68% of people prefer independent media
- 59.28% of people access news on their mobile phones. - 37.61% of people read newspapers. - 79% of respondents believe the press lacks independence due to political interference.
A recent survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reveals that 68% of people in the country support a free press, while 60% prefer the media to be neutral and unbiased. However, opinions on press freedom vary, with 17.21% believing the media enjoys complete freedom, 24% thinking press freedom exists to some extent, and 15.31% feeling the news media is not independent at all. The survey, conducted at the initiative of the Media Reform Commission, aimed to assess public perception amid criticism of media coverage during the July uprising. The findings were presented at a press conference on Thursday.
The study analyzed data from 45,045 households across 64 districts between 1 and 7 January, with respondents comprising 23,145 women and 21,900 men. It explored media expansion, changes in news consumption habits, public confidence in journalism, and press freedom. The results highlight concerns over the ability to publish accurate and objective news, with 47.22% citing various limitations. Political interference was identified as the primary obstacle by 76%, followed by 67% who blamed government intervention. Additionally, 26.39% pointed to journalists' vested interests, 23% to media owners' influence, and over 12% to advertiser pressure as barriers to objective reporting.
The survey also examined shifts in news consumption habits, revealing that only 27% of respondents read newspapers, while 73% do not. A significant shift toward digital platforms was observed, with 59.28% accessing news on mobile phones, 37.61% preferring print newspapers, and 2.54% using desktops, laptops, or tablets. The primary reason for declining newspaper readership is a lack of perceived necessity (46.52%), followed by illiteracy (26.23%), lack of time (15.88%), and credibility concerns (0.36%).
Despite the decline of print media, television remains a popular source of information, with 65.42% watching TV daily, while 34.58% do not watch at all. Key reasons for avoiding television include lack of interest (53.58%), financial constraints (22.25%), time constraints (12.50%), and credibility concerns (0.93%). In contrast, radio ranks lowest in media consumption, with only 6.07% tuning in daily. The main reasons for this decline are lack of interest (54.7%), unavailability of radios (34.87%), time constraints (7%), and credibility concerns (0.28%).
During national disasters, 35.71% of people rely on television for information, while 28.4% turn to social media. Others seek updates from trusted individuals (24.48%), online news sources (5.99%), newspapers (1.54%), radio (0.57%), and text messages (0.49%). Among social media platforms, 31.36% consider Facebook the most reliable, followed by YouTube at 16.50%.
The survey provides valuable insights into press freedom, media trust, and news consumption habits, highlighting the challenges facing the country's media landscape.
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