Media Reform Commission calls for an end to political bias in journalism

The Media Reform Commission has called for an end to political bias in journalism, emphasising restoring the profession's credibility.

Kamal Ahmed, head of the commission, made the call while speaking at a discussion with journalists from the Chattogram division on Sunday at the District Administration's conference hall.

Criticising the alignment of certain media outlets with authoritarian agendas over the past 15 years Kamal Ahmed said political interference has eroded journalism's reliability. 

He said, "The unequal treatment in policy decisions, especially towards those affected due to political bias, needs immediate redress. Journalists who have suffered unjust cases or imprisonment should have those cases withdrawn and be compensated accordingly."

Addressing the issue of complicity with authoritarianism, Ahmed advocated for investigations into those who supported or incited such practices. 

"While we are not an investigative body, we urge appropriate action against instigators following thorough probes," he added.

Highlighting journalists' financial struggles, Kamal Ahmed proposed establishing a minimum wage system with special allowances for high-cost areas like Dhaka. 

"A standardised salary structure across the country could address the disparity in journalists' earnings," he said.

On editorial standards, he emphasised national guidelines for editors and stricter qualifications for newspaper publishers. 

"Professional journalists should be editors, but we often see relatives or politically influenced individuals filling these roles," he noted. He also criticized exaggerated circulation claims and called for stricter audits.

Kamal Ahmed expressed concerns over concentrated media ownership and the lack of diversity in content. 

"Allowing one entity to own multiple outlets in various formats undermines media plurality. In many countries, this is restricted," he said. 

He also criticised the government for granting permissions to 46 television channels despite insufficient market demand, leading to financial instability and unethical practices in the industry.

He said, "The commission is preparing recommendations based on input from journalists, with implementation depending on government action."

Ahmed concluded by urging collective efforts to address the challenges facing Bangladesh's media landscape and enhance its credibility and professionalism.

The meeting was also attended by commission members, including Professor Gitiara Nasreen, Shamsul Haque Zahid, and Akhtar Hossain Khan, alongside editors and journalists from various outlets in Chattogram.