Cabinet okays broadcast policy

The government has approved the draft of National Broadcast Policy 2014, prohibiting airing news which might tarnish the image of the armed forces or police or create communal discord.
The policy also states talk shows cannot air facts which are 'confusing and not true'. A cabinet meeting on Monday, presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, gave green light to the draft, designed to supervise and regulate the activities of television channels and radio stations. Cabinet Secretary Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan told reporters after the meeting that the policy contains seven sections. "These (the sections) stipulate issues like awarding of broadcast media licenses, forming of an independent broadcast commission, airing of advertisements and what cannot be broadcast and policy on other media-related issues," said the cabinet secretary. An act would be made in light of this policy, under which an independent broadcast commission will be formed, added Bhuiyan. The policy prohibits airing of material which goes against national interest. TV channels and radio stations will not be able to broadcast news which might tarnish the image of law enforcing agencies and armed forces. It also prevents broadcasting news which might trigger communal discord as well as hamper national security, according to bdnews24.com.