Some 58 per cent readers have cast doubt on the reliability of news presented to them every day, a survey has revealed.
The survey also found that 24 per cent readers put their trust on the news carried by media in Bangladesh partially and another 14 per cent completely.
A small sample survey carried by Management and Resource Development Initiative (MRDI) with the financial help of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) brought forth the public perception on news reliability.
While public confidence on media seems not that encouraging, it's promising that none expressed complete distrust on media reports.
An overwhelming 96 per cent have discomfort with the news sourcing and only a small percentage of four consider media using proper sources.
MRDI conducted the research with the participation of more than 300 people in six divisions in the country obtaining different methodology like questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview and consultation meeting.
MRDI Executive Director, Hasibur Rahman, presented the information at a seminar on 'News Sense and Ethics of News' organised by MRDI with the collaboration of National Human Rights Commission, UNICEF and Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) at PIB building in Dhaka on Thursday, reports UNB.
The research also found the reasons behind the majorities' distrust are- lacking in proper reporting and news production planning, proper training and guidance as well as absence of appropriate guidelines.
On the perspective of child related contents, 65 per cent participants considered that news contents were not sensible to child issues.
Speaking at the seminar as chief guest, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, stressed on the importance of media's ethical practices.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Prof. Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique, presented keynote speech, while Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Kazi Reazul Hoque, addressed the seminar as special guest with PIB Director General, Md. Shah Alamgir, in the chair.
Several media personalities and civil society members attended in the seminar.