Over 150 TV journalists fired this year: BJC report

More than 150 journalists working on televisions in the country have been fired this year alone while 35 percent of televisions receive irregular salaries. In addition, 20 percent of televisions are paid in arrears for two to five months.

Thus, a bleak picture of the facilities and benefits of journalists working on televisions in the country has emerged in a research survey conducted by an organization of television journalists. The survey was conducted by the Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC), an organization of broadcast journalists, on 30 televisions in the country. Shahnaz Sharmin, executive director and joint convener of the BJC Broadcast Conference, presented the results of the survey at the opening ceremony of the organization's fifth broadcast conference at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha in the capital on Saturday.

The survey results show that 79 percent of television employees do not have health insurance. And 72 percent do not have life insurance. About 76 percent of televisions do not have provident fund or provident fund facilities. The picture of gratuity is even more pathetic. Almost 90 percent of televisions do not have this facility. Annual salary increases or increments are not given to about 90 percent of televisions (it depends on the television authorities). Only 10 percent of televisions have this facility. Festival allowances are not given to 34 percent more televisions.

Survey data shows that there is also a discrepancy in the notice period that broadcast journalists are supposed to be given for dismissal. About 45 percent of televisions do not give it. Although 52 percent do, the televisions have different conditions. And even if dismissals are made, more than 48 percent of televisions do not provide dismissal benefits. Although about 49 percent do, they do so according to their own rules. 3 percent provide partial leave. About 59 percent of televisions provide weekly and other holidays. About 14 percent do not. And about 28 percent depend on the television authorities' own policies. More than 72 percent of televisions do not pay overtime wages or overtime on public holidays. 97 percent of televisions do not pay Baisakhi allowance.

90 percent of television stations do not have 'day care' facilities. And although 93 percent of television stations have maternity leave, most of it is for three to four months. This matter is decided by the television stations themselves. Incidentally, maternity leave in government jobs is six months. 82 percent of television stations do not have a sexual harassment prevention committee.