Bhutan Media Foundation

15/05/2026

YUMRA is looking for… U! 👉👈

The youth initiative of the Bhutan Media Foundation is now open for volunteer applications!

Young. Energetic. Creative. If that sounds like you, this is your platform. Come be the driving force (the "U"!) behind our next big mission.

Don't miss out on the chance to build your skills, expand your network, and make an impact.

📝 Follow the link for details.

15/05/2026

Technical Working Group Meeting Held for Youth-led National Assessment on Cyberbullying and TFVA

The first Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting for the Youth-led National Assessment on Cyberbullying and Technology-Facilitated Violence and Abuse (TFVA) was held today at the Thimphu Press Club. The meeting brought together 20 representatives from relevant government agencies, Save the Children Bhutan, civil society organizations, and youth groups.

During the meeting, YUMRA—the youth initiative of the Bhutan Media Foundation implementing the Assessment—presented the study rationale and review, methodology, key research questions, ethical and safeguarding framework, as well as the study’s limitations and mitigation strategies.

The TWG provided valuable guidance, technical oversight, and institutional validation to strengthen the research tools and process. Members also committed to supporting and facilitating the Assessment during the implementation period and beyond.

With Bhutan’s rapid digital transformation, children and youth are increasingly exposed to online risks such as cyberbullying, harassment, grooming, and misuse of digital content. While the Information, Communications and Media Act of Bhutan 2018 provides an important policy foundation, significant gaps remain in awareness among children, parents, and educators, as well as in reporting and response mechanisms and the integration of children’s lived experiences into policy and programming.

To address these gaps, the Assessment will explore:

- Digital platform usage, screen time, and online behaviour patterns among children and youth.
- Types and prevalence of cyberbullying and TFVA experienced by children and youth.
- Gaps in existing reporting and support mechanisms.
- Child- and youth-informed recommendations for policy and practice

This Assessment is part of the project titled Protecting Children and Youth from Cyberbullying and Technology-Facilitated Violence and Abuse in Bhutan, implemented by Bhutan Media Foundation, YUMRA, and Save the Children Bhutan through the Children’s Campaigning Catalytic Fund 2026.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all TWG members and partners for their participation, continued collaboration, and commitment to making digital spaces safer for Bhutan’s children and youth.

Government Technology (GovTech) Agency, Royal Government of Bhutan
Sherig Bhutan
Sherig Counselling Services
Department of Education Programmes, MOESD
Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy
Youth Initiative - YI
The Bhutan Youth Development Fund
Y-VIA Bhutan
The PEMA

15/05/2026

3 more days to apply for the positions of Senior/Programme Officer and Accountant at Bhutan Media Foundation.

Vacancy Announcement

The Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) is pleased to announce the vacancy for the following positions:

1. Sr. Programme Officer/Programme Officer – 1 Slot
2. Accountant – 1 Slot

Nature of Service: Regular

Interested candidates must submit your application in the prescribed BMF Application Form along with:

- BMF Application Form
- Updated CV (The CV must include at least two references)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (Degree and Classes X and XII)
- Copy of Citizenship Identity Card
- Previous work experience and training certificates
- Valid medical certificate
- No Objection Certificate if employed

Deadline: May 18, 2026 (5:00 PM)

You may submit your application in hard copies at BMF’s office in Thimphu or email it to [email protected]. For detailed job descriptions and Terms of Reference (TOR), please visit BMF website: https://www.bmf.bt/vacancy-announcement-4/

14/05/2026

Our latest initiative on Sensitive Reporting was recently featured on BBS.

A huge thank you to Passang Dorji and Kinley Dem for their professional coverage and for highlighting the importance of ethical journalism in Bhutan. We appreciate your time and commitment to bringing these critical conversations to the forefront.

𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

A single word in a headline can shape how an entire community is seen. For journalists reporting on sensitive issues, choosing the right language is increasingly becoming as important as reporting the facts themselves. That conversation took centre stage in Phuentshogling this week, where journalists from across the country gathered for a three-day training on sensitive and inclusive reporting practices.

https://www.bbs.bt/242136/

14/05/2026

We are proud to announce that YUMRA, the youth group of the Bhutan Media Foundation, has officially joined the Youth Advisory Board (YAB)—a landmark initiative launched by Save the Children Bhutan.

As a youth-led collective, YUMRA’s mission has always been to champion the rights and amplify the voices of young people across the country. By joining the YAB, we are taking this commitment to the national stage.

This platform brings together a diverse array of youth networks to collaborate directly with Save the Children. Our goal is to ensure that the programs, campaigns, and policies impacting the next generation are not just for youth, but are actively designed by youth.

We look forward to this journey of meaningful participation and systemic advocacy. Together, we are helping shape a future where the perspectives of young Bhutanese are at the heart of every decision.

Thank you, Save the Children Bhutan, for the opportunity!

13/05/2026

The three-day training on Media Reporting on Women, Children, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and LGBTQI+ Communities successfully concluded today in Phuentsholing.

Organized by the Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) from May 11–13, 2026, supported by Helvetas Bhutan and funded by the EU in India, the training brought together 35 media professionals, including journalists, freelancers, and youth participants.

The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Bhutanese media professionals to report responsibly, ethically, and inclusively on issues affecting marginalized communities. It also highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and fostering a more inclusive society.

The final day focused on respectful and accurate representation of LGBTQI+ communities and inclusive storytelling practices. In the morning session, Regitta Gurung introduced participants to key concepts and terminology related to LGBTQI+ identities, while also discussing common media pitfalls and good practices in reporting on LGBTQI+ communities.

