Info minister calls for tech-driven future for journalists

BARISHAL, July 27: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Monday said journalists' welfare should not be limited to financial assistance, stressing that helping media professionals adapt to rapidly evolving technology is now the sector's biggest challenge.

Speaking at a discussion titled "Measures for the Welfare of Journalists in Barishal Division" at the Barishal Circuit House auditorium, the minister said journalism is the mirror of the state and society, exposing shortcomings and creating opportunities for reform.

He said the profession has undergone a fundamental transformation. While writing skills were once enough, today's journalists must also be proficient in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), data journalism, and multimedia reporting to remain relevant.

"The media will fall behind if it fails to keep pace with technological change," he said, urging journalists to embrace AI as a tool while maintaining their responsibility to verify information and ensure accuracy and objectivity.

The minister warned that the biggest challenge today is not a shortage of information but distinguishing facts from misinformation and disinformation. He also alleged that some individuals misuse the identity of journalists for blackmail, stressing the need to clearly separate responsible journalism from unethical practices.

Swapon said the government is working on policy reforms covering journalists' professional security, implementation of the wage board, post-retirement benefits, editorial policies, distribution of government advertisements, newspaper circulation audits and television audience measurement systems.

He also expressed concern over the growing dominance of global digital platforms such as Meta and Google, saying a significant share of advertising revenue is shifting to international technology companies, reducing the earnings of traditional media outlets and affecting journalists' jobs and salaries.

"The welfare of journalists means the welfare of the media, and the welfare of the media ultimately means the welfare of the country," he said.

The programme, organised by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, was chaired by its Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Basir.

Among others, Trustee Board Member Kawser Hossain Khondkar, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Publicity and Publications Secretary Shahjahan Saju, Barishal District Journalists' Union President Azad Alauddin, Nasimul Alam, Freedom Fighter Nurul Alam Farid and Akkas Sikder also addressed the event.