Pluralistic media key to democracy in Bhutan
Progress in the area of freedom of speech, but also a marked shortage of trained journalists and journalist unions. These are among the findings in a new report looking at the media in Bhutan released by IMS and partners
The report which was produced jointly by IMS, UNDP, UNESCO and Bhutan’s Ministry of Information and Communication looks at the newfound opportunities and challenges in the Bhutanese media sector after the country held its first ever general elections in 2008.
Bureaucracy and a lack of professional journalists
According to the assessment the media industry finds itself struggling with a lack of trained journalists, partly because there are no training institutes in Bhutan.
And although codes of ethics and conduct for journalists are in place, no registered independent journalist’s associations exist to review them.
The report also finds that while the media and citizens of Bhutan do enjoy a considerable amount of freedom of expression, bureaucratic barriers impose certain limitations in exercising it.
This is illustrated by Bhutanese citizens still preferring anonymity when speaking to the media or commenting on national issues online.
Positive progress in recent years
Despite these challenges, Bhutan’s media landscape has seen positive progress and considerable expansion since more liberal media policies and the introduction of democracy in 2008. Executive Director of IMS, Jesper Højberg says:
“Bhutan has in recent years enjoyed an increasingly pluralistic and diverse media sector, and IMS looks forward to working with its partners in Bhutan to further the positive developments.”
Access to media and IT in need of enhancement
Looking ahead, the report finds that for Bhutan’s democracy to evolve, legal systems supporting the growth of a vibrant media environment are essential, including increased network infrastructure and public participation by enhancing access to media and IT.
– “The government is expanding internet connectivity and its use for improving information access, right to information laws need to be put in place in order to create a transparent democratic system [and] there is a need to encourage a culture of public discussion by enhancing access to media”, the report says.
The report is based on an assessment initiated in 2009 examining various areas of media development ranging from freedom of expression to the professional and infrastructural capacity of the media industry.
