Vientiane: Laos' media sector has expanded significantly in recent years, with digital transformation, stronger legal frameworks, and professional development driving efforts to modernize the industry, Khamphan Pheuyavong, Member of the Politburo and Head of the Party Central Committee's Information and Education Commission, said Tuesday.
According to Lao News Agency, speaking at the First National Media Conference, Khamphan said media organizations under the Party, State, mass organizations, and the private sector have played an increasingly important role in public education, national unity, and socio-economic development while adapting to the digital era.
He noted that the sector has advanced under the Party Central Committee's Resolution No. 36 on strengthening Party leadership and State management of the media, supported by the Media Law (2016) and related legislation on cybersecurity, telecommunications, and cybercrime.
Traditional media outlets have expanded beyond print, radio, and television to produce multimedia content, including short videos, livestreams, and social media content. Major organizations-including the Lao News Agency (KPL), Lao National Television, National Radio, and Pasaxon Newspaper-have established digital platforms and are gradually transitioning to integrated digital operations.
Mr. Khamphan stated that recent institutional reforms have streamlined media management while strengthening professional training in digital journalism, multimedia production, information technology, and news analysis.
Looking ahead, Laos will prioritize building a modern, professional media sector by strengthening Party leadership, improving journalists' political awareness and professional ethics, expanding the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, upgrading media infrastructure, and enhancing international cooperation.
He highlighted that the reforms aim to improve the quality, credibility, and competitiveness of Lao media while enabling it to better serve national development and the public in an increasingly digital information environment.