IMS, Digitally Right begin media viability training in Dhaka

International Media Support, in collaboration with Digitally Right Limited, began a four-day media viability training programme in Dhaka on 7 July to help mainstream and emerging independent media outlets develop sustainable business models.

The training, divided into two batches of two-day sessions, brought together 14 journalists and media executives from nine national media outlets.

Anders B Karlsen, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, inaugurated the first batch of the training.

According to International Media Support, the global media landscape has changed significantly with the rise of social media, and Bangladesh is no exception. To maintain a healthy information ecosystem and ensure independent operations, media outlets need feasible business models, the organisation said.

International Media Support, a Denmark-based global media development organisation, has been working on media viability across Asia and globally for more than a decade.

The initiative is designed to support local media outlets with marketing strategies, value proposition design, business planning, environmental mapping and systematic progress measurement. The training also includes practical exercises on designing audience-specific products.

Danny Yong, Media Business Advisor for Asia at International Media Support, facilitated the sessions.

"The media space is highly competitive, and the ecosystem is changing rapidly. Any business needs to develop a proper action plan," Yong said.

"I am happy to facilitate this training to help media houses understand different business models. International Media Support has seen tremendous success with its media viability strategies across the region," he said.

Shakawat Hossain, Programme Manager for Bangladesh at International Media Support, said the organisation had been aiming to address business viability since it began operations in Bangladesh.

"Finally, we have partnered with Digitally Right to make it happen. Apart from viability, International Media Support supports media reform, safety and independent media tracks with our local partners. Following this training, we aim to coach media outlets to achieve their goals within the local context," Hossain said.

The initiative is supported by the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh.

Highlighting Denmark's commitment, Anders B Karlsen said, "We acknowledge the importance of media sustainability for smooth operations, which ultimately contributes to democracy and accountability. I am glad International Media Support is intervening in this sector in Bangladesh."

Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, Managing Director of Digitally Right Limited, said the collaboration opens a new window for media viability in the country.

"Through mutual exchange in this training, we hope to find a befitting model for Bangladeshi media outlets," he said.

Key media professionals participating in the training include Shaveena Anam, Digital Strategy Lead of The Daily Star; Tanim Ahmed, Digital Editor of The Daily Star; Shawkat Hossain Masum, Head of Online News Management at Prothom Alo; Md Selim Uddin, Deputy Manager of Prothom Alo; Nurun Nobi Shakil, Digital Business Assistant Manager of The Business Standard; Md Mushfiqul Alam Opee, Event Activation Assistant Manager of The Business Standard; Ariful Islam Arman, Head of New Media Initiative at Dhaka Post; Md Shah Alam, Senior News Editor of BDnews24.com; Waliur Rahman Miraz, Head of News at Star News; Md Tawhidul Islam, Head of News at Jamuna Television; Rubel Mahmood, New Media Editor of Jamuna Television; SM Minhazur Rahman, Head of Communications at Dhaka Stream; Sairas Rahman, Online Editor of Times of Bangladesh; and Rezaul Sheikh Raj, Head of Social Media at Agamir Shomoy.