–Tanim Asjad–

Like many other professionals, journalists also used to set up associations to unite and protect their professional interests. As freedom of association is a constitutional right in Bangladesh, there is nothing wrong with it.  However, the nature and features of the associations varied and differed from one another. Associations related to journalists may also take a form like a club or union, depending on their ultimate goal.

A press club worldwide is generally recognised as a unique meeting place for journalists’ professional and social gatherings. It is a place where a member of fraternity can spend time eating, drinking, relaxing and gossiping, in addition to professional skill development.  Founded in 1859, the Austrian Presse Club Concordia is considered the oldest press club in the world. Birmingham Press Club in the United Kingdom (UK), established in 1865, is also another oldest press club, and this year marks the 155th anniversary of the club. Again, such an association serves as a platform for press people to protect their rights, as well as for professional improvement and socialisation. Associations may also be area-specific, like the New York Financial Writers’ Association, which was established in 1938. Then, there are journalist unions mainly dedicated to the welfare of working journalists. So, the unions function as bargaining agencies. Overall, there are some overlaps among different types of associations.

In Bangladesh, several associations related to journalists have emerged over the decades and some are actively pursuing their work. Dhaka-centric associations are considered national associations or unions for journalists. The National Press Club, established in 1964, is situated in Dhaka, and there are press clubs at district levels. Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) is an association devoted to the interests of Dhaka-based reporters. There are the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ). Again, the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) is a national platform for economic journalists, which has been functioning for more than three decades.

Despite their common goals of enhancing professional endeavours, advancing welfare, and enriching socialisation, journalist associations in Bangladesh face significant challenges. These include obstacles in moving ahead, political division that often leads to compromised professionalism and the struggle for unity as seen during the July-August mass uprising last year. The inability to take a united stance against the oppressive regime of the ousted Hasina government is a clear reflection of these challenges.

Despite various limitations, these associations deserve some appreciation for their persistent work. A number of journalists have benefited from skill development and welfare support, and the scope of socialisation has also increased. These associations also continue to exert pressure on the state and the government, no matter how successful they are, to ensure freedom of the press.

One of the biggest challenges for journalist associations is funding their activities. With members’ subscription fees being minimal, these associations rely on government donations, which are also limited, and various types of corporate sponsorships. Some funds also come from non-government organisations (NGOs) at home and abroad. However, the reliance on corporate entities for funding has created a moral dilemma for these associations.

Over the years, it has become a norm for the journalists’ associations to seek financial support from businesses through advertisements, sponsorships of events and direct donations. Sometimes, the associations cannot determine the limits of receiving the support. The demand for financial support is high for these associations’ annual conferences, picnics, and other activities. Instead of containing excessive spending on these events, many associations put pressure on corporate entities for donations and gifts. The ultimate result is a compromise on the ethics of journalism that weakens the professional stance. It is high time that leaders and members of the country’s journalists’ organisations and associations reviewed their activities and put restraints on collecting donations and sponsorships. (Source: Collected)