covers management of the 
press.  The resolution states that the role and function of the Lao 
media are to contribute to the country's strategy of national 
defense and development. Currently the government, which owns and 
controls most domestic print and electronic media, severely 
restricts political speech and public criticism deemed harmful to 
the state's reputation.  Accordingly, local news closely reflects 
government policy.  There are a few privately-owned media sources in 
Laos belonging to well-connected families, often relatives of 
government officials who manage the formal mass media.  These are 
generally limited to covering carefully selected society items and 
other "non-threatening" topics. 
 
¶4. (U) According to officials, the new media law is intended to 
serve simultaneously as a reference for the Lao people to ensure 
their "right of free expression" and as a tool for the Party to 
effectively "supervise and manage" the media.  Ministry of 
Information and Culture Mass Media Department Director General Mr. 
Vanthong Phonchanhuang stated very clearly: "Media is an important 
tool and vehicle of the Party." 
 
¶5. (SBU) The eleven chapters and 66 articles of the media law cover 
general legislation, features of the media, rights of Lao people in 
the media, media work, organization and human resources of the 
media, movement of media, "prohibitions," management and inspection, 
policies for contributors, and penalties for violations-including 
disciplinary sanctions if journalists fail to act in accordance with 
the law.  One new element is that the law gives the green light for 
the private sector, domestic and international, to invest in media 
in Laos.  Apparently, foreign money is welcome, but even media 
companies with foreign investment would have to avoid harming the 
reputation of the country. 
 
¶6. (U) The debate on the media law was broadcast live on Lao 
national television. One issue under discussion was the requirement 
for media agencies to obtain permission from the Mass Media 
Department before adding extra pages to publications.  Some NA 
members argued this restriction limited the independence of the 
media, but the majority agreed it was a management issue that would 
not create obstacles for media development.  Another topic of debate 
was the appropriate minimum age (21 or 25) of a media agency's head 
official and deputy head official.  Some members voiced the desire 
for state media agencies to take steps towards financial 
independence.  The common practice of journalists asking for payment 
for coverage of stories was also discussed. 
 
¶7. (SBU) Comment: The lengthy draft period and lack of vigorous, 
substantive NA debate is characteristic of the Lao legislative 
process.  When the President issues the promulgation notice, the 
government will also release the implementing regulations which will 
supply the actual teeth of the law and tell us much more about the 
future direction of the media in Laos.  At this point the impact of 
the new media law remains unclear, though various laws being 
considered by the NA are indicative of the GOL's effort to move 
towards becoming a nation with a more complete code of laws.  We 
will be watching to see how this new law impacts the press in Laos, 
but it is clear that it will not fundamentally change the nature of 
the state-controlled media.  End Comment. 
 
MCGEEHAN