Digital Transformation in Bangladesh’s Media

An In depth Analysis of Journalists’ Opinions

Abstract

Technological advancement is inevitable in today’s world.
Advancements in technology are having a profound impact on every aspect
of human life. Media companies are no different. Adapting to the latest
technology is a must to survive in the marketplace. This technological
advancement has led to digital convergence, bringing together old and new
media in business to grow together. This resulted in a revolutionary
transformation in media, opening opportunities to reinvent how they engage
audiences and grow revenue in a multimedia environment. Additionally, it
made the adjustment process somewhat challenging for the existing employees
in certain aspects, as well as for the management of the new media departments
within the same organisation. This research aims to elucidate the situation of
digital transformation through technological shifts, newsroom management
activities, and economic growth resulting from the digital transition. The
research method employed here is a qualitative, in-depth interview method.
Two media houses, RTV Online, the online portal of a leading broadcast
television channel, and Bangladesh Pratidin, the online portal of a leading
daily newspaper, were selected for data collection. In-depth interviews
with eight journalists from these two media organisations were conducted
with a semi-structured questionnaire. This research sought to capture the
evolving features of digital transitions in media institutions in Bangladesh,
brought about by technological advancements. The interview data show that
shifts are visible, and that competition, technological changes, increased
audience engagement, and greater flexibility in content production are driving
structural change.