The Dynamics of Relationship between Media and Think Tanks in Bangladesh

Abstract

Media and think tanks have strong incentives to engage with each other. While think tanks require media to propagate their research findings to policymakers and the attentive public, media need think tanks' expertise to explain issues and analyze current affairs. This study examines various dimensions of the engagements between media and think tanks in Bangladesh. Primary data is collected via structured questionnaire with 57 journalists and key informant interviews with eight senior media professionals. The findings show that extensive interactions between journalists and think tanks do not necessarily result in quality coverage of think tanks' policy-oriented research and advocacy initiatives. Lack of capacity of journalists to understand and report on development and policy issues, political inclinations of both think tanks and media and weak media relations expertise of think tanks pose obstacles to the effective engagement.

The media and think tanks in China: The construction and propagation of a think tank

“…However, some scholars challenge whether think tanks have enough of an influence on policymaking. Rashid (2013) notes that think tanks may seek out changes in the policymakers' priorities and draw attention to new or previously unaccentuated policy issues at the stage of agenda-setting. McGann and Weaver (2017, p. 3) maintain that think tanks usually serve as a mediator between the government and the public; they identify, clarify and evaluate current or emerging problems or proposals.…”

“…Moreover, some scholars also argue that the media and think tanks have a mutual relationship (Hall et al, 1978). Rashid (2013) suggests that media needs to demand insights from the experts in the think tanks. The media cooperates with the think tanks that espouse similar ideologies in order to seek out their expertise (Rashid, 2013).…”

“…Rashid (2013) suggests that media needs to demand insights from the experts in the think tanks. The media cooperates with the think tanks that espouse similar ideologies in order to seek out their expertise (Rashid, 2013). Bennett (1990) notes that the range of insights reported by the media depends on the degree of disagreement between the government and the legislative elite.…”

“…Chadwick (2013) further argues that social media plays a vital role in think tanks as well. However, Rashid (2013) notes that digital media play relatively less of a role than traditional media in policy-making for think tanks. Overall, it reflects what Gamson and Wolfsfeld's (1993) found in that movements need the news media for three primary purposes: mobilization, validation, and scope enlargement.…”