The Independent Press Council of Myanmar (မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ လွတ်လပ်သော သတင်းမီဒီယာကောင်စီ; abbreviated IPCM) is a self-regulatory body established by Myanmar journalists in exile. It was formed on 22 December 2023 as an independent alternative to the state-linked Myanmar Press Council following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état. The council represents a coalition of ethnic, regional, and independent media outlets dedicated to upholding professional ethics and protecting journalists under threat.
Core Functions The IPCM operates with a focus on several key areas to support the Myanmar media landscape:
Ethical Oversight: To mark World Press Freedom Day in May 2024, the IPCM introduced a standardized Media Code of Conduct for journalists reporting on the Myanmar conflict. Advocacy and Protection: The council provides legal assistance and safety resources for journalists facing persecution. It has consistently called for the release of detained media workers and for safe access to information. Policy Critique: The body actively monitors and criticizes restrictive legislation, such as the Cybersecurity Law, which it views as a tool to suppress freedom of expression.
Governance and Membership As of 2026, the IPCM is led by an Executive Committee of 14 members. The current leadership includes: Chairperson: Nan Paw Gay (Karen Information Center) Secretary: Toe Zaw Latt
Membership is open to independent media organizations and freelance journalists but explicitly excludes state-controlled or political party-affiliated outlets.
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