A convening committee has been formed to launch the “Television Editors Council” with the aim of improving professional standards of television journalism in the country, ensuring editorial independence, promoting ethical journalism and strengthening unity among senior news leaders.

The proposed constitution along with the goals and objectives of the organisation was presented at a meeting held at a city hotel in the capital on Thursday.

Dr Abdul Hai Siddique, Editor-in-Chief and Head of News of Banglavision, has been nominated as convener, while Syed Jobair Ahmed Babu, CEO of Somoy TV, has been named member secretary of the committee.

Other committee members include Lotan Ekram (Editor, DBC News), Shafiq Ahmed (Head of News and COO, 71 TV), Ziaul Kabir Sumon (Head of News, Boishakhi Television), Mostafa Akmal (Chief News Editor, Independent Television), Md Farhadul Islam Farid (Executive Editor, Channel Nine), Gausul Azam Bipu (Head of News, Gazi TV), and Mohi Uddin (Head of News and Executive Officer, Desh TV).

Speakers at the meeting said a strong and responsible editorial platform in television journalism is the need of the hour, similar to the newspaper sector.

They expressed hope that the Television Editors Council will play an effective role in ensuring professional excellence, independence, ethical journalism and protection of the interests of newsroom professionals in the country.

The meeting also emphasised professional training, research, exchange of views, enhanced international communication, and initiatives to curb fake and misleading information.

It was informed that the convening committee will soon finalise the organisation’s full activities, membership structure and future work plan.