Amongst many forms of media, Television was rated as the most effective form of media for preventing corruption, creating deterrence, and promoting good governance. This is according to the National Corruption Barometer Report 2020 (NCBR) launched earlier this week.
The report is based on the findings of the National Corruption Barometer Survey 2020 carried out by Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI). A total of 1,152 respondents, 68% from rural areas and 32% from urban areas were interviewed for the study.
As per the report, while Television topped the list, social media was rated the second most effective media. Meanwhile, traditional forms of media such as print and radio were rated less effective in carrying out these functions.
The role of media included reporting on awareness programs carried out by the ACC, creating deterrence by reporting on corruption and reporting on good governance systems and initiatives.
A higher proportion of the respondents living in rural areas as compared to urban counterparts reported that Television and Radio were effective in preventing corruption. However, illiterate respondents and those with lower educational achievement rated radio and Television over social media and print in terms of their effectiveness in preventing corruption.
And on the perception of the role of CSOs in preventing corruption and promoting anti-corruption initiatives, almost 52% of the respondents were not aware of the role of CSOs in preventing and promoting anti-corruption initiatives.
Overall as the effectiveness of media and CSOs in fighting corruption in Bhutan was rated average by the respondents, the report has recommended the government to support the capacity building of the media and CSOs in promoting good governance.
The NCB report prepared by the Bhutan Transparency Initiative is one of the key initiatives to determine the level and trend of corruption and the effectiveness of Anti-corruption programs in the country. The Anti- Corruption Commission funded the 2020 report. This is the second such report developed by the BTI, the first NCBR was released in 2016.
Bhutan Transparency Initiative is a registered CSO founded in 2013 with a mandate to promote accountability, transparency, and integrity in the country.
Passang Dorji
