Leading editors, journalists, media owners and academics have called for the formation of an independent Media Commission to address what they described as a deepening crisis in Bangladesh’s media industry, citing declining revenues, weakening public trust, poor professional standards and growing concerns over accountability.
The call came at a discussion titled “Media Commission: Expectations from the Government”, organised by the Media Reform and Development Initiative (MRDI) at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka on Saturday.
Speakers at the event argued that a properly structured commission, backed by legal authority and political commitment, could play a crucial role in reforming the sector. However, they emphasized that its effectiveness would depend on genuine independence and the government’s willingness to implement its recommendations.
Consulting Editor of The Daily Star and Chair of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed described the current media environment as marked by “anarchy and chaos.” He stressed the importance of transparency in media ownership and investment and proposed a “One Media, One House” policy to reduce ownership concentration. He also called for digitised systems to monitor television ratings and newspaper circulation to prevent manipulation.
Financial Express Editor and commission member Shamsul Huq Zahid questioned whether reform would be possible without addressing structural disorder in the industry, noting that many newspapers in Dhaka operate with minimal readership but survive through access to official advertisements and facilities.
Other speakers raised concerns over declining advertising revenue, the expansion of television channels without matching financial sustainability, and weak pay structures for journalists, particularly in rural areas. Ekushey Television Chairman Abdus Salam said advertising revenue has dropped significantly while the number of TV channels has increased to 43.
Concerns were also raised about unethical practices, plagiarism and pressure on journalists. Some speakers called for stronger legal safeguards for press freedom, while others highlighted the influence of intelligence agencies and the absence of a wage board for television journalists.
Participants also emphasised the need for a unified regulatory framework, self-regulation mechanisms, and audience feedback systems to ensure accountability while protecting editorial independence.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that meaningful reform would require coordinated efforts between the government, media institutions, and professional bodies to ensure a sustainable and credible media ecosystem.
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