Journalists and media houses in the country are upset with Thimphu Thromde’s new system to obtain information. Many say this new procedure will only cause hindrances in their efforts to deliver timely information to the public.
As per the new system, any individual or media personnel seeking to get information from the Thimphu Thromde office is required to fill up a form and submit it to their Media Relations Officer. The office will assess the questions and then get back after a few days.
ThimphuThromde introduced this new system on April 12.
Meanwhile, media houses feel this will only cause further difficulties.
The Journalists Association of Bhutan (JAB) says it has been getting several calls from journalists who are worried about the new arrangement.
“I think this will add a further hindrance to the journalist to carry out our duty in informing our people. And we have always issue with access to information because it is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for journalism in Bhutan. All the critical information becomes off the record although they share information with the media,” said Rinzin Wangchuk, the President of JAB.
While they are hoping the Thimphu Thromde will relook into the matter, JAB says it is also planning to have a discussion of its own.
The main issue journalists say is that the new system will only further delay getting information.
“Being a daily paper, it’s really difficult to work like that and the Thromde is not the first time. We do have other agencies and we have already faced that kind of issue. When everything is moving so fast, we cannot wait to send a question and wait for three-four days to get the answers and tell our people. How transparent are we talking about? And at the same time, when we send the question the biggest issue is the focal person might just answer in one line then how do I tell the story to my reader in just one line,” voiced Yangchen Choden Rinzin, the Chief of Bureau at Kuensel.
BBS has reached out to the Thromde for comments. And as per its new set protocol, BBS filled up the form and submitted it, the thromde said it will get back after a few days.
Kinzang Lhadon/Kelzang Choden
