Media owners, editors responsible alongside govt for wage board corruption, says reform commission chief
Independent journalism cannot be expected if journalists' financial security is not ensured, commission chief says
Media owners, editors, and journalist leaders are responsible alongside the government for the corruption that stems from the Eighth Wage Board, Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed said today (21 January).
"The commission's upcoming report will benefit whichever government comes to power. We are working on preparing a set of recommendations toward that goal," Kamal said at a meeting with Rajshahi-based journalists in the district administration's conference room.
During the meeting, which focused on various issues the media has been facing, Kamal said independent journalism cannot be expected if journalists' financial security is not ensured.
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"While media owners have benefited from the Eighth Wage Board, the circumstances for journalists have not changed. Alongside the government, media owners, editors, and journalist leaders also play a role in this corruption," he said.
Though the wage board had not been implemented, journalist leaders signed off on its supposed implementation, he said, adding, "As a result, media owners have benefited from increased advertising rates."
The media reform commission chief also emphasised minimum educational qualifications for journalists.
Raising concerns over media outlets booming in number over the past 15 years due to political considerations, he questioned if there is an actual demand for all these organisations.
Earlier, journalists from eight districts of the Rajshahi division recommended forming a robust press council, ridding the media of political influence, ensuring reforms in the Department of Films and Publications (DFP), setting a minimum wage, implementation of online media policies, and the abolition of all black laws.
