𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞

In any democracy, the media serves as both a mirror and a conscience. It informs the people, holds power accountable, and provides a platform for dialogue and dissent. In Bhutan, a country that made its transition to a democratic constitutional monarchy in 2008, the role of the media has been vital in nurturing democratic values. However, over the years, the very institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy is grappling for survival.

One of the most pressing challenges confronting the Bhutanese private media today is its dire financial situation. Unlike in many countries where media houses diversify income through multiple streams- advertising, subscriptions, philanthropy, and digital monetization- Bhutan’s private media remains largely dependent on government advertisements and public notifications. These have traditionally been the backbone of revenue for private newspapers and journals. Unfortunately, this stream has been steadily drying up.

In less than a decade, five private print media outlets have shuttered their operations prematurely. Today, only six private media houses remain, each fighting a daily battle for survival with an uncertain future looming. The COVID-19 pandemic, which destabilized economies across the globe, also delivered a harsh blow to nation’s fragile media industry. For an already struggling sector, the global downturn pushed it closer to the edge.

The government was duly informed of this grim reality. Recognizing the importance of a vibrant media landscape, the Media Enterprise Development Budget (MEDB) was proposed by private media houses and commendably received the government’s backing. The MEDB, though limited in scope and scale, provided a much-needed breather- a financial cushion during a time of great uncertainty.

However, the MEDB intervention was designed to assuage the persisting financial crunch, but it was never a comprehensive remedy to support the daily operations or ensure the long-term sustainability of media houses. While it offered critical relief during a time of immense pressure, it fell short of addressing the deeper, structural challenges confronting the private media sector. As the media ecosystem rapidly transforms- with digital platforms reshaping how content is created, consumed, and monetized- Bhutanese print media must evolve to keep pace. That evolution demands not just innovation and adaptability, but also substantial financial backing.

Yet, calls to expand the MEDB have been undermined by unfounded and poorly researched criticisms, often from entities with vested interests. It’s important to note that the utilization of MEDB funds has been stringently audited, with no adverse memos issued so far- highlighting the integrity and accountability of its use.

The decline of private media is not merely a business failure; it is a democratic concern. A weakened or diminished press threatens the very fabric of a democratic society. The pluralism of voices and diversity of opinions, which are essential for any democracy to thrive, can only exist when media is free, independent, and adequately resourced. When the media becomes dependent on a single stream of revenue- or worse, is silenced by financial duress- democracy suffers.

This is where the government’s Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) presents a practical, sustainable, and necessary opportunity. While the ESP has been aimed at revitalizing various sectors of the economy post-pandemic, its scope must now explicitly include private media. Not as charity, but as an investment in Bhutan’s democratic health and information sovereignty.

The ESP can empower private media to diversify its revenue generation, including ventures into digital journalism, capacity building, technology upgrades, and content innovation. With access to financial tools under the ESP, media outlets can move beyond their reliance on government advertisements, explore public-private partnerships, and attract younger generations to careers in journalism and storytelling.

Moreover, a strengthened private media sector contributes to the economy. It creates employment for journalists, editors, graphic designers, videographers, researchers, and other skilled professionals. It also boosts the creative economy- an area that Bhutan is beginning to recognize as both culturally significant and economically promising.

The international community has shown that governments can support media without infringing upon their independence. Nations like Norway and Canada offer financial aid, tax exemptions, and infrastructure support to private media while maintaining strict oversight mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest. Bhutan can adopt and adapt such global best practices, crafting a model uniquely suited to its size, culture, and democratic aspirations.
More than ever, Bhutan needs a healthy, dynamic, and independent media. As the country moves forward in its democratic journey, navigates complex geopolitical realities, and addresses pressing domestic challenges- from youth unemployment to climate change- the role of the media will only grow in importance. Silence or suppression, intentional or circumstantial, is not an option.

We are at a pivotal moment. The survival of Bhutan’s private print media is not just about newsrooms or business models. It is about the health of our democracy, the integrity of public discourse, and the preservation of a space where truth can be pursued without fear or favour. Let us not wait for the last private newspaper to close before realizing what we have lost.

The government has shown, through its initial support for the MEDB, that it understands the stakes. But now it must go a step further. It must include private media in the Economic Stimulus Plan and enable a conducive environment where media enterprises can grow, diversify, and sustain themselves. Such a move would not only save jobs and industries- it would uphold Bhutan’s commitment to a free and independent press, and by extension, to the principles of democracy itself.

The time to act is now. Our democracy depends on it.
Contributor