Govt ad rates to be doubled if minimum basic salary for journalists is ensured: Mahfuj

Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said if media outlets ensure a minimum basic salary for journalists, the government will double the rate of advertisements.

“Data on the actual circulation of the print media across Bangladesh will be published soon,” he said, adding, “We want to increase benefits for the existing media outlets. We will increase the advertisement rate, but in return, we want ethical journalism and better pay for journalists."

Mahfuj made the comments while speaking at Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the capital.

Mahfuj said his ministry is now working to formulate ordinances to protect journalists' rights and regulations for private television channels.

"We want to formulate the ordinances by November," he added.

The ministry has also been working on other regulations for OTT platforms along with the ICT ministry, he further said.