Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Thursday said implementing the Ninth Wage Board is essential to ensure professional security, fair salaries and job stability for journalists.
He said the government must also ensure investment protection for newspaper and media industry owners through necessary policy support, which would help create a safe environment where journalists can work independently and develop their skills and creativity.
The minister made the remarks during a discussion with journalists while visiting the headquarters of a media group in the capital.
Zahir Uddin Swapon said financial insecurity among journalists could weaken professional journalism and encourage unethical practices in the sector.
He stressed that a respectable wage structure was necessary to retain talented and dedicated professionals in journalism.
“Without removing financial uncertainty, it will be difficult to sustain professional journalism,” he said.
The minister said discussions and consensus with media owners were needed to protect their investments, while the state should provide policy assistance to help the media industry continue to grow.
He said the government believes in press freedom and is working towards creating an environment where the media can operate independently.
“The prime minister has been providing guidance on ensuring a free media environment, carrying out media reforms and forming necessary commissions,” he said.
The minister said the government’s objective was to establish a modern, responsible, independent and sustainable media system based on recommendations from stakeholders.
He described misinformation and fake news as one of the biggest challenges facing the media sector, saying the issue was not a conflict between the government and the press but a collective challenge for society and the state.
Zahir Uddin Swapon said traditional media outlets were facing growing competition from digital platforms as social media and independent content creators continued to expand, leading to a shift in advertising revenue.
“Mainstream media must adapt to technological changes and become stronger and more competitive,” he said.
On government advertisements, the minister said readership and viewership should be the key factors in assessing media organisations.
He also emphasised the need for a technology-based system to determine audience reach.
Editors and senior journalists from several media outlets attended the discussion, including Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus, Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Loton Ekram, Kaler Kantho Acting Editor Mehedi Hasan Talukder, Executive Editor Haider Ali, News24 Head of News Shariful Islam Khan, Banglanews24.com Editor Towhidul Islam Mintu, Bangladesh Pratidin Executive Editor AKM Manzurul Islam Manju and Kaler Kantho Joint Editor Sayed Khan.
