Youths growing up in the era of emerging technology and social media struggle to grasp the importance of mainstream media, as genuine journalism in Bangladesh has significantly dwindled.
Journalism in Bangladesh has become a shrinking occupation, facing challenges in revival and requiring substantial measures to regain its former dignity and credibility.
The rise of social media over mainstream media marks a seismic shift in how information is disseminated and consumed. This transition raises concerns about misinformation, as stories often surface on platforms like YouTube or social media before mainstream outlets can verify and report them. This trend poses a significant threat to traditional journalism and licensed media outlets.
Meanwhile, the rise of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media has made mainstream outlets increasingly commercialized. Information is often filtered through a commercial lens, resulting in a rise in business interests and a proliferation of fake news within journalism.
Ethical journalism in Bangladesh is on the decline. Years ago, a district might have had fewer than 30 journalists, but now, hundreds may be working in an upazila. The growth of technology has made journalism accessible to even untrained individuals, compromising the quality and integrity of the profession.
Bias and corporate interests are significantly affecting the traditional media landscape, leading the youth to turn to platforms like Facebook and YouTube instead of relying on professional journalists.
An academic study titled "Freedom and the Political Economy of Local Journalism in Bangladesh: A Study of Newspapers and Journalists in Narsingdi District" highlighted that many journalists lack proper education or a graduate degree. The study noted that unethical journalism is rampant among local journalists across Bangladesh.
Dr. Kaberi Gayen, Professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka, discussed the uncertain future of journalism in Bangladesh in her article "(Uncertain) Future of Journalism in Bangladesh."
She pointed out that media organizations, which once controlled content and distribution channels, now only produce content, while companies like Google and Facebook act as gatekeepers to audiences. She also highlighted the increasing number of media outlets and the shrinking market size ratio, leading to a divided journalism industry.
“Bangladesh will soon lose its first generation journalists who fought against the West Pakistani military rule and shaped the aspirations of a new country. After them, who will take the responsibility? How many from the next set are reliable and capable?” Professor Kaberi left a question in her article.
Journalism is losing its path in the country, raising concerns: Will this industry recover? Can we restore the trust of our youth in mainstream media?
Social media and advanced technology have profoundly impacted mainstream media in various ways. They have accelerated the news cycle with real-time updates and citizen journalism, often breaking stories before traditional outlets and challenging conventional journalistic standards.
The writer Sifat Kabir is a Journalist, Researcher and Ph.D. candidate
BDST: 1507 HRS, JUNE 30, 2024
MSK/SMS
