Govt to increase facilities for newspapers and private TV channels: Mahfuj Alam

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said the government will enhance facilities for newspapers and private television channels, while urging media owners to improve the welfare and working conditions of journalists.

Speaking at the 'Meet the Reporters' programme at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), he stressed the need to raise journalists' salaries and said the government plans to set a minimum entry-level salary for journalists.

"Media outlets that fail to pay journalists the minimum salary will not be eligible for government facilities," Mahfuj warned.

He said the government will digitise the private television broadcasting system, which will make it possible to monitor how many viewers are watching each channel. "Channels that perform well will attract more advertisements and increase their revenue," he noted.

On the approval of new TV channels, Mahfuj said the government is approving new licences in line with existing policies to encourage positive competition among media outlets.

Highlighting the progress in implementing the Media Reform Commission's recommendations, he said the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has begun work on 13 out of 23 proposals recommended for immediate action. These, he said, will be implemented through new policies and ordinances, while some matters will require decisions from the Advisory Council.

Mahfuj added that the draft Journalism Rights Protection Ordinance has already been sent for vetting and will soon be placed before the Advisory Council. The government is also reviewing the Media Workers Act and developing policies for private television channels.

Referring to online platforms, he said the scope of online media and OTT services is expanding rapidly. The ministry, along with the ICT Division, is working to bring all online media under a unified framework, adding that outlets earning revenue through digital content must register under this system.

On newspaper circulation figures, the adviser said many discrepancies have been detected.

The Department of Films and Publications (DFP) recently monitored circulation data, revealing that some newspapers print as few as 500 to 1,000 copies a day. Based on the Media Reform Commission's recommendations, circulation figures will be verified and advertising rates adjusted accordingly, he said, urging publishers to provide accurate numbers.

Addressing journalist safety, Mahfuj said the government will work with the Election Commission to ensure protection for reporters during the upcoming national elections.

Responding to a question on establishing a permanent media commission, he said redefining the functions of several departments and organisations under the ministry is necessary first, which makes immediate formation difficult.

He also urged all media outlets to maintain fact-checking teams to prevent the spread of rumours.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Mohammad Shafiqul Alam said the government wants to promote ethics in journalism and reiterated the importance of improving journalists' salaries.

He criticised the rise of "umbrella" news websites that republish others' content in violation of copyright, calling for stronger respect for intellectual property rights.

The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel.

Journalists from print and electronic media, including the Chief Adviser's Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmed, attended the programme.