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[[File:Mongolia media.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Mongolian media interviewing the opposition [[Mongolian Green Party]]. The media has gained significant freedoms since democratic reforms initiated in the 1990s.]]
[[File:Mongolia media.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Mongolian media interviewing the opposition [[Mongolian Green Party]]. The media has gained significant freedoms since democratic reforms initiated in the 1990s.]]


The '''media of Mongolia''' refers to the print, broadcast and online media in [[Mongolia]]. Since the collapse of the [[Soviet Union|Soviet style system]] in 1990, the media has undergone large reforms which have allowed greater diversity and [[freedom of the press]] which make it one of the most free in the region. [[Censorship]] of media outlets is forbidden under the 1998 Media Freedom Law.<ref>[http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,FREEHOU,,MNG,4562d8cf2,473451d7f,0.html Freedom of the Press - Mongolia (2006)], ''[[UNHCR]]''.</ref> In its 2013 report, [[Reporters Without Borders]] classified the media environment as 98th out of 179, with 1st being most free.<ref>[http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2013,1054.html 2013 Press Freedom Index], ''Reporters Without Borders''.</ref>
The '''mass media in Mongolia''' refers to the print, broadcast and online media in [[Mongolia]]. Since the collapse of the [[Soviet Union|Soviet style system]] in 1990, the media has undergone large reforms which have allowed greater diversity and [[freedom of the press]] which make it one of the most free in the region. [[Censorship]] of media outlets is forbidden under the 1998 Media Freedom Law.<ref>[http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,FREEHOU,,MNG,4562d8cf2,473451d7f,0.html Freedom of the Press - Mongolia (2006)], ''[[UNHCR]]''.</ref> In its 2013 report, [[Reporters Without Borders]] classified the media environment as 98th out of 179, with 1st being most free.<ref>[http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2013,1054.html 2013 Press Freedom Index] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215183842/http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2013%2C1054.html |date=February 15, 2013 }}, ''Reporters Without Borders''.</ref>

Despite a population of just three million people, there are 555 media outlets in Mongolia and nearly 5,000 journalists nationwide.<ref>Press Institute of Mongolia, Mongolian Media Today, 2013</ref>


==The press==
==The press==

===History===
===History===
====1920-1990s====
⚫
Mongolian press began in 1920 with close ties to the [[Soviet Union]] under the Mongolian Communist Party, with the ''Unen'' (''Truth'') newspaper similar to the Soviet ''[[Pravda]]'' and ''Dzaluuchuudyn Unen'' (''Young People's Truth''), founded by the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Youth League in 1924; and ''Ulaan Od'' (''Red Star'') founded by the Ministries of Defense and Public Security following respectively in 1930.<ref name=pr>[http://www.pressreference.com/Ma-No/Mongolia.html Mongolia media], ''Press reference''.</ref> Until reforms in the 1990s, the government had strict control of the media and oversaw all publishing, in which no independent media was allowed.<ref name=pr/> For 70 years, the sole source of information for the population was the state-run [[Mongolian National Broadcaster]].<ref name=baner>Banerjee, I. & Logan, S. ''Asian Communication Handbook 2008.'' AMIC, 2008. ISBN 978-981-4136-10-5.</ref> The [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] had a significant impact on Mongolia, where the [[Single-party state|one-party state]] grew into a [[Multi-party system|mulit-party]] [[democracy]], and with that, media freedoms came to the forefront.


