Role of the Bhutan broadcasting service (BBS) after the institution of democracy in Bhutan

Abstract

Bhutan has undergone major changes as a nation in the last one decade. The arrival of television and the introduction of democracy have greatly changed the sociopolitical landscape. Today, Bhutan is gearing towards the second parliamentary elections. In the new political environment, the Bhutanese media have to play a vital role in promoting and facilitating democracy. This paper tries to examine the role the Bhutan Broadcasting Service, BBS, has played and continues to play in the sociopolitical development in Bhutan. The paper in particular attempts to answer questions pertaining to editorial independence, its role as a public service broadcaster in the changing political scenario and as a provider of information on politics. This study concludes that the BBS news is credible. About 82.4 % of the respondents believe that the BBS provides an independent view. However, 17.6% of the respondents believe that BBS news and programmes are subject to censorship. The study also concludes that BBS news and programmes have huge impact on the viewers. The study also shows that BBS is the main source of political information and that the BBS needs to strengthen its watchdog role to effectively contribute to the growth of democracy. Around 44.1% of the respondents say that the BBS is not playing its role in fostering democracy. However, the general feeling is that the BBS is effectively playing the role of a public service broadcaster by informing and educating people on democracy and by providing a public forum.