Information Minister says government planning to establish Independent Media Commission
Stakeholder consultations to begin soon following launch of new organisation by television editors.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday said the government is planning to establish an independent Media Commission to strengthen journalists’ freedom of expression and ensure greater accountability in the media sector.
He made the remarks at the Secretariat after a courtesy meeting with members of the newly formed Television Editors Council (TEC).
The minister said consultations with stakeholders would begin soon as part of the process to form the commission.
During the meeting, leaders of the new organisation alleged that no effective measures had previously been taken to protect the interests of the media industry.
They also called for greater professional security for journalists. In response, the information minister said that although not everyone was involved, those using media outlets to evade state taxes could not be expected to make a positive contribution to the sector.
Leaders of the Editors Council said 24 leading television channels had initially joined the platform, adding that more media organisations would gradually become members.
They said the organisation’s main objective would be to promote responsible journalism and ensure accountability within the media profession.
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