====1990s-present day====
====1920–1990s====
⚫
Mongolian press began in 1920 with close ties to the [[Soviet Union]] under the Mongolian Communist Party, with the ''Unen'' (''Truth'') newspaper similar to the Soviet ''[[Pravda]]'' and ''Dzaluuchuudyn Unen'' (''Young People's Truth''), founded by the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Youth League in 1924; and ''Ulaan Od'' (''Red Star'') founded by the Ministries of Defense and Public Security following respectively in 1930.<ref name=pr>[http://www.pressreference.com/Ma-No/Mongolia.html Mongolia media], ''Press reference''.</ref> Until reforms in the 1990s, the government had strict control of the media and oversaw all publishing, in which no independent media was allowed.<ref name=pr/> For 70 years, the sole source of information for the population was the state-run [[Mongolian National Broadcaster]].<ref name=baner>Banerjee, I. & Logan, S. ''Asian Communication Handbook 2008.'' AMIC, 2008. {{ISBN|978-981-4136-10-5}}.</ref> The [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] had a significant impact on Mongolia, where the [[one-party state]] grew into a [[Multi-party system|multi-party]] [[democracy]], and with that, media freedoms came to the forefront.
⚫
A new law on press freedom, drafted with help from international [[NGO]]s on August 28, 1998 and enacted on January 1, 1999, paved the way for media reforms.<ref name=bruun>Bruun, O. & Odgaard, O. ''Mongolia in Transition: Old Patterns, New Challenges.'' Routledge, 1996. ISBN 978-0-7007-0441-5.</ref> The Mongolian media currently consists of around 300 print and broadcasting outlets.<ref name=bbc>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1235560.stm#media Country Profile: Mongolia], ''[[BBC]]''.</ref> The press, in all forms, carries criticism of the government and "heavy handed" police tactics during demonstrations,<ref>Mongolian media comment on police's "heavy-handed" handling of protesters. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire, 18 November 2002.</ref> though journalists remain at risk of laws criminalising [[defamation]] and reporting on "state secrets".<ref name=rwb>[http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=20791&Valider=OK Mongolia - Annual report 2007], ''Reporters Without Borders''.</ref> Despite laws against censorship, a small number of outlets were censored that reported on corruption of government officials,<ref name=rwb/> which have often led the opposition to accuse the governing [[Mongolian People's Party|Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party]] of using the media to ensure its success in elections.<ref name=bruun/> The government encourages press freedom; head of government [[Miyegombo Enkhbold]] spoke of “journalists who fight social injustice and work hard to develop a free press”.<ref name=rwb/> To avoid [[libel]] offenses, the independent media undergo a degree of [[self-censorship]]. Globe International, an independent media watchdog, was set up in 1999 in the capital which aims to protect media freedom and expression.<ref>Globe International Homepage</ref>


====1990s–present====
⚫
Since 2006, the media environment has been improving with the government having passed a new [[Freedom of Information Act]], and the removal of any affiliation of media outlets with the government.<ref name=baner/><ref>Macrory, P. F. J., Appleton P. A. & Plummer, M. G. ''The World Trade Organization: Legal, Economic and Political Analysis.'' Springer, 2005. ISBN 978-0-387-22685-9.</ref> Market reforms have led to an increasing number of people working in the media year on year, along with students at journalism schools.<ref name=baner/> Though reforms are continuing, the legal system offers little protection for journalists who criticise government officials.<ref>[http://www.america.gov/st/freepress-english/2008/May/200805121423141xeneerg0.6828272.html Press Freedom in Mongolia Gaining, But Needs Strengthening], ''America.gov'', May 12, 2008.</ref> The Globe International organisation conducted a study between 2001 and 2005 which found that 60% of legal cases were lost by the media, with 10% winning and 32% settling the case.<ref name=fh>[http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=251&year=2008 Mongolia Press Freedom], ''[[Freedom House]]''.</ref> The Press Institute of Mongolia conducts and publishes the "Monitoring Mongolian Media" survey, outlining the current status of the media.<ref>Press Institute of Mongolia</ref>
⚫
A new law on press freedom, drafted with help from international [[NGO]]s on August 28, 1998 and enacted on January 1, 1999, paved the way for media reforms.<ref name=bruun>Bruun, O. & Odgaard, O. ''Mongolia in Transition: Old Patterns, New Challenges.'' Routledge, 1996. {{ISBN|978-0-7007-0441-5}}.</ref> The Mongolian media currently consists of around 300 print and broadcasting outlets.<ref name=bbc>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1235560.stm#media Country Profile: Mongolia], ''[[BBC]]''.</ref> The press, in all forms, carries criticism of the government and "heavy-handed" police tactics during demonstrations,<ref>Mongolian media comment on police's "heavy-handed" handling of protesters. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire, 18 November 2002.</ref> though journalists remain at risk of laws criminalising [[defamation]] and reporting on "state secrets".<ref name=rwb>[http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=20791&Valider=OK Mongolia - Annual report 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205131145/http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=20791 |date=2008-12-05 }}, ''Reporters Without Borders''.</ref> Despite laws against censorship, a small number of outlets were censored that reported on corruption of government officials,<ref name=rwb/> which have often led the opposition to accuse the governing [[Mongolian People's Party|Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party]] of using the media to ensure its success in elections.<ref name=bruun/> The government encourages press freedom; head of government [[Miyegombo Enkhbold]] spoke of “journalists who fight social injustice and work hard to develop a free press”.<ref name=rwb/> To avoid [[libel]] offenses, the independent media undergo a degree of [[self-censorship]]. Globe International, an independent media watchdog, was set up in 1999 in the capital which aims to protect media freedom and expression.<ref>Globe International Homepage</ref>

