Regulating Revenue: Adviser Stresses Registration for Online Media and OTT Platforms
Discussions are underway with the ICT Division regarding the regulation of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms, Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has said. He also emphasized that online media outlets earning revenue through content dissemination must come under a registration framework.
“The scope of online media and OTT platforms is quite vast. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the ICT Division are working together to bring the entire online media landscape under a structured framework,” said Mahfuz Alam. “If content is created, it will fall under the jurisdiction of the Information Ministry; if it is published digitally, it will be under the ICT Division. Efforts are underway to regulate content published online. If content uploaded to YouTube generates revenue, it will be brought under regulation,” he added.
He made the remarks on Sunday, October 26, at the ‘Meet the Reporters’ event held at Shafiq-ul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in Segunbagicha. Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Fayez Ahmad, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, and several journalist leaders were present at the event.
Highlighting progress in implementing reforms within his ministry, the adviser stated, “The Reform Commission has submitted 23 immediately actionable recommendations. After review, the ministry is implementing 13 of them. The cabinet will close in November, and we want to complete the process by next month.”
“The ‘One House, One Media’ policy and the ‘Journalist Protection Act’ will soon be placed before the cabinet. A specific policy will also be formulated for online portals. Action will be taken against newspapers that are not in print,” Mahfuz added.
He further said that the government plans to digitize the private television broadcasting system. “Once the broadcasting system is digitized, it will be possible to know how many viewers are watching which channel. Television channels that perform well will receive better advertisements, thereby increasing their revenue,” the adviser explained.
Regarding the approval of new television channels, he noted, “The government has approved new TV channels following existing policies. The government wants to see positive competition in the media sector, which is why new media outlets are being approved.”
The adviser also mentioned that discussions have been held three times in the past year with the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and publishers to implement policies related to the Ninth Wage Board. “But it didn’t work out. If owners don’t agree, advertisement rates will be reduced. Those who cannot survive in the competition will have to exit,” he said.
Pointing out that “there is no specific law for private television,” he added, “TV licenses were issued to owners affiliated with Awami League–linked groups of companies. They still remain owners and are profiting from abroad.”
Mahfuz Alam continued, “I advocate reducing the number of publications while increasing advertisement rates to enhance the financial capability of media houses. However, accurate data on circulation is essential. The circulation of local and English newspapers will be reduced because we intend to propose a basic salary structure for journalists. Those who cannot offer such benefits will not qualify for the facilities.”
He hinted that the minimum salary for journalists will be determined within a week, stating, “At least a salary close to Grade Nine will be ensured.”
Meanwhile, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam remarked, “The Information Adviser is working to ensure decent salaries. Because of salary issues, we often turn to union leaders—who, unfortunately, sell us out at high prices and eventually own homes in Gulshan and Banani.”
He added, “There are hundreds of news portals in the market, many of which plagiarize others’ articles. Action must be taken against them. The government wants to see ethical journalism. It is the government’s responsibility to protect those investing in quality journalism.”
