Media stakeholders call for urgent, industry-led self-regulation to safeguard press freedom, accountability

News media industry stakeholders in Bangladesh have called for the urgent establishment of a structured, industry-driven self-regulation framework to protect press freedom, enhance accountability, restore public trust, and maintain high journalistic standards.

The issue was raised during three consultation meetings organised by the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), which brought together editors, newsroom leaders, working journalists, union and association representatives, media development practitioners, academics, and civil society members.

The consultations, titled "Media self-regulation in Bangladesh: Legal frameworks, global practices and pathways to accountability," were held in the capital on 8 and 15 November, reads a press release.

Participants highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by journalism in Bangladesh, including biased reporting, suppression of dissent, concentration of media ownership, punitive laws, weak enforcement of professional codes, lack of grievance redress mechanisms, and inadequate protections for journalists.

They warned that without a clear and functioning self-regulation framework, journalism in the country faces an existential threat.

Stakeholders stressed that implementing the Media Reform Commission (MRC) recommendations should not rely solely on the government. Instead, lasting reforms must come from coordinated, sustained efforts led by the news media industry itself.

They urged news organisations to formally adopt ethical and operational standards, with self-regulation serving as both a safeguard and a survival strategy.

A credible self-regulation system, participants said, would protect news outlets and journalists from undue influence, ensure accountability to the public, and provide structured mechanisms for addressing audience grievances amid widespread misinformation.

They emphasised the need for an industry-driven code of conduct not just for journalists, but also for owners and editors.

Financial fragility, lack of transparency, and unfair competition were cited as drivers of unethical journalism, the release added.

Participants noted that political and corporate pressures often compromise ethical standards, fostering distrust among the government, media, and audiences, while weakening independence and increasing fear within newsrooms. Stronger internal accountability within media organisations was identified as essential.

The consultations also called for the creation of an Independent Media Commission as a long-term structural solution, and greater transparency in media ownership and licensing. Standardised audits, public disclosure of information, and regular engagement with audiences were recommended to reinforce accountability.

A key suggestion was the establishment of an independent ombudsperson—such as a public editor or readers' editor—within news outlets to receive complaints, uphold standards, and provide structured accountability toward the public. Clear guidelines defining the ombudsperson's authority and responsibilities were emphasised.

Political parties were urged to commit to press freedom, professional independence for journalists, legal reforms, and guarantees of safety in their election manifestos, with a warning that such commitments should be honoured post-election.

Stakeholders agreed that meaningful reform cannot rely solely on government initiatives. Instead, sector-led action, coupled with cost analysis, sustainable funding models, and legal support, is critical for feasible self-regulation.

The consultations generated actionable recommendations, which MRDI will compile into a policy brief to support the development of a practical, credible, and collective self-regulation model. The brief will be shared with editorial bodies and owners' associations for implementation.

The consultations were organised in partnership with The Asia Foundation under its Promoting Effective, Responsive, and Inclusive Governance in Bangladesh (PERI) Programme, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, as part of MRDI's Strategic Action Plan on Advocacy for Media Reform in Bangladesh (2025–2030).