The Media Reform Commission has submitted its report to the Chief Adviser of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus, outlining 20 key recommendations to bring structural changes to Bangladesh’s media landscape.
The report was handed over in an official ceremony at the state guest house Jamuna on Saturday.
The 11-member Media Reform Commission, led by veteran journalist Kamal Ahmed, aims to address a wide range of issues, including legal reforms, journalist protection, media ownership regulations, and digital media policies.
“The media sector is at a crossroads. Without immediate intervention, it will be difficult to ensure both press freedom and industry sustainability,” Kamal Ahmed said.
The commission has put forward a set of reform proposals comprising a total of 20 points and their corresponding sub-sections.
One owner, one media outlet
A key recommendation in the report is that no single individual or entity should own multiple media outlets.
The commission believes that preventing cross-ownership will encourage media diversity and reduce the influence of a few powerful business groups over the entire media sector.
Currently, a handful of corporations dominate television, print, and digital media, raising concerns about monopolization and biased reporting.
The report highlights the issue of media ownership concentration, noting that a small number of influential conglomerates control the majority of media outlets in Bangladesh.
To address this, the commission recommends stricter regulations on media ownership to foster diversity and ensure a broader representation of viewpoints.
This recommendation has sparked debate among industry stakeholders.
While some argue that such regulations could stifle free enterprise, others believe a more diversified media landscape will lead to more balanced reporting.
Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed said: “If media ownership is concentrated in a single hand, there is an attempt to use it for personal, family, or group interests. The solution to this issue is for media outlets to become public listed companies. Therefore, we have recommended that all large and medium-sized media outlets transition to public listing.”
Establishment of independent regulatory body
A central theme of the report is the call for the creation of an independent regulatory body to oversee the media sector.
This body would have the authority to monitor content, enforce ethical guidelines, and ensure that media outlets uphold democratic values without external interference.
The commission stresses that such a body is necessary to promote transparency and accountability in media reporting.
A spokesperson for the commission said: “The media is a pillar of democracy. However, it is essential that media outlets operate with accountability. We believe that an independent regulatory body will help achieve this balance.”
Kamal Ahmed said: "We have exchanged views with stakeholders across the country. We have discussed it with those who work for the interests of the media. We have exchanged views with 1,400 people."
He continued: “We have identified the challenges faced by journalists and explored potential solutions. We have also examined the individual issues within the media industry. In shaping our recommendations, we have studied the best international policies to assess their applicability in Bangladesh.”
A blueprint for change
According to the report, the commission has proposed a series of reforms that could redefine journalism in Bangladesh.
One of the primary recommendations is the revision of media laws, including amendments to the Digital Security Act, which has been widely criticized for its impact on press freedom.
The commission argues that the law, in its current form, has been used to silence journalists and must be revised to protect independent reporting.
The report also addresses the financial security of journalists, urging the introduction of a minimum wage and better job protection.
Many media workers in Bangladesh face precarious employment conditions, often working without formal contracts or stable salaries.
If implemented, these measures could significantly improve working conditions in the industry.
With the rise of misinformation and fake news, the commission recommends stronger measures against disinformation, including fact-checking mechanisms and public awareness campaigns.
Experts believe this is a crucial step in restoring trust in media institutions and curbing the spread of false information.
Public ‘blacklist’ of non-compliant media
In an attempt to enhance accountability, the commission has proposed the creation of a public list of media organizations that fail to adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations.
This “blacklist” would be available to the public, providing transparency and allowing consumers to make informed decisions about which media outlets they trust.
The measure is intended to encourage media outlets to prioritize ethical standards.
While this proposal has received mixed reactions, some experts argue that public accountability could help weed out unethical practices, whereas others fear it could lead to censorship.
Media outlet accountability
The report also calls for stricter rules regarding the accountability of media organizations.
This includes ensuring that media outlets are transparent about their ownership and funding sources.
In addition, the commission proposes stronger penalties for media outlets found guilty of unethical practices, such as spreading false information or failing to follow basic journalistic standards.
Kamal Ahmed said: “We demand accountability from politicians and bureaucrats, but where is the accountability of the media? In various countries, laws require media ownership transparency. In Indonesia, for example, media companies must become public listed corporations. This ensures that they publish audited financial reports annually and distribute dividends to employees.”
Experts within the industry have welcomed these recommendations, believing they will push media outlets toward higher ethical and professional standards.
Creating a ‘public list’ for ethical violations
One of the more controversial proposals is the creation of a “public list” for media outlets that engage in unethical practices.
This would function similarly to a “blacklist,” publicly identifying outlets that have been caught spreading falsehoods or engaging in irresponsible reporting.
The goal is to put pressure on media organizations to improve their practices and encourage public accountability.
While some support this measure, others fear it could be misused as a tool for silencing critical voices.
