Bhutan has quite a few English-based newspapers. For example, there is Kuensel, Bhutan Today, Bhutan Observer, and Bhutan Times. Each newspaper has its own unique flair. Kuensel was the first national newspaper that was published. It started as a political bulletin for Paliament members, but was quickly promoted to a formal newspaper for the masses. In addition to English, most of the newspaper companies publish Dzongkha copies. All journalism companies earn most of their revenue from the Royal Government. Using and supporting both languages is a representation of Bhutan’s inclusivity for their citizens.
After the ban on the Internet and television was lifted in 1999, Bhutan experienced an explosion of Bhutan-based media. All the regulated publications have added online publications, as well. Kuensel even launched Kuensel Online, which is a specific online branch for the publication. Their online publications are in English. The Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) is in charge of radio and television broadcasting. Radio is mostly broadcasted in English, but certain words and phrases may be said in Dzongkha. Before the television ban was lifted, radio was the most effect way to relay news to remote areas of Bhutan. Wherever the paper publications failed to cover, radio reached. After the television ban was lifted, much of the broadcasting was news-based. In the video “BHUTAN: BHUTAN BROADCASTING SERVICE” the women in the clip speak in English. The figure who is giving a speech in the broadcast is speaking to English. Due to the highly publicized nature of the first broadcast, choosing to air a speech in English is significant. An English-based speech reaches the masses more effectively than other indigenous languages. In the 2012 commercial for Bhutan Telecom, words and phrases that appear next to the scenes are all in English. The name of the company and their logo is also in English. The popularity and accessibility of English is emphasized by the linguistic choice to use English in the commercial. |
(Source: Kuensel copy)
(Source: BHUTAN: BHUTAN BROADCASTING SERVICE: 1ST TV TRANSMISSION)
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(Source: Bhutan Telecom ad 2012)