Television journalism in Bangladesh

Abstract

The dissertation, based on content analysis, observation and literature review, details the aspects of the present situation of ‘Television Journalism in Bangladesh’. In recent time, the rising of satellite TV channels is a remarkable phenomenon in Bangladesh. Being one of the developing countries in the South Asian Region, the country is experiencing approximately more than three dozens of satellite TV channels within two decades period. Such trend of growth is not seen in many other countries of the region. This study aims to explore the interests of growing TV channels in terms of news selection, coverage and presentation through analysing the contents of 604 reports selected purposively from five TV channels, both the state-run and corporate owned . It reveals that 185 reports (31%) concentrated on power and politics which is the highest thematic coverage by the selected channels. The ruling party got the maximum coverage where the Prime Minister and the senior political leaders were projected with importance. Besides, the investigative, interpretative and follow-up report are hardly seen in television news where the selected channels concentrated on only covering surface news. The ‘OV’ (out of vision) report has also got priority than package items. The quality of reports is moderately satisfactory in terms of analysing the language, source, script, completeness, synchronization, and pronunciation. The findings strongly suggest for improving further quality of television reporting in Bangladesh to serve the audience more professionally and effectively.