| Information
Based on the stance of the Party and the real situation of the nation, the information sector is seen as a sharp political and ideological tool, a collective propagandist, agitator, and organiser, a forum for expanding democracy and access to information, data and knowledge for the masses, and a source of entertainment. In recent years the mass media sector has developed widely and played a strong role in the dissemination of Party and Government policies, guidelines, decrees, laws and important historical information, encouraging the masses, building patriotism and love for the new regime and uniting people all ethnic groups in solidarity for national defence and construction tasks. It has congratulated model works and people, indicated new factors and lessons appearing in the working process, disseminated constructive opinions of people on the realities of society and been able to basically meet the demands of the people.
The Party and Government have invested in the improvement of some technical and infrastructure facilities through which the mass media disseminate information. Currently the country has one news agency, three daily Lao language newspapers and two daily English language newspapers. In addition, there are magazines and newspapers aimed at specific sectors of society and over 40 printing presses. Printing techniques have improved and print quality at central and local levels is beautiful and colourful. There are 31 radio stations at both central and local levels, covering 70-80 percent of the country and marking an increase of 17 stations compared with 2000. There are two central television stations and some local television stations along with several cable stations. Mass media organisations have also developed websites in order to better disseminate information both domestically and internationally.
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