Reforming local journalism structures

I have been working with district journalists for almost one and a half decades now. Over the years, I have witnessed many different incidents and experienced lived realities of this field. Those of us who learned about the problems and obstacles of district journalism only from textbooks do not truly understand the gravity of the problems in this sector. We hardly see the true picture and do not know the reasons behind it either. We may call journalism a profession, but in the context of local journalism, has it truly earned that status? And why do national media houses continue to neglect these journalists, even though local news is as just important as national news?

Actually Bangladesh’s media system is largely centred in Dhaka. The capital handles all decisions for national media, while the local regions only provide news. Despite working on the ground, these journalists face major problems in three key areas: professional recognition, safety and financial security. Considering these challenges, I suggest a reform model for local journalism in this write-up.

Let me begin with a brief overview of the structural problems facing district journalism. Then, I will propose a reform model based on a divisional news agency framework. Finally, I will outline how this model could be made economically sustainable.

TWO

To understand district journalism in the country, we first need to see how the whole system works.When we examine district journalism more closely, it reveals some common patterns repeatedly. In reality, it is a well-organised structural crisis.

Firstly, in many district-level of our country, individuals become journalists without any formal education or training in journalism. Their skills in reporting, methods of fact-checking and legal awareness are very limited. This makes it clear that district journalism is not formally organised as a profession. Therefore, it is natural that a professional work environment has not been established around it.

Secondly, many district journalists do not get a regular salary. Some get only a small amount, which is often unpaid for months. Under these circumstances, journalism cannot be a full-time profession for them.

Thirdly, most local reporters do not have appointment letter with the media houses they work for, ?so they are not recognised as official employees.This means that if journalists face threats, physical attacks, or legal cases, the media houses do not take any responsibility.

Fourthly, a single journalist often works as a district correspondent for various newspapers, online platforms and television channels. The same news item is sent to five or six different places.

Finally, together these conditions create an environment that encourages corruption. Journalists are forced to find ways to survive, for this they may accept payments to ignore stories, write in support of certain interests, or take advantage of their involvement with the press for personal gain.

THREE

From my observation, a major factor behind this structural problem is the current system of collecting and distributing news. Media houses get local news from different news agencies. For this, they make a contract with the agencies. By doing this, media houses receive reports from all 64 districts at once.As a result, they do not have to depend on district reporters for local news.

Undoubtedly, media houses find it economically advantageous to work with one agency to collect news from all over the country. In such an arrangement, the main responsibility for the news lies with the news agency. On the other hand, any news submitted by a local journalist becomes the responsibility of the individual media house that publishes or broadcasts it. From my perspective, this is why they are not formally recruited. The overall point is that media houses benefit from the news, but they do not take any legal or ethical responsibility for the journalists who produce it. In my opinion, this problem needs a complete review and reorganisation of the whole system.

Based on my one and a half decades of

experience working with district journalists, I suggest a reform model to improve this journalism.

FOUR

The framework I propose is designed to transform the process of gathering and disseminating news from the district regions.

Firstly, news agencies based in Dhaka will focus exclusively on news from Dhaka. For example, BSS, UNB’s news services, and Focus Bangla’s photo service will cover news and photos from Dhaka city and 13 districts under Dhaka division.

In the next phase, each of the eight divisional cities will establish its own news agencies. These agencies will collect news and photos from rest of 51 districts of Bangladesh (excluding the 13 districts of Dhaka Division). In addition to regular reporting, each agency will also publish editorials on local issues.

At the end, these agencies will supply news to national media outlets.

FIVE

This system is expected to bring many important benefits and improve news coverage across the country. To begin with, each division will see the establishment of its own media house. Journalists will be recruited based on their educational qualifications, which will ensure professionalism. The system will ensure that journalists do not send the same news to more than one media outlet. In addition, providing journalists with regular salaries will give them financial stability, and in turn, it will reduce the risk of corruption.

This raises the question that how is local journalism financed? In this context, three possible approaches can be considered. Earnings may come from subscriptions, working with development and donor organisations, and creating documentary content.

A. Under the subscription approach, divisional news agencies can enter into annual contracts. Additionally, there is also the option to pay for particular news items or contents. Media houses in Dhaka can also request specific news items as needed and make payments for that.

B. Income can also be generated through collaboration with development and donor organisations. Many NGOs and international organisations seek reliable, region-specific reports and multimedia stories on issues such as education, health, climate change and gender. Divisional agencies can naturally collaborate on producing such content through project-based contracts.

C. The agencies can produce short documentaries, multimedia ?stories on different regional issues. These videos can be sold to television channels and various digital platforms.

By decentralising news production, valuing regional expertise, formalising journalist profession and creating various income sources, this model provides a slow but meaningful way to make local journalism more ethical and respected. It could ?also potentially offer a roadmap for tackling the structural and professional challenges faced by journalism in the local regions. Further research is needed to examine this proposed model in greater detail and evaluate its practical applicability.

The writer is a journalist and researcher. jannatulruhi@gmail.com