G-B govt pays Rs140.46m on print media ads during FY2023-24

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has allocated a significant budget of Rs 140.46 million for advertisement expenses to the print media during the fiscal year 2023-24.

According to the details released by the Information Department of Gilgit-Baltistan (IDGB), regional weekly newspapers received Rs 9,587,351, regional daily newspapers were allotted Rs 68,324,914, and national newspapers received Rs 62,553,548 during this period. The document revealed that 10 regional weeklies, 21 regional dailies, and 21 national dailies received ads.

“In this modern era, despite the availability of facilities to promote government initiatives through electronic and social media, print media is still preferred for government advertisements.

This preference supports the growth of the print media industry and provides employment opportunities to journalists and other media workers associated with various newspapers,” said the Information Department in a statement.

However, it said, the provincial government’s support for newspapers and the lack of effective oversight by the Press Information Department, Islamabad, regarding the legal requirements and circulation of local newspapers have led to an influx of Individuals from other regions into the print media sector of Gilgit-Baltistan.

“Consequently, the number of local newspapers has increased from 6 to 36 in a short time. Additionally, 21 journalists associated with national newspapers have also registered with the Information Department to secure government advertisements,” it said.

It said that responding to demands from active journalists, the Information Department of Gilgit-Baltistan has developed a comprehensive policy and legislative framework to promote positive journalism in the region and protect journalists’ rights.

The policy aims to curb the spread of dummy newspapers and journals, provide employment opportunities to local journalists and media graduates, and support newspapers that promote professional journalism.

According to the statement, the policy mandates that national newspapers establish bureau offices in Gilgit-Baltistan and provide employment opportunities to local journalists, ensuring the development of professional journalism and the growth of the local media industry.

While talking to HUM News English, IDGB Director Shams Qureshsi said the Department has taken steps to ensure the effective use of the millions of rupees allocated for government advertisements. He said a special team visited the offices, printing presses, and relevant departments of local newspapers to review their legal requirements and documentation.

He said it was found that some newspapers did not comply with the information provided by the federal agencies, particularly the print line, which includes details of the printing press and its address. As a result, the Information Department has temporarily removed such newspapers from the media list. These newspapers have been given until October 2024 to correct their details and documentation.

Shams said many newspapers needed to renew their ABC certification and were operating with incomplete setups and insufficient staff, including reporters, editors, and technical staff. Despite these shortcomings, they receive millions of rupees annually in government advertisements, claiming to support working journalists’ salaries.

He said that based on the comprehensive review of the documents provided by local newspapers, the Information Department has formulated recommendations to find sustainable solutions for the betterment of the media industry and the welfare of working journalists and other newspaper workers.