Dhaka, 31 May 2008: Journalists are facing problem in gathering information needed for a complete and objective report due to their poor access to information.
Newspaper reports must have clarity and objectivity, with details of the issue for in-depth analysis. But reporters often fail to do this as it is very difficult for them to collect information from government offices or business houses.
This was observed by participants of a study circle on “Financing Needs of Enterprises” held on May 31, 2008.
The participants said media houses should develop an information bank that will store information of all sectors. This can help a reporter to write better reports.
Besides, businessmen and enterprises should also provide necessary information to the reporters to avoid wrong, incomplete and vague reporting.
They observed that reports often fail to clarify the technical issues and terms related to business and economy and provide incomplete picture of the subject.
They suggested that more interactions with the businesspeople will help the reporters and gatekeepers of the print and electronic media to select issues worth reporting, to understand the business issues properly and report accurately.
IBFB organized the programme at La Vinci Hotel in Dhaka in collaboration with Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI).
IBFB members and economic journalists are seen in the study circle
meeting on Financing Needs of Enterprises
This was the first of a series of study circles to be held in Dhaka and Chittagong with the objective of improving the quality, accuracy and usefulness of information on business, economics and public policy in newspapers.
A number of businessmen and journalists from both print and electronic media participated in the study circle and called for more interactions between them to create an environment for better business in the country.
The participants said the initiative will help establish a freestanding business advocacy organisation and an independent forum for business leaders to identify their common problems and present solutions to policymakers.
IBFB President Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury in his speech highlighted the issues of high interest rate of banks and other financial institutions, corporate tax rate, traditional banking facilities and rigidity of the central bank which need better press coverage.
He said the study circles would enable businesspeople and journalists to take coordinated actions in establishing better business climate in the country.
Inam Ahmed, news editor, The Daily Star, moderated the session attended by members of IBFB and senior business page gatekeepers and reporters of electronic and print media.
Hasibur Rahman, executive director, MRDI, in his welcome speech emphasized the need for holding study circles of this type with the reporters of local and community level newspapers, which would boost local business also.
