On September 6, the Television Entertainment Journalists Association of Bangladesh (TejAB) was officially launched at a luxury hotel in Dhaka, bringing together entertainment journalists working in various television channels. However, the association's formation has come at a time when the country’s entertainment industry is abuzz with discussions and controversies surrounding the recent “Alo Asbei” WhatsApp group scandal._x000D_ _x000D_ Following the establishment of TejAB, the organization immediately faced criticism from several quarters. Many entertainment journalists have posted cryptic messages on social media, hinting at disapproval of the association. Some have outright accused TejAB of being formed to support the “Alo Asbei” WhatsApp group, while others allege that the association is engaged in financial extortion and working for a particular OTT platform._x000D_ _x000D_ According to researchers Ornabring and Moller, journalists can be ideologically divided on issues such as professionalism, independence, or ethics, which can encourage them to form new organizations representing their own ideals. They suggest that internal conflicts or crises within existing organizations sometimes prompt members to establish new entities._x000D_ _x000D_ Against this backdrop, we sought to understand whether the members of TejAB had lost faith in the Bangladesh Film Journalists Association, founded in 1968. We reached out to Nazmul Alam Rana, a journalist from Channel 24 and the president of TejAB, to clarify the association's goals and objectives._x000D_ _x000D_ Rana stated that the primary goal of TejAB is to work for the welfare of genuine television journalists. He explained that journalists often face crises, and having a collective voice under the banner of an organization can make resolving these issues easier. He also argued that entertainment journalism on television is often neglected and that TejAB seeks to change this perception. He cited the example of daily 30-minute entertainment and lifestyle news segments on Channel 24 and Jamuna TV, as well as weekly programs on other channels._x000D_ _x000D_ In his 2006 book, Harrison J. examined why corrupt or controversial individuals are sometimes given prominent positions in new journalism organizations. He argued that such individuals are often appointed because of their strong influence, networks, and fundraising skills, which help new organizations gain rapid recognition and support. These established media figures can also attract necessary funding and resources that might be challenging for others to secure. In many cases, power becomes centralized within the leadership structure, where such journalists can easily adapt and protect their interests._x000D_ _x000D_ TejAB is facing similar allegations. The appointment of Bulbul Ahmed Joy, a controversial journalist from Ekattor TV, as the general secretary has raised concerns. Joy has been accused of various unethical activities, including taking money under the guise of promoting films._x000D_ _x000D_ When asked about these concerns, Rana defended Joy, stating that he has known him for over a decade. He noted that Joy owns two apartments in Dhaka, which he acquired through loans and his job. Additionally, Joy has provided consultancy services on various projects for companies like Primark, Walmart, and the World Bank._x000D_ _x000D_ Rana also emphasized that clause 13.8 of TejAB's constitution states that if any allegations against a member are proven, their membership will be revoked. "If Joy or anyone else is legally proven to be corrupt, they will not remain in the organization," he asserted._x000D_ _x000D_ When asked about allegations that TejAB was formed to serve an OTT platform, Rana replied, "You might be referring to Chorki. That is completely untrue. We did not just reach out to Chorki; we also approached Hoichoi, Bongo, Live Technology, Star Cineplex's manager Mezba, the owner of Lion Cinema Hall, and Naushad Bhai, the owner of Modhumita Hall."_x000D_ _x000D_ "However, due to their busy schedules, they could not attend the event and instead conveyed their best wishes over the phone. Only two representatives from Chorki were present, likely because Prateek Akbar, a founding member and our friend, is associated with them," Rana explained._x000D_ _x000D_ When questioned whether the committee was merely a rebranding of a television journalists' syndicate, Rana dismissed the allegations as baseless. "We are working for leading channels and receive our salaries at the end of each month. In times of crisis, we rely on credit cards. We do not engage in corrupt practices," he stated._x000D_ _x000D_ Addressing the syndicate accusations, he added, "When producers, directors, or actors devalue television journalists, smaller publications, online platforms, and YouTubers accuse us of being a syndicate."_x000D_ _x000D_ Judith Lichtenberg, in her 2009 paper, noted that television journalists often feel a strong sense of professional pride regarding their skills and roles in the media environment, which can sometimes lead to ego clashes and a desire to form their own distinct organizations. Rana's comments on online and YouTube journalists appear to align with Lichtenberg's observations._x000D_ _x000D_ When asked about the presence of four Channel 24 journalists on the committee, Rana clarified that only three members from Channel 24, including two presidium members, are part of the 13-member committee._x000D_ _x000D_ Another major criticism against the organization is that it has failed to bring all television entertainment journalists under a single umbrella._x000D_ _x000D_ Efforts to contact Rimon Mahfuz, the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Film Journalists Association (BACHSAS), for comments on these matters were unsuccessful.