Jigmi Wangdi
The national television, Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS), is at a crossroads. Despite clear policy directives and legal provisions, the lack of a formal charter or legislation continues to undermine its role as a public service broadcaster (PSB).
A PSB is a media organisation dedicated to serving the public interest by providing impartial, high-quality, and accessible content. Operating independently from political and commercial pressures, PSBs prioritise universality, cultural preservation, and accountability to the public.
Funded primarily through public mechanisms such as license fees, taxes, or government grants, the PSBs promote democratic values and cultural heritage while catering to diverse audiences.
The draft Broadcasting Policy proposes transforming BBS into a PSB, free from government influence and equipped with a clear public mandate. In addition, the InfoComm Media Act of 2018, Chapter 9, Section 180 (2), also designates BBS as a PSB, requiring it to operate under a charter or by-law.
However, more than five years after the law’s enactment, no such framework has been established.
The State of Media report presented by the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) during the 11th sitting of the National Council states that without dedicated legislation, BBS is constrained by its current status as a state-owned enterprise (SOE) and its dependence on government funding.
BBS was delinked from the Ministry of Information and Communications in 1992 to enhance its professionalism. However, the absence of formal recognition as a PSB has left the broadcaster in a limbo—neither fully independent nor able to fulfill its public service role effectively.
The SCAC report pointed to financial instability as a significant impediment. Despite receiving over Nu 2 billion in government funding across two Five-Year Plans, BBS has struggled to sustain itself. Financial pressures have often forced the broadcaster to prioritise commercial interests, compromising its public service mission.
A 2010 performance audit by the Royal Audit Authority revealed persistent gaps in planning, workforce retention, and career development. More than 120 staff left the organisation between 2022 and 2024, citing unsupportive working environment and limited opportunities.
The SCAC recommended enacting a dedicated law to formalise BBS’s status as a PSB. Such legislation would ensure the broadcaster’s editorial independence and protect it from political and commercial pressures.
The report also called for exploring sustainable funding models to reduce financial dependency on government allocations.
Globally, PSBs rely on a mix of public funding, commercial revenues, and donations, accompanied by independent assessments to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Chairman of BBS Board, Dasho Kinley Dorji, emphasised that public service broadcasters, while often state-funded, enjoy complete editorial autonomy. “The idea that state funding equates to government control is a misconception,” he said.