Media privatization: A praiseworthy concept (Exclusive)
By Desvakta Mishra
It is hard to believe that with the change in time even absolute rulers are interested towards press freedom. But this is a reality for the Bhutanese ruler. Bhutan Observer, a private weekly newspaper finally came into market amidst a function where government officials, well-wishers and some international community representatives attended it on Friday, to mark the coronation celebration of the king Jigme Singye Wanchuck, who completed his 34 years as the fourth Bhutanese monarch.
Her Royal Highness, Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck released in the inaugural session the first copies of the paper. Remarking it as an important process towards establishment of independent professional media, she said "It should concern the people and the kingdom as it is His Majesty's desire to open private media house."
The Executive Editor of the 14-page weekly newspaper Sonam Kinga, said that Bhutan Observer would especially focus news of countryside which is ignored by other media. He also said the paper will work towards giving a more informed choice and space to views from these remote villages and other alike regions.
Reports received through our correspondent in Thimphu said that majority of readers regarded the paper as a refined concept towards professional journalism in Bhutan. The other private weekly, Bhutan Times had unveiled its first batch of copies on April 30 at a special functions attended by prime minister. In September last year His Majesty had expressed his desire to launch private media in the country.
In practice there are no laws, by-laws, rules or regulations regarding media in Bhutan. Government officials used to censor on the news to be published or broadcasted or telecasted in government media. Programs for radio and television and most of the news items for the newspaper had to be gone thorough checking by the government officials before they come out to the public. Thus, media were discouraged.
In course of time, positive indications have been seen at increasing rate. People never demanded press freedom nor did they try for private publication in the past. In was only after 1990 that freedom of press and right to information was felt.
Radio service (NYAB radio) in Bhutan started in November 1973 in the initiation of youths who formed National Youth Association of Bhutan (NYAB) led by a Royal a female member. The NYAB club office was transformed to announcing studio on weekends and increased to an hour a week after a few weeks' trial. The 400-watt transmitter was rented from a local telegraph office. The station was called Radio NYAB. Now it has reached its transmission throughout the country with a number of FM stations.
Bhutan Times has stated that it aimed at working for press freedom, freedom of speech and expression. Similarly, www.bhutantimes.com, uncovered whether a conjuncture of weekly Bhutan Times, has been giving wide coverage to the issues of exile Bhutanese as well as national, regional and international hot issues. Indeed, this is a good beginning. Bhutan is gradually stepping up towards guaranteeing press freedom. It would sound better at a glance if the papers could accommodate balance views of people from all section of society including those in exile.
Undecided yet, there are news that the government-owned weekly, Kuensel will be published daily. Intact with the ethics of journalism, this paper also should raise the third voice of the suppressed people. The Bhutanese king's wish to establish private media houses and newspapers would certainly be a milestone to democratization of the state mechanism if they could widely and freely cover the issues, voice and sentiments of individual Bhutanese. Bhutanese king's wish and will to enroll Bhutan into privatization of media is a positive and welcoming step. Bhutan News Service