King opts for freedom of expression: first two private dailies launched
They are the Bhutan Observer and the Bhutan Times. Until 30 April last, the only available daily newspaper was the government one. The king took his decision in the framework of his journey towards a parliamentary democracy.
Thimphu (AsiaNews) The Kuensel, Bhutan's historic, government-run daily, is no longer the only daily newspaper in the small Himalyan kingdom. In a little over a month, two privately run daily newspapers have emerged. The novelty is ground-breaking, given that the government formerly refused to allow freedom of expression.
The latest daily to launch is called the Bhutan Observer and it was officially inaugurated on 2 June 2006. The first issue was distributed by the queen of Bhutan herself, Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuk. The queen said the launch of the daily was "a significant milestone in fostering the growth of independent professional media, which would help and reinforce the democracy in our country." The king of Bhutan last year said he wanted to transform the kingdom into a parliamentary monarchy in which citizens could vote for their representatives.
"The move to usher in free media began in September, 2005, when the monarch met the Lhengye Zhungtsho, the royal legislative body, and said the government should promote privately-owned newspapers to permit the blossoming of democracy. Since then the King has striven hard to launch private newspapers," said Sudip Ghosh, an Indian Hindu working in a hydroelectric project in Bhutan.
Ghosh said the king's decision has amazed the country's democracy factions. "They have understood that the king's journey towards democracy is no farce, but reality. The king of Bhutan, as opposed to the one of Nepal or the Chinese Communist regime, does not have autocratic tendencies. The only contradiction is that the State will continue to be a Buddhist, theocratic democracy and this will in fact limit other faiths. However, freedom of the press may bring changes to this perspective too, at least I hope so."
The first private daily is called the Bhutan Times and it was inaugurated on 30 April 2006 by the prime minister, Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup. "This newspaper is not only a gift but above all a responsibility towards society."
The two private dailies are all set to tackle themes of youth and rural life.
Sonam Kinga, director of the Bhutan Observer, said: "Our newspaper will give space both to those who live in remote villages and rural areas as well as to youth, and it will follow the problems of different strata in society."
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02/01/2008
