With the budget collapse of the central government in Vietnam, provincial leaders are exercising growing independence, including defiance of central government policies. For example, we made sure to always obtain both national and provincial clearance for any travel. In Laos, provincial governors, as before the revolution in 1975, hold extensive power and local autonomy. This background is relevant in understanding the structure and nature of Indochinese mass media. The central government, through the respective ministry of information directly controls and operates national television and radio.
Provincial governments control local radio, where it exists.
Newspapers are published by government ministries, such as police or military, and mass organizations. The Party, the trade union, the youth federation, and the women's union have their own papers. Municipalities, such as the Vientiane municipal government, have their own newspapers. Local governmental agencies, such as the police, also publish papers. Especially in the provinces, the newspapers are monitored by the local authorities or members of the People's Committees.