YANGON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Five more private group companies have signed a cooperation agreement with the state-run Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) to operate as content providers for digital free-to-air TV channels in a multi-playout system of MRTV, Myanmar News Agency reported Sunday.

The five content providers - Mizzima, DVB, Fortune, KMA and My Multi Media will soon be providing viewers in months with a wider variety of information, views and entertainment programs, the report quoted Minister of Information Pe Myint as saying.

Noting that private media not only provides information but also educates and entertains, Pe Myint said at the signing ceremony on Saturday that 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 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.

Myanmar now has five TV channels -- MRTV, Myawaddy, MRTV-4, Channel-7 and Sky Net as well as six FM lines broadcasting from Myanmar Radio.