Aung San Suu Kyi's son Kim Aris on the power of independent media in Myanmar.

"In Burma. Independent media are more than journalists. They are front line defenders of democracy. They are its active force, its lifeline every single day. They risk their lives to report the truth while others remain silent or worse, stand with tyranny. Soldiers risk their lives on the battlefield, but at least they have the means to defend themselves and fight back. Journalists only have their words, courage, and intellect. For me, independent media have been a lifeline since my childhood. The junta hides every detail about my mother's well-being and what is really happening in Burma. But through outlets like Irrawaddy, DVB and Myanmar now, I've been able to know the truth. Without them, I would be in the dark, just like so many families across Burma and the world, in Burma and other countries. State controlled media is used to feed the public lies and brainwash people. When I have been in Burma and before with memoir growing up in different countries, learning about different cultures, I learnt not only about Burmese traditions, but also about the spirit behind them. One of the most beautiful traditions is offering merit doing a good deeds on birthdays or special occasions. So today, on my birthday, I want to honour that tradition in my own way by supporting the journalists who keep truth alive. Unlike many commercial outlets and mass media that profit from entertainment or those that echo propaganda, independent media give voice to the people. They expose corruption, document abuses and keep the hope of democracy alive. But today they are under attack. Facing arrests, exile, censorship and the constant struggle for funding. Without our support, their voices could fall silent. And with them, so could the truth. This is where you come in. Your support is more than a donation. It is an act of solidarity. Every contribution helps keep a reporter safe, funds investigations and protects the truth from being erased. Together, we can ensure that independent media remain not only a voice for the people, but an active force in Burma's democracy movement. Truth needs allies. Stand with the independent media. Support them today because this is your media. And without them, who knows what is happening in Burma," Kim Aris.

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