Bhutan Media Foundation

The Bhutan Media Foundation is a Civil Society Organisation (CSO)[1] launched in Thimphu on 21 February 2010 with the mandate to foster the growth of a strong, responsible media and contribute to the social, economic and political growth of the nation.[2] While it was established under Royal Charter by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the charter was written by media professionals, outlining what they believed was needed in an independent media-focused CSO.[3] An editorial in Bhutan Today, described BMF as "a beacon of hope" in the development of the fledgling media landscape.[4]

The first executive director was Lily Wangchuk, a former diplomat and author. She said, “For the first time in the country, we will be conducting trainings not only for reporters and editors but also for designers, marketing officers, photographers, circulation officers, administrative officers and so on and so forth”[5]." Wangchuck ran the organisation until 2012, when she left to pursue a role with the People's Democratic Party, becoming the first woman in Bhutan to be appointed president of a political party.[3] BMF is currently headed by Needrup Zangpo, former editor-in-chief of Bhutan Observer.[6]

Activities

The BMF aims to build capacity in the media sector[5] through training programs for the nation's journalists, such as climate change reporting; investigative journalism, and reporting gender.[7] The foundation also works to improve media literacy for the citizens with programs such as 'Navigating infodemic, misinformation and disinformation: a Toolkit'.[3][8] The BMF published two editions of Journalism Review Magazine providing critical analysis of the state of the media and journalism in Bhutan.[3]

In September 2013, the BMF signed a memorandum of understanding with Sherubtse College detailing a collaboration with the college's media studies program. The agreement stated that the BMF will facilitate internships of media students and faculty with Bhutanese, Indian, and international media organizations, assist in establishing exchange programs, and support the campus radio and student newsletter. The college will offer scholarships in the media studies program to working media professionals, with candidates identified by the BMF, and host BMF lectures, workshops, and training programs.[9]

In October 2013, together with Earth Journalism Network and Third Pole, the BMF launched a forum for environmental journalists, intended to aid local journalists improve environmental reporting through networking and training. Bhutan's constitution mandates the support of environment friendly practices and policies by the nation's government and citizens.[10]

In 2017 the Swiss Agency for Development Corporation (SDC) and Gross National Happiness Commission provided Nu 1 million to BMF to develop two media apps. The Bhutan News app allowed subscribers to download the digital edition of each day’s newspaper and the Radiola app allowed people to listen on their phones to the three private FM radio stations.[11]

The BMF further supported nine newspapers and three radio stations to develop and upgrade their online platforms.[11]

Social Media Landscape Report

In 2021 the BMF released a report detailing the use and impact of social media in the country. According to the report, about 90 per cent of Bhutanese citizens use at least one social media site for their main source of information. Facebook is the primary site for encountering disinformation on social media, with word of mouth coming a close second. More than 50 percent of respondents also experienced disinformation on social media networks like and via social media influencers.[12][13] More than 90 % of respondents reported spending nearly 3 hours on social media every day, which exceeds the global average of over 2 hours.[14]

Thimphu Press Club

In October 2023, BMF launched Thimphu Press Club at a gala event attended by the Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, members of Bhutan's Parliament, seven Members of Parliament from Germany, two Members of Parliament from Austria, members of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, and the press.[15]

The national newspaper Kuensel said Thimphu Press Club was a welcome development and had the potential to "make a real difference in the media landscape by strengthening the professionalization of journalism in Bhutan".[15] It described it as "a home for a fellowship of thinkers, the hub of the intellectuals, and soul of a healthy and vibrant democracy".[16]

References
  1. "Themantic Group - CSOA". www.csoa.org.bt. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  2. "About BMF". Bhutan Media Foundation. 2018-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  3. Zylinski, Szymon (2017). "The Role of Bhutan Media Foundation in Fostering Free Media in Bhutan". The Changing Role of Asia: Selected Cultural and Educational Aspects (PDF). Wydawnictwo Adam Marszalek. pp. 59–76. ISBN 978-83-8019-641-4.
  4. "A Silver Lining, Editorial". Bhutan Today. 26 March 2011.
  5. Dorji, Minjur (2012-06-13). "Bhutanese media lacks professional and technical capacity". The Bhutanese. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  6. "BMF Team". Bhutan Media Foundation. 2018-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  7. Dema, King (2015-12-14). "Guideline for sensitive reporting on women and children". Kuensel. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  8. Dema, Choni (2021-11-18). "BMF launches toolkit to tackle misinformation online". Bhutan Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  9. Zangpo, Needrup (2013-09-30). "Bhutan Media Foundation and Sherubtse sign MoU". Bhutan Observer. Archived from the original on 2017-12-20.
  10. "BMF and partners launch forum for environmental journalists". Bhutan Observer. 2013-10-18. Archived from the original on 2017-12-20.
  11. Zangmo, Tanden (2017-07-01). "BMF launches Apps, websites". The Bhutanese. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  12. "Perils of Fake News". Kuensel. 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  13. Norbu, Namkhai (2022-06-16). "Education and awareness recommended to address ills of social media in Bhutan". Business Bhutan. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  14. Dendup, Tshering (2021-05-07). "A Bhutanese spends nearly 3 hours on social media every day, says study". Bhutan Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
  15. "A new hope for Bhutanese media". Kuensel. 2023-07-12. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  16. Wangchuk, Jigme (2023-07-12). "Thimphu Press Club: Fostering growing democracy and intellectual hub". Kuensel. Retrieved 2023-10-12.

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