In what ways could the mass media improve?

To mark the 72nd Mass Media and Publishing Day, the Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their opinions on the work of the media and areas which could be improved.

Ms Thone Chanthaphoumy, a resident of Vientiane: Most people keep track of the news on social media because it’s quick, even though there is a risk that information may be inaccurate. Of course, official media sources provide correct information that comes from reliable sources. So I encourage everyone to get the news from official sources. But there’s a lot that could be improved, especially with regard to the speed of news delivery, while the content is often rather turgid and contains too many uninteresting details so that readers get bored. The content should be easy to understand and read, and accessible by people of all backgrounds. This would encourage more young people to follow the news.

Mr Chawan Souvannachat, a resident of Savannakhet province: I think the mass media is very important because it enables everyone to learn about and understand the news, information and events that take place every day. Without this source of information we would be blind and deaf and have no knowledge of the outside world. However, I think the content of mass media could be improved and a lot more detail provided. And some of the grammar in some newspapers is incorrect, while more consideration should be given to the words used so they’re easy to understand by readers of all levels. And if possible the news should be published more rapidly, especially online, so that readers are up to speed with the latest developments.
 
Ms Nit Siamphone, an employee in Vientiane province: People get
news and views by reading newspapers and magazines and are further informed by watching television or listening to the radio. The press, the radio and television play a big role in everyone’s life by informing, educating and entertaining. They also influence the way people look at the world and may make them change their views. I would like to see more programmes on television and radio that are more in-depth and interesting to watch and listen to.
 
Mr Santisouk Philavong, a student of mass media: I like this work and hope that in the future I’m able to be a part of the media industry. Mass media is central to the circulation of information, advertising and communication. Today, the mainstream media is facing strong competition from online platforms. Most people are more interested in new forms of media rather than traditional forms. I think mass media organisations, including their staff, should make more use of modern technology. In addition, the content should be informative, interesting and useful so that more people want to follow the mainstream media. 
 
Ms Keo Vongsa, a resident of Xieng Khuang province: I think the mass media has improved quite a lot compared to the past. News is published more quickly and it’s easier to get news and information because it’s now provided online. But I think the mass media should be more up to date in its methods. Today, everyone uses smartphones and most people get their news and information through social media. So it would be good if the mass media could put more news online.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update August 12, 2022)