YANGON, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's new private TV channel, Fortune TV Digital Free to Air Channel, is featuring educational and aesthetic programs along with entertainment ones since its official broadcasting began last weekend, according to the Fortune Broadcasting Company on Sunday.

The Fortune TV represents the fifth new private-run TV channel launched in Myanmar.

Speaking at a fun fair event of the Fortune TV on Saturday in the former capital city of Yangon, Minister of Information Dr Pe Myint said the government is making efforts to promote the private media development, recalling that there was only state-owned media in the past but now the media industry has improved by cooperating with private sector.

In its efforts to promote local media development, the state-run Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) signed cooperation agreement with five new content providers in February last year in order to establish digital free-to-air channels with DVB-2 in the multi-channel playout system.

The five new content providers, Mizzima, DVB, Fortune, KMA and My Multi Media are providing viewers with a wider variety of information, views and entertainment programs.

Noting that private media not only provides information but also educates and entertains, Pe Myint said private media including the five new content providers allow the public to obtain more complete information and facts and will in turn benefit the country's development.

He said that a broadcasting council will be formed following the amendment of the broadcasting law and related rules.

He urged the five new content providers to systematically utilize their media freedom and provide information, education and entertainment to the people.