For the past 16 years, the media in Bangladesh has been in a state of crisis, a situation that demands urgent attention. Political interference, lack of transparency, and a general disregard for the truth have created an environment where the public is often misinformed or unaware of crucial national issues. Notably, during significant political events or crises, media outlets have provided skewed reports, creating narratives that serve the interests of the powerful rather than the people.

Moreover, Bangladesh has witnessed numerous incidents where media manipulation and biased reporting have led to dangerous consequences. As the ultimate beneficiary of a free and fair media, the public plays a pivotal role in demanding reform. It is the public's right and responsibility to demand accurate and unbiased reporting. According to various reports, there have been over 200 documented cases where misinformation led to public unrest, wrongful arrests, and even violence. A clear example of this is the misreporting during the 2018 student road safety protests, which exacerbated tensions, leading to violent clashes between students and law enforcement. Similarly, biased coverage during the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections contributed to political instability and eroded public trust in the democratic process. These incidents underscore the dangers of a media landscape that prioritizes political loyalty over truth, affecting not just individual lives but the fabric of society. As the ultimate stakeholder, the public can demand changes in the media landscape.

In this context, the need for a regulatory body to ensure the accountability of journalists and the quality of reporting cannot be overstated. An unqualified journalist, much like an incompetent driver, can cause significant societal harm by spreading misinformation that may lead to panic, distrust, or even violence. However, the establishment of a regulatory body like the Journalism Monitoring Authority, which is corruption- and partisan-free, holds the potential to mitigate such dangers. This body, free from any political or personal agendas, would be responsible for licensing journalists through a rigorous testing process similar to how drivers are licensed. Journalists would need to demonstrate their understanding of ethical standards, fact-checking, and the consequences of their work before being accredited. In addition, this license could be time-bound and subject to periodic reviews, ensuring that journalists maintain high standards over time. Furthermore, their performance could be evaluated based on accuracy, ethical adherence, and contributions to public discourse, with potential penalties such as license suspension or revocation for those who fail to meet the required standards. This approach, therefore, would elevate journalism and enhance public trust by ensuring that only qualified and accountable individuals report on matters of public interest, providing reassurance to the public.

Moreover, aspiring journalists should be required to complete a journalism or mass communication degree or have completed coursework in ethics, media law, and investigative reporting. This requirement would ensure journalists have a strong technical and ethical foundation. Additionally, continuous professional development should be mandatory, with journalists required to take regular courses to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in the field. To support this, a licensing system should be introduced where journalists must pass a rigorous examination to determine how they are still competent to work in this responsible profession. This method would reassess their knowledge of journalism, ethics, and ability to report accurately and fairly. In essence, licenses should be granted on a point-based system, where journalists must earn specific points through their work to maintain their licenses. Furthermore, licensing should not be permanent but subject to renewal every few years based on performance reviews and adherence to journalistic standards.

Equally important, an independent body (e.g., Journalism Monitoring Authority), free from political influence, should oversee the licensing and accreditation process. This body would also monitor media outlets and journalists, ensuring they adhere to ethical standards and imposing penalties for violations. For instance, media outlets would be required to obtain licenses to operate, which could be revoked if they are found guilty of consistently spreading misinformation or failing to serve the public interest.

Looking beyond Bangladesh, other countries have implemented similar systems with success. For example, in Germany, journalists must adhere to strict codes of conduct, and independent bodies monitor media practices. Similarly, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) oversees the press in the United Kingdom, ensuring that journalism adheres to ethical standards. These examples demonstrate that a structured system can help maintain the integrity of journalism and prevent the spread of misinformation.

Indeed, implementing such reforms in Bangladesh would undoubtedly face challenges. Given that the media industry is deeply intertwined with politics, there would likely be resistance from those who benefit from the current system. However, despite these challenges, the long-term benefits of a reformed media landscape-where truth and public interest precede political agendas-are worth the effort.

To catalyze this transformation, it is crucial to establish a multi-faceted approach that addresses the industry's structural and cultural challenges. First and foremost, forming a robust and independent Media Oversight Commission is imperative. Such a commission should regulate media practices, enforce ethical standards, and hold journalists and media outlets accountable for deviations from these standards, operating free from political influence.

Moreover, introducing a mandatory accreditation process for journalists can help raise the bar for media professionalism. This process should focus not only on technical proficiency but also emphasize the importance of ethical journalism. Furthermore, accredited journalists should be required to undergo continuous professional development, ensuring that they stay updated on the latest developments in the field and maintain the highest standards of journalistic practice. To further support this effort, incentives, and penalties could be implemented-rewarding journalists who consistently adhere to ethical standards and penalizing those who fail to meet these benchmarks.

In addition to these measures, media literacy programs should also be implemented at the community and educational levels. By educating the public on how to analyze media content critically, these programs can empower citizens to distinguish between credible journalism and misinformation. Ultimately, this would foster a more informed and discerning audience, demanding higher standards from the media.

Finally, fostering a culture of investigative journalism is essential. To this end, media outlets should be encouraged, perhaps through grants or other incentives, to invest in investigative journalism that serves the public interest. In doing so, by shining a light on corruption, abuse of power, and other societal issues, investigative journalism can play a pivotal role in holding the powerful accountable and restoring public trust in the media.

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads regarding its media landscape. The current state of journalism, marred by political influence and a lack of accountability, is failing the public. By introducing a structured education, licensing, and institutional oversight system, Bangladesh can create a media environment where journalists are qualified and motivated to serve the public interest. Just as we would not trust an unlicensed driver on our roads, we should not trust an unqualified journalist to shape public opinion. Therefore, it is time for Bangladesh to embrace these reforms and reimagine what journalism can and should be. Only through such comprehensive changes can we hope to build a media landscape that genuinely serves democracy and the people of Bangladesh.

Dr. Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Assistant Professor of Marketing, BRAC Business School, BRAC University, E-mail: mohd.sh.islam@bracu.ac.bd