Media commission suggests merging BSS, BTV, Bangladesh Betar

Media commission suggests merging BSS, BTV, Bangladesh Betar

  • 22.03.2025 16:41
  • thedailystar.net
  • Keywords: Merging State-Owned Media

The Media Reform Commission recommends merging BSS, BTV, and Bangladesh Betar into a single entity called "Bangladesh Broadcasting Corporation" or "National Broadcasting Corporation." The proposed structure includes three main divisions—Television, Radio, and News—and aims to optimize resources, expertise, and creativity while improving news and current affairs programming.

Alphabet Reports
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Estimated market influence

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

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Analyst rating: N/A

The BSS is being merged into a new entity and its role will be as the news division. This could lead to loss of autonomy and professional independence.

Bangladesh Betar

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Analyst rating: N/A

Merged into the new broadcasting corporation, which may reduce their operational independence and focus on government bulletins.

Bangladesh Television (BTV)

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Analyst rating: N/A

Likely to lose autonomy as part of the merged entity, with news operations centralised under a director general.

Context

Analysis of Media Commission's Proposal for Merging BSS, BTV, and Bangladesh Betar

Overview

  • Proposal: Merge Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar, and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) into a single entity named "Bangladesh Broadcasting Corporation" or "National Broadcasting Corporation."
  • Structure: The new entity would have three main divisions:
    • Television
    • Radio
    • News (incorporating BSS as the news division)

Business Insights

  • Resource Optimization: Combining TV, radio, and news under one roof is expected to streamline operations and reduce duplication of resources.
  • Expertise Sharing: The integration aims to leverage shared expertise across platforms, similar to international models like BBC and Deutsche Welle.
  • Content Synergy: News produced by the central newsroom would be broadcast on both BTV and Bangladesh Betar, enhancing content reach and consistency.

Market Implications

  • Shift in Media Landscape: The merger could create a more powerful media entity capable of competing with private broadcasters and international channels.
  • Digital Trend Alignment: The proposal aligns with the growing trend of integrating audio and video content, particularly on social media platforms.
  • Potential Cost Savings: Consolidation may lead to operational efficiencies and cost reductions, though initial restructuring costs could be significant.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Enhanced Competitiveness: A unified broadcaster could better compete with private media outlets and international networks.
  • Impact on Existing Players: The merger may reduce competition among the three entities but could increase competition against other state-owned or private broadcasters.

Strategic Considerations

  • Regulatory Changes: The proposal includes replacing the Bangladesh Press Council and Broadcast Commission with a single regulatory body, Bangladesh Media Commission.
  • Governance Issues: The integration of BSS into the new entity may address its current inefficiencies but could also risk increased government control over media content.

Long-Term Effects

  • Content Quality: If successful, the merger could lead to improved news and programming quality through better resource allocation and professional management.
  • Government Influence: There is a potential risk of increased political interference in media operations, especially if BSS remains under state control.

Regulatory Impact

  • New Oversight Body: The proposed Bangladesh Media Commission would oversee all aspects of media regulation, including broadcasting and press oversight.
  • Legal Framework: A draft legal framework has been prepared to establish the new regulatory body, ensuring compliance with modern media governance standards.