Vientiane Mai, which translates to “New Vientiane” in Lao, is a weekly newspaper published by the Government of Laos. The publication serves the capital city of Vientiane. Based on the most recent estimates from local experts, Vientiane Mai had a circulation of 6,500 in the mid-2010s. In recent years, the publication has primarily concentrated its efforts on developing its online presence.
Media assets
Publishing: Vientiane Mai
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
Vientiane Mai is a government-owned enterprise, with management appointed by the government.
Source of funding and budget
Vientiane Mai previously received funding from the Vientiane local government. The publication has been experiencing a notable increase in advertising revenue in recent years. However, there is a prevalent perception among local journalists in Laos that the majority of its budget is funded through a state grant. The organization does not publicly disclose specific information about its annual budget.
Editorial independence
As is the case with all publications in Laos, Vientiane Mai is subject to the editorial guidelines set forth by the ruling party and government. According to local journalists and experts interviewed for this report in December 2023, the publication’s editorial stance is largely influenced by the government.
To date, no statute and no independent assessment mechanism to validate the editorial independence of Vientiane Mai has been identified.
September 2024