⚫
Since 2006, the media environment has been improving with the government having passed a new [[Freedom of information laws by country|Freedom of Information Act]], and the removal of any affiliation of media outlets with the government.<ref name=baner/><ref>Macrory, P. F. J., Appleton P. A. & Plummer, M. G. ''The World Trade Organization: Legal, Economic and Political Analysis.'' Springer, 2005. {{ISBN|978-0-387-22685-9}}.</ref> Market reforms have led to an increasing number of people working in the media year on year, along with students at journalism schools.<ref name=baner/> Though reforms are continuing, the legal system offers little protection for journalists who criticise government officials.<ref>[http://www.america.gov/st/freepress-english/2008/May/200805121423141xeneerg0.6828272.html Press Freedom in Mongolia Gaining, But Needs Strengthening] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205022431/http://www.america.gov/st/freepress-english/2008/May/200805121423141xeneerg0.6828272.html |date=2009-02-05 }}, ''America.gov'', May 12, 2008.</ref> The Globe International organisation conducted a study between 2001 and 2005 which found that 60% of legal cases were lost by the media, with 10% winning and 32% settling the case.<ref name=fh>[http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=251&year=2008 Mongolia Press Freedom] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623013644/http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=251&year=2008 |date=June 23, 2011 }}, ''[[Freedom House]]''.</ref> The Press Institute of Mongolia conducts and publishes the "Monitoring Mongolian Media" survey, outlining the current status of the media.<ref>Press Institute of Mongolia</ref>


