The Information Ministry yesterday issued a gazette notification of the National Broadcast Policy 2014 that says the broadcast media authorities have to prepare their own editorial policies, which must not contradict the national policy.
These policies have to be approved by the Independent Broadcast Commission, which will be formed soon.
The cabinet approved the national policy on Monday at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Journalist leaders from different broadcast media houses have alleged that they have been betrayed in the policy as it does not reflect their recommendations.
On Monday, Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu said the policy would come into effect after the gazette notification was published.
Senior Assistant Secretary of the Information Ministry, Md Akhtaruzzaman Talukder, signed the gazette notification published yesterday.
Joint Secretary Abul Hossain yesterday said the ministry would act as the commission to implement the policy until the formation of the Broadcast Commission. Until then, the electronic media houses will have to consult the Information Ministry regarding any issue that remains unclear in the policy, the policy says.
The policy – the first in the country – says the Broadcast Commission will monitor the broadcast media and regulate matters, including licensing, fixing licence fees, and ensuring the standard.
The commission – which will have semi-judicial authority – will formulate a code of guidance and revise the policy itself after an in-depth scrutiny.
The policy also has restrictions on some issues which key players of the electronic media industry think may hamper their independence.
The policy would help the government enact the National Broadcast Act and the Independent Broadcast Commission Act.
The Association of Television Channel Owners have, meanwhile, demanded immediate formation of the commission.
