Journalists Need Financial Security: Swapon

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Thursday said implementation of the Ninth Wage Board is essential to ensure professional security, fair salaries, adequate benefits and job stability for journalists.

He also stressed the need to protect investment in the newspaper and media industry while providing necessary policy support to encourage sustainable growth.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an exchange-of-views meeting with journalists during a visit to a media organisation in the capital, according to a press release.

"Without resolving the financial uncertainty faced by journalists, professional journalism will suffer and unethical practices may increase," Swapon said.

He said a respectable salary structure is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled journalists in the profession, enabling them to work independently in a secure environment while developing their talent, creativity and professional expertise.

Swapon also emphasised the importance of ensuring investment security for media owners through dialogue and mutual understanding, alongside supportive government policies to sustain investment in the industry.

The minister said the government remains committed to ensuring media freedom and is working to create an independent media environment through necessary reforms and institutional measures.

"Our goal is to build a modern, responsible, independent and sustainable media system based on the opinions of all stakeholders," he said.

Referring to the challenges facing the media industry, Swapon said the primary challenge is not between the government and the media, but the collective fight against fake and misleading information.

He noted that conventional media outlets are facing intense competition from digital platforms as a growing share of advertising revenue shifts to social media and independent content creators.

To remain competitive, mainstream media must embrace technology and innovation, he said.

The minister also proposed that government advertisements be allocated based on the verified readership and viewership of media outlets through a technology-based evaluation system to ensure transparency and fairness.

Editors and senior journalists from several leading media organisations also spoke at the event.