==Newspapers==
==Newspapers==
{{See|List of newspapers in Mongolia}}
{{Further|List of newspapers in Mongolia}}
The oldest newspaper is ''Unen'', meaning truth, founded in 1920<ref name=bbc/> and has around 200,000 subscribers, making it one of the most read daily newspapers.<ref name=pang>Pang, G. ''Mongolia.'' Marshall Cavendish, 1999. ISBN 978-0-7614-0954-0.</ref> The ''Mongol Messenger'', published by the state-run ''[[Montsame]]'', is favoured by government officials and circulated in government offices and overseas embassies, whereas private publications are widely read by expatriates and English speaking Mongolians and Western businesses.<ref>Bacon, P. ''Escaping the Ice-Prison.'' Lulu.com, 2005. ISBN 978-1-4116-4806-7.</ref> Papers and journals are also produced by political parties, the army, trade unions and by artistic, cultural, scientific and literary organisations.<ref name=pang/> Given the high level of literacy rates in the country (97.8% according to 2000 census<ref name=cia>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mg.html Mongolia Communications], ''[[CIA World Factbook]]''.</ref>), newspaper and journal circulation is often small, though it is increasing.<ref name=bbc/> The population's preference to newspapers is among the highest in the world, with 68% preferring newspapers to other forms of media.<ref name=pr/> As with state run television and radio, state owned papers have become privatised. Two state-owned leading dailies, ''Ardiin Erkh'' and ''Zasgiin Gazariin'', were sold to the public in 1999 as part of the 1998 law.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/264501.stm Mongolian media on sale], ''BBC'', January 28, 1999.</ref>
The oldest newspaper is ''Unen'', meaning truth, founded in 1920<ref name=bbc/> and has around 200,000 subscribers, making it one of the most read daily newspapers.<ref name=pang>Pang, G. ''Mongolia.'' Marshall Cavendish, 1999. {{ISBN|978-0-7614-0954-0}}.</ref> The ''Mongol Messenger'', published by the state-run ''[[Montsame]]'', is favoured by government officials and circulated in government offices and overseas embassies, whereas private publications are widely read by expatriates and English speaking Mongolians and Western businesses.<ref>Bacon, P. ''Escaping the Ice-Prison.'' Lulu.com, 2005. {{ISBN|978-1-4116-4806-7}}.</ref> Papers and journals are also produced by political parties, the army, trade unions and by artistic, cultural, scientific and literary organisations.<ref name=pang/> Given the high level of literacy rates in the country (97.8% according to 2000 census<ref name=cia>[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/mongolia/ Mongolia Communications], ''[[CIA World Factbook]]''.</ref>), newspaper and journal circulation is often small, though it is increasing.<ref name=bbc/> The population's preference to newspapers is among the highest in the world, with 68% preferring newspapers to other forms of media.<ref name=pr/> As with state run television and radio, state owned papers have become privatised. Two state-owned leading dailies, ''Ardiin Erkh'' and ''Zasgiin Gazariin'', were sold to the public in 1999 as part of the 1998 law.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/264501.stm Mongolian media on sale], ''BBC'', January 28, 1999.</ref>


==Television and radio==
==Television and radio==
{{See|Mongolian National Broadcaster}}
{{Further|Mongolian National Broadcaster}}
Under a law passed in 2005, prominent Mongolian state-run radio and television became a public service broadcaster.<ref name=bbc/> Radio remains the most important medium, particularly for dispersed herdsman in the countryside.<ref name=bruun/> There are a large number of radio stations, both national and foreign, mainly based in [[Ulaanbaatar]]. Around 115 FM and 7 AM stations were on air in 2006,<ref name=cia/> including the [[BBC World Service]], [[Voice of America]] and other foreign stations.<ref name=bbc/> Radio broadcasts are in [[Mongolian language|Mongolian]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[English language|English]]. Independent television has had a smaller impact compared to the former state run channel due to financial limitations, though private radio has had more success in the countryside which was once dominated by state radio.<ref>Badaracco, C. ''Quoting God: How Media Shape Ideas About Religion And Culture.'' Baylor University Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1-932792-06-5.</ref> Satellite television is also growing in popularity,<ref name=bbc/> with 15 cable operators and up to 90 cable channels, including [[CNN]], [[BBC]], [[National Geographic Channel]] and news programmes from [[China]], [[Russia]], [[India]], [[Japan]], [[South Korea]] and many [[Europe]]an countries.<ref name=baner/>
Under a law passed in 2005, prominent Mongolian state-run radio and television became a public service broadcaster.<ref name=bbc/> Radio remains the most important medium, particularly for dispersed herdsman in the countryside.<ref name=bruun/> There are a large number of radio stations, both national and foreign, mainly based in [[Ulaanbaatar]]. Around 115 FM and 7 AM stations were on air in 2006,<ref name=cia/> including the [[BBC World Service]], [[Voice of America]] and other foreign stations.<ref name=bbc/> Radio broadcasts are in [[Mongolian language|Mongolian]], [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[English language|English]]. Independent television has had a smaller impact compared to the former state run channel due to financial limitations, though private radio has had more success in the countryside which was once dominated by state radio.<ref>Badaracco, C. ''Quoting God: How Media Shape Ideas About Religion And Culture.'' Baylor University Press, 2005. {{ISBN|978-1-932792-06-5}}.</ref> Satellite television is also growing in popularity,<ref name=bbc/> with 15 cable operators and up to 90 cable channels, including [[CNN]], [[BBC]], [[National Geographic Channel]] and news programmes from [[China]], [[Russia]], [[India]], [[Japan]], [[South Korea]] and many [[Europe]]an countries.<ref name=baner/> According to 2014 [[Asian Development Bank]] survey, 80% of Mongolians cited TV as their main source of information.<ref>Enkhbold, Enerelt (2016). [http://blogs.adb.org/blog/tv-drama-promotes-financial-education-mongolia TV drama promotes financial education in Mongolia]. ''Asian Development Bank Blog''</ref>


