BTV, Betar, BSS need to be brought under one umbrella for best use of state resources

Amidst the multifaceted and multi-dimensional crisis of Bangladesh's media, the 11-member Media Reform Commission of the interim government has already submitted its report on timely and effective reforms. Under the leadership of Kamal Ahmed, the commission has made 20 recommendations on various issues including media ownership, income and expenditure, advertising market, financial security, measures regarding BTV-Betar-BSS, and the freedom and protection of media and journalists. These 20 points include several sub-points detailing various issues. Simultaneously, to implement these recommendations, the commission has also submitted a draft of the ‘Bangladesh Media Commission Ordinance: 2025’. This draft ordinance is currently under consideration by the interim government. Media stakeholders are hopeful that the proposals of this commission will soon receive legal endorsement. Rahat Minhaz, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at Jagannath University, had an in-depth discussion with Kamal Ahmed about the formation, operations, various obstacles and challenges of the commission. The interview is being published in series by Views Bangladesh. The forth part of the six-part interview is published today.

Views Bangladesh: The Media Reform Commission has made detailed recommendations regarding ‘Betar, BTV and BSS’. A plan has been proposed for these three state-owned institutions to work under one umbrella in a newsroom. Is that feasible in Bangladesh?

Kamal Ahmed: Of course, it is possible. Why wouldn’t it be? It depends solely on the goodwill of the government. Nothing else. And now is the most appropriate time to restructure these. The Bangladesh government has a television centre with many sub-centres. This television channel is state-owned. If you go to the newsroom of this television channel, there is no central news management. There is an ad hoc newsroom. A few tables and chairs, a few scattered computers, none of which are networked. And a government bureaucrat runs that newsroom. They lack professional journalism experience or skills.

Views Bangladesh: What is the condition in the case of Betar?

Kamal Ahmed: The same condition as BTV. They too need a professional newsroom. That gap can be filled by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). Because BSS is losing its relevance as a proper news agency. Now their number of subscribers has dropped to 40-45.

Views Bangladesh: Among the 40-45, are there also government institutions?

Kamal Ahmed: A couple of newspapers, a television channel. In reality, BSS is losing relevance. They need to stay relevant. That is why we have said that it should be turned into the newsroom of the new integrated institution. Let it function as the newsroom for both radio and television. BSS will produce news, which will go to radio in radio format, and to television in TV format. And the online portal will also be maintained by BSS. Currently, there is no need to terminate any contract with those receiving BSS services. They will continue the service. This is a way to make best use of state resources.

Views Bangladesh: But what are the obstacles in doing this?

Kamal Ahmed: One obstacle may be the issue of government employment. Current employees are not willing to give up the perks of government jobs. From the commission’s side, we have said that those who are in the job now, their benefits should continue until retirement. They should be given that opportunity; but they will be employees of the integrated autonomous institution. If they do not want that, the government can assimilate them into other departments. There is no need for them to remain in this creative sector. Another issue is, if you don’t want to go to any other government department or stay in the integrated setup, then you may take your dues and retire from the job.

Views Bangladesh: What is the manpower of these institutions like?

Kamal Ahmed: BTV has about 1,500. Radio has nearly the same. Altogether, 3,000 to 3,500. Will this plan not be implemented for them? There is national consensus on this matter. All political parties in the past have said that state media should be autonomous. Measures should be taken in this regard. On an issue where there is national consensus and national aspiration that these be autonomous institutions, should it not be implemented for the sake of just 3,000-3,500 people’s interests? Can that be acceptable?

Views Bangladesh: How much is spent annually on these institutions?

Kamal Ahmed: Every year, more than Tk 500 crore is spent on BTV, Betar, and BSS. Tk 320 crore for BTV, Tk 205 crore for Bangladesh Betar, and Tk 38 crore for BSS. If we think in terms of value for money, this cannot be acceptable. I believe BTV’s annual expenditure is more than that of a private television channel in Bangladesh.

Views Bangladesh: In economic terms, can we call this a ‘white elephant project’?

Kamal Ahmed: That’s exactly why it’s urgent to lead this towards a rational conclusion. That’s what we have recommended accordingly.
(To be continued)

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