Is The Irrawaddy Reliable? Full Review of Bias, Ownership, and Credibility
The Irrawaddy Overview and Political Bias
The Irrawaddy is often described as a leading pro-democracy outlet. Critics, particularly the Myanmar military, claim it maintains a strong anti-government bias and serves Western interests. Conversely, human rights groups view it as a vital source of independent reporting against state propaganda and systemic military abuses in Myanmar.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Left |
| Estimated number of readers | 3,000,000 |
| Israel support | Neutral / Regionally Focused |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | High |
| Target Audience | Activist / International Policy Makers |
The Irrawaddy History
Established in 1993 by Aung Zaw and Burmese exiles in Thailand, The Irrawaddy began as a print magazine covering Myanmar's political landscape. It relocated some operations to Yangon during the 2010s reforms but returned to an exile-based model following the 2021 military coup and subsequent media crackdowns.
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Who owns The Irrawaddy?
Managed by the Irrawaddy Publishing Group, the outlet has historically received funding from international donor organizations, including the National Endowment for Democracy and Open Society Foundations. While it generates some advertising revenue, it relies heavily on grants to maintain its editorial independence from the Myanmar military junta.