Swapan urges media to adapt to the OTT era
Technology Reshapes Journalism: Minister
- Digital platforms are transforming news consumption
- Minister stresses fact-based journalism to combat misinformation
- Government working on wage board, TRP and media policies
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said rapid technological advancement is transforming journalism, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital devices and OTT platforms instead of traditional newspapers.
On 27 July, Monday, speaking at a discussion on journalists' welfare in Barishal, he said media professionals must adapt to this digital transformation while maintaining high standards of professionalism and factual reporting.
The minister noted that combating misinformation and disinformation has become one of the biggest challenges for modern journalism. As information flows more rapidly than ever before, journalists must prioritize verification and objective reporting.
Swapan said journalism is facing structural and financial challenges, as most media investments are driven by commercial interests rather than long-term support for the profession. He emphasized that responsible journalism is essential for democracy because journalists act as the mirror of the state by reflecting social realities.
He also said the government is working on reforms including a new Wage Board for journalists, editors' policy guidelines, newspaper advertising policy, newspaper circulation standards and Television Rating Point (TRP) regulations to strengthen the media industry.
The event was organized by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust with support from the Barishal District Journalists Union and attended by leaders of journalist organizations and media professionals from across the Barishal division.
//DBTech/Report/Edit//
