PAKISTAN READER

Glynnis Winona B Glynnis Winona B is an undergraduate student at the Department of International Relations, Peace Studies and Public Policy, St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru

On 30 April, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released the World Press Freedom Index on the state of media freedom globally. Bhutan ranked 150th out of 180 countries, reflecting a sharp decline in press freedom conditions compared to previous years. In 2022, Bhutan was ranked 33rd. The current position reveals a significant downfall. Both state-owned and private outlets dominate the flow of information to the public, with the Bhutan Broadcasting Service and Kuensel leading the way. Meanwhile, private outlets such as The Bhutanese and Bhutan Times operate within limits. Despite the hybrid media landscape, journalists in Bhutan struggle to work due to certain factors.

The following are the four key takeaways from the RSF’s report on Bhutan.

1. Regulatory institutions and a controlled media environment
Regulatory institutions play a major role in shaping journalism in Bhutan. The Bhutan Infocomm and Media Authority (BICMA), which supervises media activities, functions under the government. This situation raises concerns regarding editorial independence. The same authority that the media is expected to examine also regulates it. The influence of the state is visible in major outlets such as Kuensel, where it strongly shapes the narrative. This creates an issue where independent outlets struggle to compete on the basis of access and resources. Simultaneously, authorities can use laws related to national security to penalize journalists for critical reporting. The limitation in accessing official information delays the whole reporting process.

2. Constraints of economic fragility on media independence
Bhutan’s media sector is economically fragile, which makes independent journalism difficult to sustain. The country’s small market size, limited revenue for advertising, and narrow audience reach create financial challenges for the media sector. Many outlets depend heavily on government and state-linked advertising for survival. In this case, dependency influences editorial decisions. For example, following the publication of a report on corruption, The Bhutanese faced a reduction in government advertising. These constraints push media outlets to avoid critical reporting to reduce financial risks. Though economic pressure does not result in direct censorship, it shapes the priorities of media outlets. As a result, the space for independent and investigative journalism remains limited.

3. Limited access to information restricts effective reporting
The government agencies in Bhutan follow strict procedures and lengthy timelines when responding to media-based queries. This leads to delays in responses or no response at all. It further affects the quality and relevance of reporting. By the time journalists receive information, the stories are outdated. This trend discourages investigative journalism and reduces the space to question authority. Because of these factors, citizens rely heavily on state-influenced narratives, and concerns over transparency rise. The persistence of such practices weakens the role of the media as a platform for public debate and accountability.

4. Social norms shape journalistic practice and self-censorship
Social and cultural factors play a key role in shaping journalism in Bhutan. The country’s emphasis on harmony, respect, and hierarchy shapes journalists’ approach to certain topics. Issues such as the displacement of the Lhotshampa community receive limited media coverage. Such cases are not always due to legal restrictions but to self-censorship. Journalists avoid themes considered sensitive within the society of Bhutan. Recently, publishing critical content has led to harassment, misinformation campaigns, and personal attacks. These pressures discourage independent reporting. Overall, institutional factors and social expectations shape the gradual decline in press freedom in Bhutan. Though overt repression is absent, journalism operates in a limited space.

References

“Bhutan ranked 150th in the 2026 Press Freedom Index,” Bhutan News Network, 30 April 2026

“2026 RSF Index: press freedom at a 25-year low,” Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 30 April 2026

“Why Bhutan’s press freedom ranking has declined to the worst ever,” The Bhutanese, 05 March 2025

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