A few interesting news bits

Malaysia's government shuts down Catholic newspaper
A Catholic newspaper in Malaysia has been ordered by the government to cease its Malay language edition after it used the word "Allah" as a translation for "God" -- a translation which authorities say should only be used by Muslims, according to the news service AFP.
According to Herald newspaper editor Father Lawrence Andrew, the move was part of a series of restrictions put in place by Malaysia's conservative Muslim government, AFP reported.
The Herald is circulated among the country's 850,000 Catholics.
About 60 percent of the nation's 27 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims, who dominate the government. The rest of the population are mostly ethnic Chinese and Indians -- practicing Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism.
For the full story, go to
http://religionandpolicy.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2060&Itemid=202.
---2---
State-run daily newspaper to be launched in Bolivia
(Posted on: 06/01/2009 Print Journalism Country: Bolivia)
Bolivia’s President Evo Morales announced that he would launch a state-run daily newspaper on January 22, according to reports by Reuters.
The newspaper, according to Morales, would act as a counterbalance to the "anti-government" local media. Morales is also planning to launch a television station representing trade, farming and mining unions and the indigenous groups that form his power base.
To read more visit http://uk.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idUKN0434916620090105.
---3----
Kenyan media law exerts government's control of the press
(Posted on: 05/01/2009 Press Freedom Country: Kenya)
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has signed into law a controversial media bill imposing new restrictions on the press, according to the news service AFP.
The bill drew wide condemnation from media watchdogs, civil society groups as well as foreign governments.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in a statement that the "reactionary and repressive" bill was "a major step backwards."
Among the provisions in the new legislation: fines and prison sentences for press offenses. It also gives the government authority over the issuing of broadcast licenses and the production and content of news programs.
For the full story, go to http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jyZnmaZakKKO_J_bPt_DQpMVTDgw.