The next plan is to assess Bhutan’s media and information literacy rate

THIMPHU, Bhutan – In response to a significant decline in Bhutan’s press freedom ranking, the Journalists’ Association of Bhutan (JAB) is set to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the country’s media landscape.

The ranking dropped from 90 to 147 in 2024, sparking concerns among journalists and editors. The study aims to establish a baseline for future reference, identify problems and challenges faced by media houses and journalists, and provide recommendations for improvement.

Key areas to be assessed include access to information, the legal and policy framework governing media, and the standard operating procedures for sharing public information developed by various agencies.

The rapid assessment is expected to be completed by the end of March this year and will provide valuable insights into the state of Bhutan’s media landscape, informing efforts to promote press freedom and media development in the country.

Media Literacy Assessment on the Horizon

JAB is also pursuing funding from both local and foreign agencies to conduct an assessment of Bhutan’s media and information literacy rate, an initiative aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing the country’s media environment.

Bhutan’s media landscape has undergone significant advancements since the introduction of mainstream media in the mid-20th century. However, the sector is now facing threats from market saturation, economic limitations, and the rapid growth of social media.

This initiative is a proactive measure to empower the Bhutanese population through enhanced media literacy, fostering critical thinking and responsible media consumption in an information-rich era.

By promoting media literacy, JAB hopes to contribute to the nation’s democratic evolution and societal development, ultimately ensuring that the Bhutanese public is equipped to navigate the complexities of the media landscape.