TIB seeks review of National Online Mass Media Policy
“Definition of online mass media is not clear in the policy”
UNB
Voicing concern over some provisions of the newly approved National Online Mass Media Policy 2017, the Transparency International Bangladesh TIB) has urged the government to suspend the implementation of the policy until the review of its some controversial provisions, reports UNB.
The anti-graft agency also asked the government to form an independent, neutral and effective broadcast commission involving acceptable persons.
In a statement yesterday, TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said taking opinions from the stakeholders concerned in preparing the draft of the National Online Mass Media Policy 2017 is a positive thing, but TIB thinks that their recommendations and opinions are not properly reflected on the outcome, which may block the freedom of expression.
Noting that the definition of online mass media is not clear in the policy, he said considering registered agencies and organisations of Bangladesh as online media and bringing these organisations under the policy is irrational, so the definition of online mass media should be clearer. As per the policy, the editorial policy of media outlets is supposed to get clearance from the proposed Broadcast Commission, which may hamper the freedom of mass media and impede media development.
On June 19, 2017, the Cabinet approved the draft of the National Online Mass Media Policy, 2017 that suggests the constitution of a National Broadcast Commission to facilitate the operations of online mass media in an organised manner.
