Paro, Bhutan. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay briefly attended the ongoing Annual Journalism Conference (AJC) in Paro this evening, addressing the state of Bhutan’s media landscape, including its challenges and the government’s role in supporting the industry. The prime minister’s participation came en route to Thimphu after his engagements in New Delhi, where he launched the 2025 International Year of Co-operatives and held bilateral discussions.
The conference, organized by the Journalists’ Association of Bhutan (JAB), began this morning with opening remarks by Rinzin Wangchuk, JAB’s Executive Director. He highlighted the presence of key government officials, including directors from the Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property (DoMCIIP) and the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA). Their participation, he said, reflects the government’s recognition of the media’s vital role in strengthening Bhutan’s democracy.
“This year’s AJC is historic,” JAB Executive Director said. “For the first time, we are meeting with government officials with financial support from the government, and we have an overwhelming number of members participating. This marks a significant moment for our association, established 15 years ago.”
Over 50 members, including the entire Kuensel news team, attended the conference. Participants are deliberating on critical issues affecting both JAB and the broader media industry, with a focus on reconnecting the journalism fraternity at a time of high attrition and limited resources.
Tackling Pressing Challenges The AJC, which also functions as JAB’s Annual General Assembly, features panel discussions addressing urgent topics such as:
* Media Sustainability and Attrition: Exploring ways to mitigate the loss of senior journalists while safeguarding press freedom.
* Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: Understanding its transformative impact and ethical implications.
* Access to Information: Advocating for greater transparency to strengthen journalism’s watchdog role.
* Naming and Shaming in Media: Examining the legal, ethical, and societal aspects of the practice.
* Promoting Dzongkha in Media: Reinvigorating the national language to preserve Bhutan’s cultural identity.
Needrup Zangpo, Interim Chairman of JAB and Executive Director of the Bhutan Media Foundation, emphasized the conference’s importance in fostering dialogue and collaboration. “This event serves as a critical platform for reflecting on the evolving role of journalism in our society,” he said.
Over the two-day event, participants will engage with distinguished speakers and resource persons, aiming to generate actionable solutions for the challenges ahead.
A Shared Responsibility Journalism in Bhutan continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, holding institutions accountable, and safeguarding democratic values. Yet, challenges such as limited resources and rapidly changing technologies persist. Despite these hurdles, Bhutan’s media fraternity remains committed to its mission.
“Journalism is not just the responsibility of journalists but a collective effort involving private individuals and public institutions,” Zangpo noted. He also lauded the partnership between DoMCIIP and JAB, which has made this year’s conference possible.
As the conference progresses, Needrup urged participants to embrace their shared responsibility as journalists. “Let us remind ourselves of the sacred trust placed in us—to inform, educate, and serve as the voice of our people. This is both our privilege and our responsibility,” he said.
The AJC underscores a renewed commitment to strengthening Bhutan’s media landscape while fostering innovation and collaboration. Through meaningful discussions and shared learning, the fraternity aims to build a more resilient and sustainable future for journalism in Bhutan.
