Tripartite Review Report: Bhutan Broadcasting Services
Paris: UNESCO (1994), ii, 34 pp.
"During the last year, a new self-confidence and a firm continuation of broadcasting operations have been observed in the new autonomous media organization. In the recruitment of new personnel (and the separation of unfit staff), in financial operations and management decisions, indications of a new trend towards independence and professionalism has been shown. Within the limitations of personnel and resources, there has been an increased orientation to development issues in programmes, and this is shown especially in field productions. Technical operations have been sustained and the first steps towards expanding the FM network to Phuntsholing have been taken.
BBS has also shown its potential role in influencing the development process in Bhutan and in linking general cultural themes to programme production, particularly in the use and development of the official language, Dzongkha. Radio should thus be used more effectively as an active mechanism of dialogue between government and people, to facilitate articulation and exchange of views and opinions on issues of local national and international concern. In the endeavours of His Majesty and the Government to modernize society, BBS has a crucial role in encouraging more popular participation in decision-making. But success in this domain depends on professionalism, and therefore further training and skills are needed.
Further necessary improvements must also be made in the areas of: programme substance, news handling and evaluation, diversification of news sources, utilization of technical facilities to meet the long-term objectives of the project. Field productions should include programmes related to district and gewog fora, local cultural events, and features concerning women in development. Aside from programmes on and by women, all programmes should reflect a concern for women as a viable and contributing partner to the development process. The computer networking and operations, should be completed; priority should be given to starting
the library and AV archive operation." (Executive summary)
BBS has also shown its potential role in influencing the development process in Bhutan and in linking general cultural themes to programme production, particularly in the use and development of the official language, Dzongkha. Radio should thus be used more effectively as an active mechanism of dialogue between government and people, to facilitate articulation and exchange of views and opinions on issues of local national and international concern. In the endeavours of His Majesty and the Government to modernize society, BBS has a crucial role in encouraging more popular participation in decision-making. But success in this domain depends on professionalism, and therefore further training and skills are needed.
Further necessary improvements must also be made in the areas of: programme substance, news handling and evaluation, diversification of news sources, utilization of technical facilities to meet the long-term objectives of the project. Field productions should include programmes related to district and gewog fora, local cultural events, and features concerning women in development. Aside from programmes on and by women, all programmes should reflect a concern for women as a viable and contributing partner to the development process. The computer networking and operations, should be completed; priority should be given to starting
the library and AV archive operation." (Executive summary)
1 Introduction, 1
2 Findings of the Mission, 3
3 Conclusions and Recommendations, 19
Annexes, 23
Annex iv: An Abbreviated History of Radio in Bhutan, 30
2 Findings of the Mission, 3
3 Conclusions and Recommendations, 19
Annexes, 23
Annex iv: An Abbreviated History of Radio in Bhutan, 30
