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The '''''Bhutan Observer''''' was [[Bhutan]]'s first private bilingual [[newspaper]]. It was launched as a private limited company by parent company Bhutan Media Services (BMS), and began publishing on June 2, 2006, in [[Thimphu]]. Its [[Dzongkha]] edition is called ''Druk Nelug'', and the newspaper maintains an online service in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6504 |title=Two Private Newspapers to Start in April |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |date=2006-02-01 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref><ref name=dzo1>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/about-2/ |title=About Us |publisher=Bhutan Observer online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>
The '''''Bhutan Observer''''' was [[Bhutan]]'s first private bilingual [[newspaper]]. It was launched as a private limited company by parent company Bhutan Media Services (BMS), and began publishing on June 2, 2006, in [[Thimphu]]. Its [[Dzongkha]] edition is called ''Druk Nelug'', and the newspaper maintains an online service in English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6504 |title=Two Private Newspapers to Start in April |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |date=2006-02-01 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref><ref name=dzo1>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/about-2/ |title=About Us |publisher=Bhutan Observer online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>


The newspaper employs about 60 people in editorial, commercial, administrative, and managerial departments. The editorial department has won several national journalism awards for the best editorial, best Dzongkha issue, best editorial cartoon, and the most valuable story on [[Gross National Happiness]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apfanews.com/media-monitor/journalists-decorated-with-awards/ |title=Journalists Decorated with Awards |publisher=AFPA News online |date=2009-05-05 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbs.com.bt/Media%20award.html |title=Media Award – The Winners Are… |publisher=[[Bhutan Broadcasting Service]] online |date=2007-05-04 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> The former Executive Editor, Sonam Kinga, was one of several relatively young individuals to make an early entry into newly [[Bhutanese democracy|democratic Bhutanese politics]] in 2007, winning a seat and leadership position in the kingdom's first [[Bhutanese National Council election, 2007–2008|National Council elections]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=9 |title=I Am Capable |first=Mitra |last=Raj |date=2007-04-15 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19789 |title=NC Opposes NA's Decision of Removal |first=Dawa |last=Gyelmo |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |date=2011-06-17 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>
The newspaper employs about 60 people in editorial, commercial, administrative, and managerial departments. The editorial department has won several national journalism awards for the best editorial, best Dzongkha issue, best editorial cartoon, and the most valuable story on [[Gross National Happiness]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apfanews.com/media-monitor/journalists-decorated-with-awards/ |title=Journalists Decorated with Awards |publisher=AFPA News online |date=2009-05-05 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbs.com.bt/Media%20award.html |title=Media Award – The Winners Are… |publisher=[[Bhutan Broadcasting Service]] online |date=2007-05-04 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> The former Executive Editor, Sonam Kinga, was one of several relatively young individuals to make an early entry into newly [[Bhutanese democracy|democratic Bhutanese politics]] in 2007, winning a seat and leadership position in the kingdom's first [[Bhutanese National Council election, 2007–2008|National Council elections]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=9 |title=I Am Capable |first=Mitra |last=Raj |date=2007-04-15 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19789 |title=NC Opposes NA's Decision of Removal |first=Dawa |last=Gyelmo |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |date=2011-06-17 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>


As Bhutan has begun developing its private media sector, fledgling media outlets including the ''Bhutan Observer'' have faced scrutiny by public figures over novice reporting, misquoted sources, and viewpoint biases with the effect of presenting overly sensational and negative coverage in articles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=880&Itemid=9 |title=Media Under Scrutiny |first=Sonam |last=Pelvar |date=2008-09-17 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> Language of publication has also become a significant issue, as government language requirements strain publishers' budgets.
As Bhutan has begun developing its private media sector, fledgling media outlets including the ''Bhutan Observer'' have faced scrutiny by public figures over novice reporting, misquoted sources, and viewpoint biases with the effect of presenting overly sensational and negative coverage in articles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=880&Itemid=9 |title=Media Under Scrutiny |first=Sonam |last=Pelvar |date=2008-09-17 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> Language of publication has also become a significant issue, as government language requirements strain publishers' budgets.


