Journalists have called for extensive reforms in media ownership and management policies to ensure journalism is free from the influence of powerful interests.

They argue that the prioritisation of corporate interests and partisan journalism has undermined the rights of professional media workers and turned the media into an adversary of the public.

To address this crisis, they advocate for a transformation of the media’s collective character, making it more aligned with the needs of the people.

These views were expressed during a discussion organised by the “Mass Media Sangskar Udyog” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday afternoon.

The meeting was conducted by journalists Ariful Sajjat and Ahmed Faiz, with participants from various levels of the profession agreeing to establish a non-partisan platform to promote free, independent, and robust media.

Writer and researcher Altaf Parvez, speaking at the event, said that the media cannot escape responsibility for its role in recent state-sponsored violence.

He stressed the need for profound self-criticism and called for three key revolutions within journalism: first, against corporate control; second, against partisan journalist unions and press clubs; and third, against personal greed and bias.

Senior journalist Khairuzzaman Kamal shared his experiences, highlighting corporate ownership as the most significant challenge in journalism.

He said that unless this system is reformed, the vision of a people-centred media, including financial independence for media workers, will remain out of reach.

Kamal also underscored the importance of building a strong organisation of professional journalists that transcends party lines.

Salim Samad, another senior journalist, said that journalists are increasingly subjugated in their workplaces and called for strong measures to address the sudden and unjustified dismissal of journalists.

Baharam Khan, a senior journalist with The Daily Star, reiterated that the media is the fourth pillar of the state and must be preserved as such.

He argued that unprofessional and politically-biased journalism must be eliminated, and comprehensive reforms in the media are essential.

Kamruzzaman Bablu, the Bangladesh representative of TRT World, pointed out that many senior journalists have compromised their integrity for power and personal gain, making systemic change unlikely without a significant overhaul.

He stressed that to make journalism an appealing profession for future generations, a massive transformation in the media system is necessary.