Representatives of corporate houses at a workshop Saturday stressed the need for responsible media coverage of corporate affairs, while journalists said the news coverage is often influenced by the advertisers' interest. The workshop on "Bridging Corporate Sector and Media" was organised by Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), with support from the non-government organisation (NGO) Manusher Jonno at a city hotel. A number of representatives from RMG, leather and pharmaceuticals sectors, association leaders and eminent journalists participated in it. The Financial Express Editor Moazzem Hossain moderated the workshop. MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman gave the vote of thanks. The speakers at the workshop called for a responsible role of both media and the corporate sector to ensure free flow of information for building a better country image. Delegation of the European Commission to Bangladesh Trade Officer Zillul Hye Razi said, it is the primary responsibility of the corporate houses to provide information and facts to media to clarify position for objective media coverage. Fortuna Group Managing Director M Abu Taher urged the media-men to encourage and promote entrepreneurs. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Compliance Consultant Jenifa Jabbar said, media sometimes portray the negative sides of an event, which will definitely hurt Bangladesh's interest in the post-MFA era. She urged media people to consult the houses concerned before publishing any news. World Food Programme (WFP) Advocacy Unit Head M Emamul Haque said corporate houses should appoint efficient spokespersons to provide information avoiding any confusion. Boishakhi TV Editor Shawkat Mahmood said sometimes owners' commercial interest influences the media coverage. MB Knit Fashion Proprieter Mohammad Hatem, GlaxoSmithKline Bangladesh Ltd Managing Director M Azizul Huq, BD News Editor Rashed Chowdhury and Daily Amar Desh Executive Editor Rashed-ul-Nabi Babu also spoke.
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