We have celebrated over 53 years of independence, yet throughout this period, media control has taken on various forms. In the post-independence period, the government imposed strict restrictions on newspaper publishing, resulting in the closure of all but four newspapers. However, with the People's Movement of the 1990s, new publications emerged and flourished, even as corruption infiltrated many sectors of society, leading some newspapers to engage in opportunistic practices.
The introduction of free and open media allowed for a surge of online news portals, dramatically changing the landscape of news dissemination through social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. While the government has attempted to regulate these online sources, many portals remain unregistered. Currently, thousands of online platforms operate in the country, taking advantage of the freedom offered by the digital sphere.
Despite the proliferation of media outlets, the overall quality of journalism is often lacking. This raises crucial questions about the number of newspapers, television stations, and online portals operating within Bangladesh's modest 56,000 square miles. There seems to be a disconnect in understanding how much media is truly necessary in this space. The title of "journalist" is easily claimed, yet fulfilling the responsibilities tied to it is challenging. Many, from vendors to rickshaw pullers, now take pride in identifying as journalists.
In this era of free speech, it is essential to shift our perspective on media's role. Regardless of which political party is in power, media should serve the vital purpose of exposing corruption, nepotism, and injustice. Unfortunately, due to party biases and pressures from media owners, this mission is often compromised. As a result, the media struggles to uphold its duties while public trust wanes. In a true democratic setting, media must spotlight governance failures, abuses of power, and human rights violations for the benefit of all, not just a privileged few.
Unfortunately, as the number of media outlets has grown, so too has the number of poorly trained journalists, further complicating the media landscape. Given the current situation, there is an urgent need for comprehensive media reform.
Discussing reform is not a new concept, yet actual implementation has been severely lacking. Conversations often stall with no real progress made. It is refreshing, however, to see these reform discussions occurring, particularly with marginalized journalists. The recent anti-discrimination reform initiative in Rajshahi is a commendable step forward. Various meetings have facilitated conversations about media concerns, with representatives from the Rajshahi division sharing their insights.
For meaningful reform to occur, it must involve all stakeholders, from media owners to journalists in rural areas. Change cannot be superficial, requiring more than merely revising a few regulations. A complete overhaul is necessary.
The state must reconsider how it envisions the media and its role in national welfare, leading to a potential restructuring of the media landscape. In our globalized world, it is impossible to suppress the free market and free speech. However, this freedom cannot become a blanket excuse for anyone, from fishmongers to factory workers, to claim journalistic credentials without merit.
Every profession requires a minimum standard of qualifications, and journalism is no exception. This important field demands institutional standards for educational qualifications. While social media has made entering journalism easier, it lacks necessary checks and balances. Unrestricted free speech should not mean unlimited freedom to misuse media platforms.
If we genuinely desire reform, we must start at every level-media owners and marginalized news workers alike need to establish minimum educational standards, register journalists, improve their compensation, ensure their safety, enhance professional skills, and enforce regulations against policy misuse.
There are numerous policies in place, but they are not effectively implemented rather misused. Recommendations from past commissions often remain unaddressed. Let us ensure that calls for reform aren't mere platitudes but lead to real change. Ultimately, the media must be free from political manipulation and focused on serving the public interest.