==Internet==
==Internet==
{{Main |Internet in Mongolia}}
The [[Internet]], established in 1995 in Mongolia,<ref name=pr/> is not restricted by the government, but has yet to make a significant impact, with only 10% of the population having access to it.<ref name=fh/> There were around 320,000 users in 2007 and 9 Internet hosts in 2008.<ref name=baner/><ref name=cia/> There has been steady online growth in [[online newspapers]], magazines and advertising.<ref name=baner/>

The [[Internet]], established in 1995 in Mongolia,<ref name=pr/> is not restricted by the government, but has yet to make a significant impact, with only 16% of the population having access to it as of 2012.<ref>[http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2013/mongolia "Mongolia"], ''Freedom of the Press 2013'', Freedom House. Retrieved 31 October 2013.</ref> In 2012 there were around 521,520 users<ref name=ITU-IndividualsUsingTheInternet>[http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/statistics/2013/Individuals_Internet_2000-2012.xls "Percentage of Individuals using the Internet 2000-2012"], International Telecommunication Union (Geneva), June 2013, retrieved 22 June 2013</ref> and 20,084 Internet hosts.<ref name=cia/> There has been steady online growth in [[online newspapers]], magazines and advertising.<ref name=baner/> For example, the first ever Mongolia Weekly newsletter brings exclusive analysis and news in English.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mongolia Weekly {{!}} News and analysis in English |url=https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/ |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=Mongolia Weekly |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Communications in Mongolia]]
* [[Communications in Mongolia]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist |32em}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.globeinter.org.mn/?language=2 Globe International] (Ulan Bator based NGO)
* [http://pressinst.org.mn Press Institute of Mongolia] (Ulaanbaatar based NGO)
* [http://www.globeinter.org.mn/?language=2 Globe International] (Ulaanbaatar based NGO)
* South, David, Schneiderman, Julie. [https://books.google.com/books?id=vxk6-u-dVAgC ''In Their Own Words: Selected Writings by Journalists on Mongolia, 1997-1999''], UNDP Mongolia Communications Office, 1999. {{ISBN|99929-50-43-9}}.


'''News agency'''
'''News agency'''
*[http://www.montsame.mn/ Montsame] (state owned)
* [http://www.montsame.mn/ Montsame] (state owned)


'''Newspapers in Mongolian'''
'''Newspapers in Mongolian'''
*[http://unen.imedia.mn/ Unen (Truth)] (Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party daily) {{mn icon}}
* [http://unen.imedia.mn/ Unen (Truth)] (Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party daily) {{in lang|mn}}
*[http://www.tsahimurtuu.mn/ Tsahim Urtuu] {{mn icon}}
* [http://www.tsahimurtuu.mn/ Tsahim Urtuu] {{in lang|mn}}
*[http://www.mongolnews.mn/unuudur.php Unuudur] {{mn icon}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090221115758/http://www.mongolnews.mn/unuudur.php Unuudur] {{in lang|mn}}
*[http://www.insideworld.com/mongolia/ Inside Mongolia]
* [http://www.insideworld.com/mongolia/ Inside Mongolia]
*[http://uk.oneworld.net/article/country/496/ One World]
* [http://uk.oneworld.net/article/country/496/ One World]
*[http://dailynews.imedia.mn/ Daily News] (private, formerly state owned ''Ardyn Erh'') {{mn icon}}
* [http://dailynews.imedia.mn/ Daily News] (private, formerly state owned ''Ardyn Erh'') {{in lang|mn}}
*[http://zuuniimedee.imedia.mn/ Zuuny Medee], (private, formerly state owned ''Zasgiyn Gazryn Medee'') {{mn icon}}
* [http://zuuniimedee.imedia.mn/ Zuuny Medee], (private, formerly state owned ''Zasgiyn Gazryn Medee'') {{in lang|mn}}
'''Newspapers in English'''
'''Newspapers in English'''
*[http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/ UB Post]
* [http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/ UB Post]
*[http://www.mongolmessenger.mn/home/index.php Mongol Messenger] (published by ''Montsame'')
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090220182537/http://www.mongolmessenger.mn/home/index.php Mongol Messenger] (published by ''Montsame'')


