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BICMA endorses new media rules

22 August 2008

Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) has endorsed three sets of rules: Rules Governing Printing Presses, Books and Newspapers, Rules Governing Examination and Certification of Films, and Rules on the Registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card by mobile service providers.

The rules, which came into effect from July 31, 2008, lay down licensing procedures, eligibility criteria for printers, publishers, filmmakers, and mobile phone service providers, and registration of books and newspapers with BICMA. They also specify various fees like licensing fee, registration fee, publication fee, and filming permit and examination fees.

According to the rules governing printing and publication houses, a person wishing to set up, keep or use any printing press or publishing house should be a citizen of Bhutan above 18 years of age with no criminal records or mental illness. The applicant’s qualifications and experience, viability of his or her business plan, social and security implications of the proposed business, among others, will determine grant or refusal of a licence. The rules also spell out terms and conditions of the licence, its validity and revocation.

The rules on films will govern films and filming procedures, and television programmes that include television series, documentaries, and music videos. The rules lay down procedures for applying for and issue of a filming licence, examination and certification of films before public viewing, and emphasizes the need for filmmakers to abide by the ‘Filming Guidelines and Code of Practice’.

Registration and procedures for registration of SIM cards for Bhutanese, diplomats, foreign residents, tourists, and organizations are laid down in the rules governing issue of SIM cards and monitoring of subscriber information. According to the rules, every mobile service provider is required to maintain a database containing SIM card serial numbers, mobile numbers, names and addresses of subscribers.

A BICMA official said the rules will provide better provisions for printing entrepreneurs and help maintain good database of mobile subscribers.

Regarding the rules governing film examination and certification, he said the new rules replaced the previous ones which were not in line with the Bhutan Information, Communications and Media Act 2006 (Media Act). However, he added that the rules did not apply to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service which followed self-regulation in filming and programming.

Asked whether BICMA had professional capacity to implement the rules across three varied fields of the mass media, the official said implementation of the rules did not require much technical capacity, and where technicalities were involved, BICMA had enough relevant people.

Compiled by BICMA, the rules have been formulated in consultation with stakeholders based on the Media Act. BICMA, as the media regulatory authority in the Bhutan, has the power to interpret and amend the rules.

By Needrup Zangpo

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