Dhaka: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken significant steps towards implementing a series of reforms based on the recommendations put forth by the Mass Media Reform Commission. Several meetings within the ministry have been conducted to discuss and facilitate these reform activities, as highlighted in a recent press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the ministry has decided to formulate an ordinance focused on safeguarding journalistic rights, which will be enacted shortly following consultations with relevant stakeholders. Additionally, measures are being taken to overhaul the newspaper circulation auditing system, and there is a plan to gradually increase newspaper advertisement rates.
In line with the commission’s recommendations, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics is set to conduct an annual survey to assess the expectations and achievements of audiences and readers concerning mass media. Furthermore, consultations with the Bangladesh Competition Commission will determine if any anti-competitive strategies are employed within the advertisement industry.
The reform initiatives also include reducing the collateral fee for FM radio licenses to a more reasonable level, with a prescribed fee required for broadcasting advertisements. The provision of deducting two percent of advertisement income as a government fee will be abolished, although government announcements must still be broadcasted free of charge.
The ministry is contemplating a reduction in the advance tax on honorariums for columnists, artists, guest producers, and discussants, pending discussions with the National Board of Revenue. A primary decision has been made to remove the requirement for television channels to use the Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited for uplink and downlink services, subject to further discussions with BSCL.
Efforts are underway to enhance the capabilities of the Press Institute of Bangladesh and the National Mass Media Institute, ensuring they are equipped to meet contemporary needs. Moreover, plans to establish a BCS Information Academy for training Information Service Officials have been initiated, as per the commission’s recommendations.