'''Television and radio'''
'''Television and radio'''
*[http://www.mnb.mn/ Mongolia National Broadcaster] (public, formerly state owned)
* [http://www.mnb.mn/ Mongolia National Broadcaster] (public, formerly state owned)
*[http://www.ubs.mn/ Ulaanbaatar Broadcasting System]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110216134856/http://www.ubs.mn/ Ulaanbaatar Broadcasting System]
*[http://www.c1.mn/src/login.php C1] (private)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090208221246/http://c1.mn/src/login.php C1] (private)
*[http://www.tv5.mn/tv5/home.php TV5] (private)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090204032347/http://tv5.mn/tv5/home.php TV5] (private)
*[http://www.tv25.mn/ Channel 25]
* [http://www.tv25.mn/ Channel 25]
*[http://www.tv9.mn/ TV9] (private)
* [http://www.tv9.mn/ TV9] (private)
*[http://eagle-tv.mn/mn/ Eagle TV]
* [http://www.tmtv.mn/ TM]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090207001247/http://eagle-tv.mn/mn/ Eagle TV]
*[http://www.inforadio.mn/ Info radio]
*[http://www.107fm.mn/ New Century 107FM]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080818124736/http://www.inforadio.mn/ Info radio]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040204071548/http://www.107fm.mn/ New Century 107FM]
*[http://www.onair2.tv/ Live TVs, VoD] (private)
* [http://www.onair2.tv/ Live TVs, VoD] (private)
'''OTT TV'''
* [http://tv.univision.mn Univision Anywhere] (by Univision LLC)
* [http://tv.onair.mn OnAir.mn] (by KhulanContent LLC)
* [https://www.skytel.mn/p/family-skymedia-go SkyMedia Go] (by Unitel LLC)
* [http://www.looktv.mn LookTV] (by Unitel LLC)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200220081309/http://mobiplay.mn/ MobiPlay] (by Mobicom Corporation LLC)


'''News Websites in Mongolian'''
'''News Websites in Mongolian'''
*[http://www.news.mn/ News.mn]
* [http://www.news.mn/ News.mn]
*[http://www.olloo.mn/ Olloo]
* [http://www.olloo.mn/ Olloo]
*[http://www.sonin.mn/ Sonin]
* [http://www.sonin.mn/ Sonin]
*[http://www.SportNews.mn/ SportNews]
* [http://www.SportNews.mn/ SportNews]


'''News Websites in English'''
'''News Websites in English'''
* [https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/ Mongolia Weekly]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mongolia Weekly|url=https://www.mongoliaweekly.org/|access-date=2020-07-05|website=Mongolia Weekly|language=en}}</ref>
*[http://www.newswire.mn/ Newswire.mn]
*[http://www.mongolia-web.mn/ Mongolia Web News]
*[http://en.news.mn/ News.mn]


{{Asia topic |prefix=Media of |title=Asian media}}
{{Asia topic |prefix=Media of |title=Asian media}}
{{Mongolia topics}}
{{Mongolia topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Media Of Mongolia}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Media Of Mongolia}}
[[Category:Mongolian media| ]]
[[Category:Mass media in Mongolia| ]]
[[Category:Mass media by country|Mongolia]]
[[Category:Mass media in Asia by country|Mongolia]]

Latest revision as of 19:04, 20 May 2024

Mongolian media interviewing the opposition Mongolian Green Party. The media has gained significant freedoms since democratic reforms initiated in the 1990s.