==Druk Nelug==
==Druk Nelug==
The [[Dzongkha]] edition, ''Druk Nelug'', is published in compliance with government media language requirements.<ref name=dzo1/><ref name=dzo2>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19125 |title=Proposal to Drop Dzongkha Edition Shot Down |first=Tashi |last=Tenzin |date=2011-04-21 |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> While [[Dzongkha]] is the national language, it is not spoken natively among the majority of Bhutanese.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=BT |title=Languages of Bhutan |work=Ethnologue: Languages of the World |publisher=[[SIL International]] |edition=16 (online) |accessdate=2011-10-01 |quote=Kingdom of Bhutan... [population] 637,000... [Dzongkha speakers number] 160,000 in Bhutan (2006).}}</ref> Among the general population, Dzongkha abilities have improved, but still need development according to a ''Bhutan Observer'' editor. Despite language reforms and improved public competency, many Bhutanese find English easier to read, speak, and write.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=897&Itemid=9 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |title= Befriending Dzongkha - Despite the Desperate Battle against English, Dzongkha Simplification Continues |first=Sonam |last=Pelvar |date=2008-10-01 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>
The [[Dzongkha]] edition, ''Druk Nelug'', is published in compliance with government media language requirements.<ref name=dzo1/><ref name=dzo2>{{cite web|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19125 |title=Proposal to Drop Dzongkha Edition Shot Down |first=Tashi |last=Tenzin |date=2011-04-21 |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> While [[Dzongkha]] is the national language, it is not spoken natively among the majority of Bhutanese.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=BT |title=Languages of Bhutan |work=Ethnologue: Languages of the World |publisher=[[SIL International]] |edition=16 (online) |accessdate=2011-10-01 |quote=Kingdom of Bhutan... [population] 637,000... [Dzongkha speakers number] 160,000 in Bhutan (2006).}}</ref> Among the general population, Dzongkha abilities have improved, but still need development according to a ''Bhutan Observer'' editor. Despite language reforms and improved public competency, many Bhutanese find English easier to read, speak, and write.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=897&Itemid=9 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |title=Befriending Dzongkha - Despite the Desperate Battle against English, Dzongkha Simplification Continues |first=Sonam |last=Pelvar |date=2008-10-01 |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref>


Amid concerns of the long term sustainability of the ''Bhutan Observer'' and other media's Dzongkha editions, the government in 2007 began to subsidize the translation of English language advertisements into Dzongkha, and granted exemptions from sales tax and import duties. The tax breaks were set to expire after a period of five years, but may be renewed.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=211&Itemid=9 |title=Government to Support Print Media |first=Kinley |last=Tshering |date=2007-05-13 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> Both the Dzongkha ''Druk Nelug'' and English language ''Bhutan Observer'' are heavily subsidized by government advertisements within a marketing industry subject to significant government control on a policy basis.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15204 |title=Draft Circulated for Feedback |first=Phuntsho |last=Wangdi |date=2010-04-16 |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> In 2011, nearing the five year mark and having neither approached sustainability nor obtained tangible government support, the ''Observer'' requested that the [[Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority]] (BICMA) allow it to discontinue publication of ''Druk Nelug''; that request was denied. The newspaper said it would abide by the government's decision, but that the ''Druk Nelug'' might be reduced to a symbolic publication due to its commercial infeasibility.<ref name=dzo2/>
Amid concerns of the long term sustainability of the ''Bhutan Observer'' and other media's Dzongkha editions, the government in 2007 began to subsidize the translation of English language advertisements into Dzongkha, and granted exemptions from sales tax and import duties. The tax breaks were set to expire after a period of five years, but may be renewed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=211&Itemid=9 |title=Government to Support Print Media |first=Kinley |last=Tshering |date=2007-05-13 |publisher=[[Bhutan Times]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> Both the Dzongkha ''Druk Nelug'' and English language ''Bhutan Observer'' are heavily subsidized by government advertisements within a marketing industry subject to significant government control on a policy basis.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15204 |title=Draft Circulated for Feedback |first=Phuntsho |last=Wangdi |date=2010-04-16 |publisher=[[Kuensel]] online |accessdate=2011-10-01}}</ref> In 2011, nearing the five year mark and having neither approached sustainability nor obtained tangible government support, the ''Observer'' requested that the [[Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority]] (BICMA) allow it to discontinue publication of ''Druk Nelug''; that request was denied. The newspaper said it would abide by the government's decision, but that the ''Druk Nelug'' might be reduced to a symbolic publication due to its commercial infeasibility.<ref name=dzo2/>


==End of Print Publication==
==End of Print Publication==

Revision as of 14:42, 19 July 2017

Bhutan Observer
TypeNewspaper
PublisherBhutan Observer Pvt. Ltd.
FoundedJune 2, 2006
LanguageEnglish, Dzongkha
HeadquartersThimphu, Bhutan
CirculationAll over Bhutan
Websitehttp://www.bhutanobserver.bt/

