Dhaka:The Media Reform Commission has recommended that journalists’ salaries at the start of permanent employment should be equivalent to that of first-class gazetted officers, i.e., BCS cadre officials.
The commission submitted its report to Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna at 12:00 PM on Saturday (March 22).
The commission’s head, Kamal Ahmed, along with other members, handed over the report. The report highlighted that the uncertainty in salaries and benefits, along with an increase in contractual hiring in the media sector, is jeopardizing journalists’ job security, which poses a threat to independent journalism.
Recommendations :
1. Mandatory Appointment Letters and ID Cards: Media organizations must not employ anyone, either temporarily, permanently, or contractually, without providing an appointment letter and a photo ID card.
2. Apprenticeship Period: The duration of an apprenticeship should not exceed one year, and the apprentice must be provided with an honorable allowance.
3. Minimum Salary: A uniform minimum salary for journalists across the country should be equivalent to the basic salary of first-class gazetted government officers at the start of permanent employment. Journalists in Dhaka should receive an additional “Dhaka Allowance” due to the high cost of living in the city.
4. Allowance Benefits: Journalists must receive house rent, transportation allowance, medical allowance, festival bonus equivalent to the basic salary, risk allowance (if applicable), provident fund, and retirement benefits.
5. Inflation Adjustment: Salaries must be increased annually in line with inflation, and other allowances must be revised at least every two years to account for inflation.
6. Policy for Campus Journalists: A separate policy and minimum salary must be established for campus journalists, ensuring that no one works without compensation.
7. Specific Duties for Journalists: Journalists must not be engaged in circulation supervision or advertising collection duties.
8. Workplace Security and Rights: Ensuring the implementation of labor laws and the Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Services) Act, 1973, to guarantee workplace security and rights for journalists.
9. Necessary Equipment: Media organizations must provide photographers and video journalists with the necessary equipment.
10. Legal Assistance: Organizations must provide mandatory legal support in resolving any professional lawsuits.
11. Proportional Salary Increases for Other Staff: When journalists’ salaries are increased, the salaries of other media employees must also be proportionately adjusted.
The Media Reform Commission believes that such measures will ensure independent and objective journalism while reducing the influence of political or vested interest groups.