The mass media in Mongolia refers to the print, broadcast and online media in Mongolia. Since the collapse of the Soviet style system in 1990, the media has undergone large reforms which have allowed greater diversity and freedom of the press which make it one of the most free in the region. Censorship of media outlets is forbidden under the 1998 Media Freedom Law.[1] In its 2013 report, Reporters Without Borders classified the media environment as 98th out of 179, with 1st being most free.[2]

Despite a population of just three million people, there are 555 media outlets in Mongolia and nearly 5,000 journalists nationwide.[3]

The press[edit]

History[edit]

1920–1990s[edit]

Mongolian press began in 1920 with close ties to the Soviet Union under the Mongolian Communist Party, with the Unen (Truth) newspaper similar to the Soviet Pravda and Dzaluuchuudyn Unen (Young People's Truth), founded by the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Youth League in 1924; and Ulaan Od (Red Star) founded by the Ministries of Defense and Public Security following respectively in 1930.[4] Until reforms in the 1990s, the government had strict control of the media and oversaw all publishing, in which no independent media was allowed.[4] For 70 years, the sole source of information for the population was the state-run Mongolian National Broadcaster.[5] The dissolution of the Soviet Union had a significant impact on Mongolia, where the one-party state grew into a multi-party democracy, and with that, media freedoms came to the forefront.

1990s–present[edit]

A new law on press freedom, drafted with help from international NGOs on August 28, 1998 and enacted on January 1, 1999, paved the way for media reforms.[6] The Mongolian media currently consists of around 300 print and broadcasting outlets.[7] The press, in all forms, carries criticism of the government and "heavy-handed" police tactics during demonstrations,[8] though journalists remain at risk of laws criminalising defamation and reporting on "state secrets".[9] Despite laws against censorship, a small number of outlets were censored that reported on corruption of government officials,[9] which have often led the opposition to accuse the governing Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party of using the media to ensure its success in elections.[6] The government encourages press freedom; head of government Miyegombo Enkhbold spoke of “journalists who fight social injustice and work hard to develop a free press”.[9] To avoid libel offenses, the independent media undergo a degree of self-censorship. Globe International, an independent media watchdog, was set up in 1999 in the capital which aims to protect media freedom and expression.[10]

Since 2006, the media environment has been improving with the government having passed a new Freedom of Information Act, and the removal of any affiliation of media outlets with the government.[5][11] Market reforms have led to an increasing number of people working in the media year on year, along with students at journalism schools.[5] Though reforms are continuing, the legal system offers little protection for journalists who criticise government officials.[12] The Globe International organisation conducted a study between 2001 and 2005 which found that 60% of legal cases were lost by the media, with 10% winning and 32% settling the case.[13] The Press Institute of Mongolia conducts and publishes the "Monitoring Mongolian Media" survey, outlining the current status of the media.[14]

Newspapers[edit]

Further information: List of newspapers in Mongolia

The oldest newspaper is Unen, meaning truth, founded in 1920[7] and has around 200,000 subscribers, making it one of the most read daily newspapers.[15] The Mongol Messenger, published by the state-run Montsame, is favoured by government officials and circulated in government offices and overseas embassies, whereas private publications are widely read by expatriates and English speaking Mongolians and Western businesses.[16] Papers and journals are also produced by political parties, the army, trade unions and by artistic, cultural, scientific and literary organisations.[15] Given the high level of literacy rates in the country (97.8% according to 2000 census[17]), newspaper and journal circulation is often small, though it is increasing.[7] The population's preference to newspapers is among the highest in the world, with 68% preferring newspapers to other forms of media.[4] As with state run television and radio, state owned papers have become privatised. Two state-owned leading dailies, Ardiin Erkh and Zasgiin Gazariin, were sold to the public in 1999 as part of the 1998 law.[18]

Television and radio[edit]