The Bhutan Observer was Bhutan's first private bilingual newspaper. It was launched as a private limited company by parent company Bhutan Media Services (BMS), and began publishing on June 2, 2006, in Thimphu. Its Dzongkha edition is called Druk Nelug, and the newspaper maintains an online service in English.[1][2]

The newspaper employs about 60 people in editorial, commercial, administrative, and managerial departments. The editorial department has won several national journalism awards for the best editorial, best Dzongkha issue, best editorial cartoon, and the most valuable story on Gross National Happiness.[3][4] The former Executive Editor, Sonam Kinga, was one of several relatively young individuals to make an early entry into newly democratic Bhutanese politics in 2007, winning a seat and leadership position in the kingdom's first National Council elections.[5][6]

As Bhutan has begun developing its private media sector, fledgling media outlets including the Bhutan Observer have faced scrutiny by public figures over novice reporting, misquoted sources, and viewpoint biases with the effect of presenting overly sensational and negative coverage in articles.[7] Language of publication has also become a significant issue, as government language requirements strain publishers' budgets.

Druk Nelug

The Dzongkha edition, Druk Nelug, is published in compliance with government media language requirements.[2][8] While Dzongkha is the national language, it is not spoken natively among the majority of Bhutanese.[9] Among the general population, Dzongkha abilities have improved, but still need development according to a Bhutan Observer editor. Despite language reforms and improved public competency, many Bhutanese find English easier to read, speak, and write.[10]

Amid concerns of the long term sustainability of the Bhutan Observer and other media's Dzongkha editions, the government in 2007 began to subsidize the translation of English language advertisements into Dzongkha, and granted exemptions from sales tax and import duties. The tax breaks were set to expire after a period of five years, but may be renewed.[11] Both the Dzongkha Druk Nelug and English language Bhutan Observer are heavily subsidized by government advertisements within a marketing industry subject to significant government control on a policy basis.[12] In 2011, nearing the five year mark and having neither approached sustainability nor obtained tangible government support, the Observer requested that the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) allow it to discontinue publication of Druk Nelug; that request was denied. The newspaper said it would abide by the government's decision, but that the Druk Nelug might be reduced to a symbolic publication due to its commercial infeasibility.[8]

End of Print Publication

On August 1, 2013 the Bhutan Observer announced the end of its printed edition. It will continue to be available as an online publication.[13][14]

Honours

See also

References

  1. ^ "Two Private Newspapers to Start in April". Kuensel online. 2006-02-01. Retrieved 2011-10-01.
  2. ^ a b "About Us". Bhutan Observer online. Archived from the original on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2011-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Journalists Decorated with Awards". AFPA News online. 2009-05-05. Retrieved 2011-10-01.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Media Award – The Winners Are…". Bhutan Broadcasting Service online. 2007-05-04. Archived from the original on 2012-03-28. Retrieved 2011-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Raj, Mitra (2007-04-15). "I Am Capable". Bhutan Times online. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2011-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Gyelmo, Dawa (2011-06-17). "NC Opposes NA's Decision of Removal". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-10-01.
  7. ^ Pelvar, Sonam (2008-09-17). "Media Under Scrutiny". Bhutan Times online. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2011-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b Tenzin, Tashi (2011-04-21). "Proposal to Drop Dzongkha Edition Shot Down". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-10-01.
  9. ^ "Languages of Bhutan". Ethnologue: Languages of the World (16 (online) ed.). SIL International. Retrieved 2011-10-01. Kingdom of Bhutan... [population] 637,000... [Dzongkha speakers number] 160,000 in Bhutan (2006).
  10. ^ Pelvar, Sonam (2008-10-01). "Befriending Dzongkha - Despite the Desperate Battle against English, Dzongkha Simplification Continues". Bhutan Times online. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2011-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Tshering, Kinley (2007-05-13). "Government to Support Print Media". Bhutan Times online. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2011-10-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Wangdi, Phuntsho (2010-04-16). "Draft Circulated for Feedback". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-10-01.
  13. ^ Wangmo, Phuntsho (2013-08-01). "Publisher's Note". Bhutan Observer online. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  14. ^ "Bhutan Observer suspends their print edition". Bhutan Broadcasting Service online. 2013-08-06. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  15. ^ His Majesty awards National Order of Merit
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