Staff Reporter :
The Media Reform Commission has recommended establishing the minimum entry salary for journalists at a level equivalent to grade 9, similar to BCS cadres, while setting graduation as the minimum educational qualification for journalists.
According to the National Pay Scale 2015, the basic salary for grade 9 officers starts at Tk 22,000, with additional allowances such as house rent increasing the total salary to over Tk 35,000.
The Commission also proposed that no journalist-whether employed on a temporary, permanent, or contractual basis-should be hired without receiving an appointment letter, a photo ID, and a designated salary. Additionally, the probationary period for journalists should not exceed one year.
The Media Reform Commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. Following this, Commission head Kamal Ahmed and its members met with the Chief Adviser.
Later, Kamal Ahmed briefed reporters outside Jamuna, summarising the key points of the report. The briefing was attended by the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, and other Commission members.
Emphasising the importance of financial security for journalists, Kamal Ahmed stated that these measures should be implemented nationwide.
However, recognising the higher cost of living in Dhaka, he suggested introducing a ‘Dhaka allowance’ in addition to the nationwide salary structure.
The specifics of this allowance would be determined by the government in consultation with media stakeholders.
On the subject of educational qualifications, Kamal Ahmed clarified that their recommendations extended beyond journalists to include editors and publishers as well. He reiterated that journalists should hold at least a graduate degree.
Expressing hope for the future, he said that both the current interim government and any future elected administration should take steps to implement these recommendations.
The Commission has also proposed a law to ensure journalists’ protection and has drafted a protection ordinance.
Kamal Ahmed stressed the need for high-quality newspapers, TV channels, and radio stations to thrive in an environment of “fair and transparent” competition.
Addressing concerns about media accountability, he noted that while media outlets demand transparency from politicians and bureaucrats, questions remain regarding the accountability of the media itself.
A significant issue, he highlighted, is the global debate over media ownership.
According to him, while newsroom leadership frequently changes based on political shifts, media ownership structures have remained largely unchanged.
To protect the commercial viability of the industry, the Commission has recommended limiting cross-ownership in the media sector.
This means a single company, group, individual, or family should not be allowed to own multiple media outlets. Restrictions should also be placed on owning multiple platforms of the same nature, ensuring the principle of “one media, one house.”
The 11-member Media Reform Commission was established on 18 November by the interim government with the objective of fostering an independent, robust, and impartial media landscape.
