ABC | 16 August 2012

More than eight months after Lao radio presenter Ounkeo Souksavanh was forced to take his programme off the air, he is still waiting for an official explanation.

Ounkeo pioneered talkback radio in Laos, giving his listeners a rare chance to voice their opinions on the airwaves, but discussion on the sensitive subject of corporate land grabs appears to have persuaded officials that enough was enough.

Ounkeo Souksavanh's programme still exists in recorded form, but for now at least his live show remains silent, and he says he's not prepared to sacrifice his format to appease those who shut him down.

Listen to the interview with Ounkeo Souksavanh here 

Presenter: Richard Ewart

Speaker: Ounkeo Souksavanh, radio presenter