𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫 𝐓𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞

By Kezang Choden

The Parliament has introduced a parliamentary session calendar to improve communication with the media, enabling journalists to access timely and accurate information on legislative proceedings. The measure was announced at the conclusion of a three-day media symposium titled “The Role of Journalism in a Bhutanese Democracy,” part of the Parliament’s initiative to strengthen media engagement and ensure timely dissemination of public information.

During the discussions, Members of Parliament (MPs) acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists in obtaining prompt and accurate responses, particularly during parliamentary sessions. To address these concerns, MPs released a detailed session calendar for media houses, outlining dates and times when responses from MPs would be available. The move is intended to help journalists plan their coverage more effectively and avoid delays in reporting parliamentary proceedings.

MPs stressed that closer coordination with the media is essential to ensure that the public receives accurate and up-to-date information on legislative decisions and national issues. The calendar is expected to serve as a link between lawmakers and journalists, encouraging greater transparency and accountability.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Lungten Dorji, highlighted the importance of maintaining effective communication between MPs and the media to ensure that citizens receive timely and accurate information. Speaking during a recent session, he said that without proper coordination, misunderstandings could arise, particularly regarding matters of public interest such as the national budget and key policies.

He explained that by sharing plans in advance, the media would be able to prepare relevant coverage and provide well-informed reports. “If certain issues cannot be resolved during the current session, we will carry them forward to the next session for the public’s well-being,” Lungten Dorji said. He added that such collaboration would strengthen relations between the media and Parliament while supporting transparency and accountability in governance.

Sangay Rabten, a reporter from Business Bhutan, said the introduction of the parliamentary session calendar would make it easier for media houses to follow proceedings and share timely updates with the public. According to him, the calendar will enable journalists to know in advance the plans, discussions, and hearings scheduled for each session. “This will help media professionals prepare their coverage, keep track of legislative activities, and ensure that important developments are reported without delay,” he said. Rabten added that clear timelines and topics outlined in advance would improve coordination between the media and Parliament, ultimately benefiting the public.

The calendar will also benefit program makers from various media houses who work on diverse topics. They will have access to specific dates and planned activities, allowing them to prepare in advance, align their content with relevant parliamentary discussions, and ensure timely delivery of information. With accurate schedules, reporters can anticipate events and gather background information, while program makers can synchronise their work with upcoming debates. This is expected to improve the quality of media coverage and ensure important issues receive the attention they deserve.

Ngawang Jamphel, a reporter from Bhutan Times, shared that covering parliamentary proceedings in the past had been challenging due to the lack of timely communication and access to relevant information. He said that without a clear schedule, it was often difficult for journalists to plan stories and meet deadlines. After attending the three-day discussion on strengthening media engagement, Jamphel expressed optimism that the session calendar would make a significant difference.

“Before, I struggled to follow parliamentary developments because information was not always available at the right time. Now, with this calendar, I can plan my programs and write my stories more effectively,” he said. Jamphel added that the discussions also provided him with an opportunity to interact directly with MPs, which he believes will improve the quality and timeliness of news coverage. He said that by following the session calendar, both the media and the public would be better informed about parliamentary proceedings and decisions.

The introduction of the session calendar is part of Parliament’s broader efforts to work with the media as a partner in informing citizens and fostering a more open democratic process.