The paper examines how the government’s different activities obstruct the freedom of media, especially the press media in Bangladesh. To fulfill the requirements of the paper both the secondary literature on the mass media and primary data are accumulated by interviews with government officials, journalists, lawyers, teachers, and students, and by reviewing a large stake of newspapers, books, and journals.
We are living in an information age and information is the oxygen of the modern era, as stated by Ronald Reagan in his speech to the English-Speaking Union in 1989. Keeping pace with global change, Bangladesh is also in the process of turning into an information society. The mass media is still in the claw of the government.
A free and vibrant mass media is one of the prime components of democracy, and good governance. Almost all developed countries allow and ensure an independent media, as it is the 4th pillar of a country. In a democratic society, the media are supposed to play certain functions. These functions include the coverage of significant events/opinions/views taking place or taking shape in society. The present era of globalization requires a free media as the prime component of development. But, some undemocratic and undeveloped countries always try to put a bar to free media.
In Bangladesh, an immature democratic and developing country, requires strong and unfettered media to enhance its development and for ensuring accountability from government high-ups. Like the unstable government and administration from the birth of Bangladesh in 1971, the mass media also faced various tough situations. However, after the inception of democratic form of government in 1990, the country saw a tremendous growth in the number and range of both media outlets. Especially, the press media has established a strong position in the society. After 1990, a rapid growth was happened for the press media.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Rationale of the study
1.2 Importance of the study
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Limitations of the study
2.0 Bangladeshi Media and Historical Development
2.1 Post-Martial Law Regime and Media Boom
2.2 Freedom of Press and Security of Media People
2.3 Freedom of the Press 2008: In state of emergency
2.4 Laws and Restrictions Governing Freedom of the Press in Bangladesh
2.5 Press Council of Bangladesh
2.6 No Right to Information
2.7 Journalists’ and Owners’ Associations
2.8 Newspaper’s political Tag and government influence
2.9 News Coverage, another key form of influence
2.10 Development Issues and Perspectives
3.0 Government and Free Media Connection- Theoretical Links
3.1 The Rationale for the Research in Context of Bangladeshi Newspapers
4.0 Methodology
5.0 Results of the Study
5.1 The Press Media: Going Ahead Amid Barriers
5.2 The Press Media and Society Connection
5.3 News Coverage: Government, Politics, Policies and Society
5.4 Corruption Reporting: Development and Governance issues
6.0 General Discussion
7.0 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This work explores the extent of government interference in the Bangladeshi press and evaluates the role of media in a developing democratic society. It investigates how government strategies, legal frameworks, and media ownership structures restrict journalistic freedom and influence news coverage patterns.
- Analysis of the historical development of Bangladeshi press media.
- Evaluation of legal impediments, including the absence of right-to-information laws.
- Examination of political and economic pressures on media independence.
- Case studies on the relationship between media ownership, political affiliation, and journalistic quality.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Freedom of Press and Security of Media People
It is beyond question that Bangladeshi media got a big fortune just within a short period of time. The media boom creates a competition and the irrational practices as well. Corrupt businessmen were thronged with large investment. As democracy was restored, a highly political race was begun in the country and the media, sometimes regarded as a major tool. Corruption was spread tremendously in every part of society. And, the media especially the press media was started publishing reports on different issues. As a result, the journalists and media workers became the target of political entities and the corrupt people. Along with this, as a new industry, media workers were also lack of proper training and there were no law for the protection of journalists. From 1990, about 17 journalists were killed and most of them for political reasons (Wikipedia, 2007). The important and very concerning thing is that none of the incidence came to justice.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the role of a free press in democracy and outlines the sociological framework of the research.
2.0 Bangladeshi Media and Historical Development: This section provides a historical overview of the evolution of the print media in Bangladesh, including regulatory challenges and political shifts.
3.0 Government and Free Media Connection- Theoretical Links: This section details the theoretical bridge between good governance and an independent mass media.
4.0 Methodology: This chapter describes the qualitative approach, specifically the semi-structured interviews conducted with media professionals and stakeholders.
5.0 Results of the Study: This chapter presents the empirical findings regarding barriers to press freedom and factors influencing news reporting.
6.0 General Discussion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, focusing on the systemic issues of media ownership and professional challenges in the industry.
7.0 Conclusion: This final chapter offers a summary of insights and recommendations for the future of democratic media in Bangladesh.
Keywords
Bangladesh, Press Freedom, Government Interference, Mass Media, Investigative Journalism, Political Influence, Governance, Media Ownership, Corruption Reporting, Democracy, Social Development, Print Media, Journalists' Security, Media Regulation, Right to Information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research monograph?
The research examines the relationship between government interference and the freedom of the press in Bangladesh, specifically focusing on how sociological and political factors shape news coverage.
What are the central themes discussed in this document?
The main themes include the history of Bangladeshi media, the impact of political and business ownership on editorial freedom, legal restrictions, and the role of the media in combating corruption.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary objective is to evaluate the current state of press freedom in Bangladesh and identify how various stakeholders—including the government, owners, and political parties—interfere with the media's potential to hold power accountable.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The researcher employed a sociological approach underpinned by qualitative primary data collection, utilizing 14 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with diverse groups including journalists, editors, and government officials.
What topics are covered in the main body of this work?
The main body covers the historical progression of local newspapers, specific legal obstacles such as the lack of a Right to Information Act, the influence of political polarization on news reporting, and the challenges of professional standards in the context of job insecurity.
Which keywords define this research?
Key concepts include Press Freedom, Government Interference, Governance, Media Ownership, and Political Influence in Bangladesh.
How does the author categorize the threats to press freedom?
The author identifies threats arising from obsolete legal codes, the dominance of political/business owners in media management, the lack of professional academic training for journalists, and the absence of institutional protections.
What specific finding does the author highlight regarding corruption?
The author notes that while the media effectively reports on small-scale and middle-level corruption, it faces significant barriers—including political alliances—when attempting to investigate high-level systemic corruption involving the government.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Shah Jahan Shuvo (Autor:in), 2009, Government Interference and the Freedom of Press Media. Sociological Analysis on the Newspapers in Bangladesh, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1320791
