The Cabinet has given its initial approval for the draft of a new law with a provision for creating a commission to oversee radio, television and online news outlets.
The draft of the ‘Broadcast Act 2018’ was approved at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Secretariat on Monday.
“The new law aims bring discipline in broadcasting,” Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam said while briefing reporters.
The proposed law would form a seven-member Broadcast Commission that would be appointed through recommendations from a five-strong search committee.
The commission will give broadcast licences and will be the sole authority on the registration of online media outlets, said Alam.
In addition to the formation of the commission, the new law provides details regarding the appointments of the commissioners, the qualifications necessary, the length of their terms, the conditions for their resignation or removal, their ranks and remuneration, he said.
The cabinet also okayed in principle ‘The Mass Media Employees (services condition) Act 2018’ with a provision for ensuring wage board for the employees of all media, including television channels.