Further information: Mongolian National Broadcaster

Under a law passed in 2005, prominent Mongolian state-run radio and television became a public service broadcaster.[7] Radio remains the most important medium, particularly for dispersed herdsman in the countryside.[6] There are a large number of radio stations, both national and foreign, mainly based in Ulaanbaatar. Around 115 FM and 7 AM stations were on air in 2006,[17] including the BBC World Service, Voice of America and other foreign stations.[7] Radio broadcasts are in Mongolian, Russian and English. Independent television has had a smaller impact compared to the former state run channel due to financial limitations, though private radio has had more success in the countryside which was once dominated by state radio.[19] Satellite television is also growing in popularity,[7] with 15 cable operators and up to 90 cable channels, including CNN, BBC, National Geographic Channel and news programmes from China, Russia, India, Japan, South Korea and many European countries.[5] According to 2014 Asian Development Bank survey, 80% of Mongolians cited TV as their main source of information.[20]

Internet[edit]

Main article: Internet in Mongolia

The Internet, established in 1995 in Mongolia,[4] is not restricted by the government, but has yet to make a significant impact, with only 16% of the population having access to it as of 2012.[21] In 2012 there were around 521,520 users[22] and 20,084 Internet hosts.[17] There has been steady online growth in online newspapers, magazines and advertising.[5] For example, the first ever Mongolia Weekly newsletter brings exclusive analysis and news in English.[23]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Freedom of the Press - Mongolia (2006), UNHCR.
  2. ^ 2013 Press Freedom Index Archived February 15, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Reporters Without Borders.
  3. ^ Press Institute of Mongolia, Mongolian Media Today, 2013
  4. ^ a b c d Mongolia media, Press reference.
  5. ^ a b c d e Banerjee, I. & Logan, S. Asian Communication Handbook 2008. AMIC, 2008. ISBN 978-981-4136-10-5.
  6. ^ a b c Bruun, O. & Odgaard, O. Mongolia in Transition: Old Patterns, New Challenges. Routledge, 1996. ISBN 978-0-7007-0441-5.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Country Profile: Mongolia, BBC.
  8. ^ Mongolian media comment on police's "heavy-handed" handling of protesters. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire, 18 November 2002.
  9. ^ a b c Mongolia - Annual report 2007 Archived 2008-12-05 at the Wayback Machine, Reporters Without Borders.
  10. ^ Globe International Homepage
  11. ^ Macrory, P. F. J., Appleton P. A. & Plummer, M. G. The World Trade Organization: Legal, Economic and Political Analysis. Springer, 2005. ISBN 978-0-387-22685-9.
  12. ^ Press Freedom in Mongolia Gaining, But Needs Strengthening Archived 2009-02-05 at the Wayback Machine, America.gov, May 12, 2008.
  13. ^ Mongolia Press Freedom Archived June 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Freedom House.
  14. ^ Press Institute of Mongolia
  15. ^ a b Pang, G. Mongolia. Marshall Cavendish, 1999. ISBN 978-0-7614-0954-0.
  16. ^ Bacon, P. Escaping the Ice-Prison. Lulu.com, 2005. ISBN 978-1-4116-4806-7.
  17. ^ a b c Mongolia Communications, CIA World Factbook.
  18. ^ Mongolian media on sale, BBC, January 28, 1999.
  19. ^ Badaracco, C. Quoting God: How Media Shape Ideas About Religion And Culture. Baylor University Press, 2005. ISBN 978-1-932792-06-5.
  20. ^ Enkhbold, Enerelt (2016). TV drama promotes financial education in Mongolia. Asian Development Bank Blog
  21. ^ "Mongolia", Freedom of the Press 2013, Freedom House. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
  22. ^ "Percentage of Individuals using the Internet 2000-2012", International Telecommunication Union (Geneva), June 2013, retrieved 22 June 2013
  23. ^ "Mongolia Weekly | News and analysis in English". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 2022-09-25.

External links[edit]

News agency

Newspapers in Mongolian

Newspapers in English

Television and radio

OTT TV

News Websites in Mongolian

News Websites in English

  1. ^ "Mongolia Weekly". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 2020-07-05.
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