BTV's neutrality

What is "news" and what is not? The presentations have to be balanced to present both sides of the coin. In Dhaka, there are more than two sides, as we still debate our national goals and channels of approach. Speeches, ceremonies, anniversaries and attending meetings are big news in Dhaka (BBC may copy). On the other hand, frequently the headlines start with foreign news. Let us admit our governors and the society cannot generate enough news in 24 hours! Of course there is halal news and most of the remaining might be makruh or haram! This chapter is missing in the journalism text books!

There are other irritants. The reporters have a tendency to sermonise. In a visual media (as in a TV cricket commentary as opposed to the oral radio medium) there is no necessity to point what the viewers can see on the screen. Too many tutorials!

Opinion or analysis? What is the difference? Opinion emerges from the analysis, and the latter is based on facts which can be verified. There is sycophancy in news presentation.

Try to hide that BTV is government controlled (it is not difficult). The speakers blow up too many adjectives, and drop too many names. How to include five dozen ministers within fifteen minutes? Have a separate programme after the bulletin, with 40 seconds per minister!

Now the telephones are going to be tapped. I wish, I could, as a curious citizen, listen to the official instructions issued confidentially to the news desk!