Bangladesh Media Monitor (BMM)

Overview

Bangladesh Media Monitor (BMM) is an independent organization dedicated to critically analyzing the media landscape of Bangladesh. Our mission is to enhance transparency, accountability, and the ethical standards of journalism by investigating media practices, identifying instances of propaganda, censorship, and misinformation, and offering insightful reports that empower both media professionals and the public. We strive to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and the right to access reliable information in a democratic society.

Our Focus

At Bangladesh Media Monitor, we focus on several key areas:

• Media Censorship: Investigating restrictions on the press, government-imposed limitations, and self-censorship within media organizations.
• Propaganda: Identifying and analyzing content that reflects political or corporate bias, particularly in how information is shaped or manipulated to serve specific interests.
• Ethical Violations: Highlighting instances of unethical journalism, such as ghostwriting, paid content, or politically motivated reporting.
• Freedom of Press: Monitoring threats to press freedom, including attacks on journalists, coercion, and influence from political or economic actors.

Methodology

At Bangladesh Media Monitor, we employ a mixed-methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses to ensure comprehensive evaluations of media reports. Our methodology includes:

• Content Analysis: We systematically analyze media outputs such as news articles, reports, and opinion pieces to identify bias, misinformation, propaganda techniques, and censorship practices. This includes keyword tracking, tone analysis, and comparison across different outlets.
• Media Monitoring: Our team monitors the major news outlets in Bangladesh and beyond, paying particular attention to emerging trends, patterns of coverage, and issues that are underreported or ignored.
• Surveys and Interviews: We conduct interviews with journalists, editors, media owners, and other stakeholders, alongside surveys targeting media consumers. This helps us gauge perceptions of media credibility, influence, and trustworthiness.
• Field Investigations: For sensitive or significant cases, our investigative team conducts on-ground reporting to gather firsthand evidence regarding issues such as journalist harassment, media interference, and ethical violations in newsrooms.
• Comparative Analysis: We perform comparative studies between local and international media to explore how narratives are shaped differently in various contexts. This provides a global perspective on Bangladesh’s media practices and their broader implications.

How We Operate

• Reports and Publications: We publish investigative reports, analytical articles, and research papers that offer detailed insights into specific cases of media malpractice, censorship, and propaganda. These reports are shared publicly, with key stakeholders, and with international media freedom organizations.
• Advocacy: Bangladesh Media Monitor advocates for stronger protection of press freedom, ethical standards, and media transparency. We engage with policymakers, civil society, and media professionals to foster a media environment that is both free and accountable.
• Collaborations: We collaborate with international media watchdogs, press freedom organizations, and academic institutions to share data, conduct joint research, and create a more informed understanding of the challenges facing the Bangladeshi media landscape.
• Workshops and Training: As part of our commitment to elevating journalistic standards, we offer training workshops focused on ethical journalism, investigative reporting, and understanding propaganda. Our aim is to equip both seasoned journalists and aspiring media professionals with the tools they need to navigate the complex media landscape of today.

Get Involved

Bangladesh Media Monitor welcomes contributions from journalists, researchers, and media enthusiasts. If you are interested in joining our mission, either as a reporter, volunteer, or researcher, feel free to contact us.