Online papers, portals cannot broadcast talk shows, bulletins: Info Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today (June 12, 2022) said according to the law, the online version of newspapers and news portals cannot broadcast talk shows and news bulletins.

"The leaders of Association of Television Channel Owners Association (ATCO) have recently brought the issue to our attention that online versions of some newspapers and news portals are airing talk shows and even some are broadcasting news bulletins which have no permission. We've looked into the act. According to the provisions of sub-section 2, 4 and 6 of second section of the online media policy act, they cannot air such items," he said.

The minister said while talking to reporters at the meeting room of his ministry at Secretariat in the capital.

Hasan said that video clips related to news would not violate the rules in the digital era. However, the policy doesn't approve the airing of talk shows or news bulletin, he added

He said the registration of online versions of newspapers without investigation was given on the condition that the news published in print version will be published in online version and it should not be different.

The minister said that his ministry would inform the concerned media by mentioning the section and sub-sections of the act if the ATCO leaders present their written allegations.