In the afternoon, Needrup Zangpo facilitated sessions on Inclusive Storytelling and Framing Stories Responsibly, demonstrating how media framing can shape public understanding either negatively or constructively. Participants also explored practical considerations around consent, language, imagery, and minimizing harm before publication.

The training concluded with reflections on the importance of ethical, rights-based, and inclusive journalism in promoting dignity, representation, and social inclusion.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants, trainers, Helvetas Bhutan, and the European Union for their valuable support and active participation.

13/05/2026

The Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) is pleased to see our ongoing initiative on sensitive and inclusive media reporting featured in Kuensel.

We sincerely thank KP Sharma, Reporter at Kuensel, for covering the training and highlighting the importance of ethical and inclusive journalism in Bhutan.

The training, supported by Helvetas Bhutan and funded by the EU in India, aims to strengthen responsible reporting on women, children, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and LGBTQI+ communities.

While the intent may be good, the growing practice of social media users, including some social workers, publicly exposing vulnerable individuals in the name of mobilising financial support has raised concerns over storytelling methods that risk deepening stigma and compromising dignity.

https://kuenselonline.com/news/social-media-exposure-of-vulnerable-groups-raises-concerns-over-ethics-and-dignity

12/05/2026

Day 2 Highlights: Sensitive Reporting Training

Building on the discussions from Day 1, the second day of the Training on Media Reporting on Women, Children, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and LGBTQI+ Communities focused on strengthening ethical, inclusive, and rights-based journalism practices. Through interactive and practical sessions, participants explored the media’s role in promoting dignity, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring responsible reporting on sensitive issues.

Mr. Sherub Dorji led an engaging session on 'Media Ethics and Responsible Journalism,' where participants explored real-life reporting dilemmas, including coverage involving minors, interviewing trauma survivors, and navigating editorial pressure for sensational content.

The discussions continued with a session on 'Ethical Media Coverage and Interviewing of Vulnerable Groups,' during which participants practiced reframing interview questions to uphold dignity, minimize harm, and ensure respectful engagement.
Another key session focused on 'Inclusive Reporting on Disability: Language, Representation, and Best Practices,' highlighting the importance of respectful terminology, accurate representation, and avoiding pity-based narratives in both written and visual storytelling.

In the afternoon, Mr. Samten Wangchuk facilitated a session titled 'From Awareness to Accountability: How Media Shapes Public Perception of Disability.' He emphasized the influential role of journalism in shaping societal attitudes and encouraged participants to move beyond stereotypical portrayals of persons with disabilities as either “inspirational” or “tragic,” and instead promote balanced, rights-based, and everyday representations in media coverage.

The day concluded with a hands-on workshop where participants developed short disability-inclusive news stories and received peer feedback on their reporting approaches.

35 media professionals are attending the training, and it is organized by the Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF), supported by Helvetas Bhutan and funded by the EU in India.

11/05/2026

Day 1 Highlights: Sensitive Reporting Training

The Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) today kicked off a three-day Training on Media Reporting on Women, Children, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and LGBTQI+ Communities in Phuentsholing. Supported by Helvetas Bhutan and funded by the EU in India, the training has brought together 35 media professionals, including journalists, freelancers, and youth participants.

The training aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills of Bhutanese media professionals to report responsibly and ethically on issues affecting marginalized communities. It recognizes the important role of the media in shaping narratives, influencing public opinion, and promoting a more inclusive society.

Day 1 sessions covered the gender and child rights situation in Bhutan, the importance of sensitive and ethical reporting, legal and policy frameworks for the protection of women and children, and a presentation on the Media Guidelines for Reporting on Women and Children. The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Yeshey Lham from National Commission for Women and Children - NCWC, Bhutan.

The final session of the day, facilitated by Ms. Tshering Lhamo from Disabled People's Organization of Bhutan-DPO, introduced participants to disability rights and policies in Bhutan, including the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The session emphasized the use of respectful, rights-based language and framing in media reporting.

The first day concluded with engaging discussions and reflections on the media’s responsibility in promoting dignity, inclusion, and human rights through ethical and sensitive reporting. The training will continue over the next two days with sessions focused on practical reporting approaches, lived experiences, and inclusive media practices.

Kuensel
BBS
The Bhutanese
The Journalist
Bhutan Times
Kuzoo
business bhutan
Radio Valley, Bhutan

08/05/2026

Thank you Bhutan Transparency Initiative - BTI for the opportunity. It was a great learning experience on strategic leadership.

We look forward to working together more often in the future.

08/05/2026

Vacancy Announcement

The Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) is pleased to announce the vacancy for the following positions:

1. Sr. Programme Officer/Programme Officer – 1 Slot
2. Accountant – 1 Slot

Nature of Service: Regular

Interested candidates must submit your application in the prescribed BMF Application Form along with:

- BMF Application Form
- Updated CV (The CV must include at least two references)
- Academic transcripts and certificates (Degree and Classes X and XII)
- Copy of Citizenship Identity Card
- Previous work experience and training certificates
- Valid medical certificate
- No Objection Certificate if employed

Deadline: May 18, 2026 (5:00 PM)

You may submit your application in hard copies at BMF’s office in Thimphu or email it to [email protected]. For detailed job descriptions and Terms of Reference (TOR), please visit BMF website: https://www.bmf.bt/vacancy-announcement-4/