Ministry of Info initiates 12 reform measures

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has undertaken several reform initiatives based on the recommendations of the 'Media Reform Commission'. 

In a press release issued on Thursday, the Ministry announced 12 new decisions aligned with those recommendations. 

According to the press release, multiple meetings have already been held at the Ministry to implement media reform measures. These meetings reviewed the relevant issues and strategies for execution.

Key decisions include protection of journalistic rights by formulating and issuing a new ordinance to safeguard the rights of journalists, based on the Commission's suggestions. The ordinance will be issued shortly after consultation with stakeholders.

A task force will be formed to revise and modernize the auditing process for newspaper circulation and the ministry will raise government advertisement rates for newspapers to a more reasonable level.

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) will conduct an annual survey to assess public expectations and perceptions about the media. Based on the assessment and in consultation with the Bangladesh Competition Commission, steps will be taken to investigate and prevent collusive practices and unfair competition in the advertising industry.

Security deposit fees for FM radio licences will be reduced. FM radio operators will need to pay a fixed fee to broadcast advertisements. The current 2 per cent government levy on advertisement income will be scrapped. FM stations must broadcast public service announcements for free.

In consultation with the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the government is considering waiving advance income tax on payments to columnists, contributors, artists and guest presenters.