Finance minister signals policy shift to include online, TV media in government advertising

The government has indicated it may revise its advertising policy to include online news portals and television channels in the distribution of official advertisements and supplements, benefits now largely reserved for print newspapers.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury gave the assurance during a pre-budget meeting with editors and senior journalists at the finance ministry on Saturday.

At present, newspapers receive most government advertisements, public notices and special supplements, while digital and broadcast outlets are largely excluded despite often carrying awareness campaigns and official messages free of charge.

Banglanews24.com Editor Tawhidul Islam Mintu told the meeting that some newspapers inflate circulation figures to secure a larger share of state advertising.

He alleged collusion with officials leads to wasteful spending, as advertisements placed in low-circulation publications often fail to reach a meaningful audience.

Mintu said online readership can be independently measured and proposed that advertising rates be linked to web traffic and the quality of the outlet to ensure public messages reach wider audiences.

Representatives of television channels made similar calls, urging the government to adopt a more inclusive and modern framework.

Responding, the finance minister said the issue reflected the realities of a changing media landscape.

“Television and online media have raised a valid point regarding digitalisation. We need to work this out further,” Khosru said.

“Regarding news portals, we must make an arrangement this time.”

Media leaders also raised wider fiscal demands, including recognition of news organisations as service-oriented institutions rather than ordinary companies.

They called for the corporate tax rate on media houses to be reduced from the current 27.5 percent.

Participants also urged the government to waive source tax on honourariums paid to poets, writers and television talk-show guests.

Currently, Tk 300 is deducted from a Tk 2,000 payment.