‘Govt facilities for private media to be expanded’
Staff Reporter:
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam on Sunday announced that the government will expand facilities for newspapers and private television channels, calling on media owners to improve the benefits and welfare of journalists in return.
He made the remarks while speaking at the ‘Meet the Reporters’ event organized by the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) in the capital.
The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and conducted by General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel. Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad, along with journalists from print and electronic media, were present.
Underscoring the importance of fair wages in journalism, the adviser said the government is moving to set a minimum salary standard for entry-level journalists.
“Media organizations that fail to ensure the minimum wage will not qualify for any government support,” he cautioned.
Mahfuj Alam added that the government plans to digitize the country’s private television broadcasting system, which will enable accurate measurement of each channel’s viewership.
“Channels that perform well will attract more advertisements and enjoy higher revenues,” he said.
Regarding new TV licenses, the adviser noted that approvals have been issued in line with current policies aimed at fostering healthy competition in the media sector.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, he said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prioritized 13 out of 23 recommendations made by the Media Reform Commission for immediate implementation.
“Some of the recommendations require new laws and ordinances, while others depend on the Council of Advisers’ decisions,” he explained.
Mahfuj Alam further informed that the draft of the Journalists’ Rights Protection Ordinance has been sent for vetting and will soon be placed before the Council of Advisers.
The government is also considering the introduction of a Mass Media Employees Act and new operational guidelines for private TV channels.
He said the online media and OTT sectors offer vast opportunities, and joint efforts are underway with the Ministry and ICT Division to bring all digital media platforms under a structured regulatory framework.
“Any online platform generating revenue from content must register under this system,” he said.
Touching on the issue of newspaper circulation, the adviser pointed out inconsistencies in reported figures.
The Department of Films and Publications (DFP) recently monitored the circulation of most newspapers and found that some outlets print only 500 to 1,000 copies daily, yet claim much higher numbers, he said.
“In line with the Media Reform Commission’s proposals, the government will rationalize circulation data and double advertisement rates,” he added, urging publishers to submit accurate information.
Responding to questions, Mahfuj Alam said the government will coordinate with the Election Commission to ensure journalists’ safety during the upcoming national elections.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, who also spoke at the event, said the government is committed to upholding ethical journalism and called for better pay for media professionals.
He criticized the growing number of websites that infringe copyright by reproducing news from other outlets, stressing the need for all media to respect copyright laws.