April 8, 2026
THIMPHU – The government has made a slew of pledges to reform the media sector, yet, little of it has been realised so far.
The commitments include implementing a media protection policy, transforming the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) into a public service broadcaster, licensing a private television channel, and providing government scholarships for journalists, among others.
The delay comes at a fraught moment. Recently, license of a private newspaper was cancelled. The country’s declining press-freedom rankings, challenges to access to information, and the steady departure of experienced journalists have weakened the media sector.
According to Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index 2025, Bhutan ranks 152nd out of 180 countries. The country’s press freedom ranking has consistently slipped from 33rd in 2022 to 152nd in 2025.
According to the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), the recent cancellation of the private newspaper’s licence was strictly in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Publication.
MoICE Minister Namgyal Dorji explained that the newspaper’s licence had expired on October 30, 2025, and despite a full 120-day renewal window, including grace and penalty periods, and multiple reminders, the required documents were not submitted.
Lyonpo highlighted that between 2024 and 2026, the government supported multiple rounds of capacity-building for young journalists through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) funds.
Lyonpo said that government-initiated media engagement platforms, such as the Bhutan Media Forum, have strengthened media and digital literacy programmes, supported equipment and content creation, and sustained collaboration on journalism awards.
Under the ESP, private media houses were provided financial support of Nu 1 million each to strengthen their digital platforms and meet other critical development needs. In addition, all private media houses are given a direct annual financial support of around Nu 0.6 million under the Media Enterprise Development Budget programme.
Lyonpo said professional capacity-building opportunities are delivered through civil society organisations, such as Bhutan Media Foundation and Journalists’ Association of Bhutan.
On the pledges to establish a private television channel and transform BBS into a public service broadcaster, the government has stated its intent to pursue both.
“The transformation of BBS is already mandated under the ICM Act 2018. However, both initiatives currently hinge on the absence of a comprehensive media and broadcasting policy framework,” Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji said. “We have completed preparatory work—market assessments, stakeholder consultations, and internal reviews.”
Lyonpo added that proceeding without a clear policy framework would not be prudent, and that once the media policy is in place, the government will be in a position to take informed and sustainable decisions.
The minister, however, cautioned that transforming BBS into a public service broadcaster will require careful restructuring to ensure long-term sustainability, particularly given its dual role as a company and a state-owned enterprise. “This will need to be led in close coordination with its management, Board, and relevant agencies,” Lyonpo said.
On access to information, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said that the media should inform him if institutions and agencies refuse to provide information.