This document is downloaded from DR‑NTU (https://dr.ntu.edu.sg) Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Broadcast media and economic development in the Lao PDR Thongvanh Bounbouathong. 1998 Thongvanh B. (1998). Broadcast media and economic development in the Lao PDR. In AMIC Consultation on Media and Economic Development in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, Phnom Penh, Dec 7‑9, 1998. Singapore: Asian Media Information and Communication Centre. https://hdl.handle.net/10356/92619 Downloaded on 02 Oct 2021 03:53:48 SGT ATTENTION: The Singapore Copyright Act applies to the use of this document. Nanyang Technological University Library Paper No. 6 ATTENTION: The Singapore Copyright Act applies to the use of this document. Nanyang Technological University Library Broadcast media and economic development in the Lao PDR By Thongvanh Bounbouathong, deputy director general, Lao National Television, Ministry of Information and Culture ,, The situation of the Lao National Television Since its establishment in 1983, the Lao National Television has developed its services to serve the country's socio-economic development. At present, it broadcasts 11.30 hours per day and produces various programs to promote economic development in the country. About/7CTper cent of the programs deal with economic stories. Now there are 12idcal TV stations, which receive signals from the Lao National Television. As you know, broadcast media plays an important role in disseminating the policies of the Government on socio-economic development and in combating negative phenomena, such as illegal trade and tax evasion. In addition, it gives people education on agriculture, industry, services and so on. People like to watch Lao TV much more than before since we have improved . our programs, and we will start broadcasting one more channel at the end of this month. We also have talk show programs on outstanding farmers and on political and economic issues. These programs have been able to attract the audience. We promote the development of the household economy, by giving information to people about growing vegetables, raising cattle and doing small business through various programs. In addition, we promote domestic and foreign investment by trying to cover investment projects. However, we have a small budget if we compare with other TV stations in other countries because ours is a non-profit making station. Professional knowledge and experience of many staff members are still limited. 80% of the country's area is mountainous. So it is difficult for the broadcast media to reach people throughout the country. Therefore, to improve broadcast media in Laos,I would like to suggest that AMIC organises more training courses and workshops in Laos. Thank you very much I'm please to answer any questions you have. .