Stakeholder consultations to begin soon as television editors launch new organisation

Desk Report:

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday said the government is planning to form an independent Media Commission aimed at strengthening journalists’ freedom of expression and ensuring greater accountability in the media sector.

He made the remarks at the Secretariat following a courtesy meeting with members of the newly formed organisation Television Editors Council (TEC).

The minister said consultations with stakeholders would begin soon as part of the process of establishing the commission.

During the meeting, leaders of the new organisation alleged that no effective steps had previously been taken to safeguard the interests of the media industry.

They also demanded greater professional security for journalists.

The information minister said that while not everyone was involved, those using media outlets to evade state taxes could not be expected to contribute positively to the sector.

Leaders of the Editors Council said 24 leading television channels had initially joined the platform and that more media organisations would gradually become members.

They added that the organisation’s primary goal would be to promote responsible journalism and ensure accountability in the media profession.