BBC launches satellite news channel in Myanmar after Trump silences VOA

Corporation responds to ‘urgent need’ following earthquake by taking over Voice of America’s former channel

The BBC has stepped in to launch a news service in Myanmar after the devastating earthquake in the country, replacing a service effectively shuttered by Donald Trump.

A direct-to-home satellite video channel delivering BBC News Burmese content will be launched to cater for what the corporation sees as an urgent “audience in need”. It will take over a satellite video channel formerly used by Voice of America (VOA), the most prominent global broadcaster targeted by Trump.