Which authority regulates newspapers, broadcasting, and streaming services in Bhutan?

BICMA regulates licenses, content, complaints, and other media procedures for print media, broadcasting, television, cable television, and OTT services in Bhutan. Media policy and information-literacy initiatives also fall under MoICE/DoMCIIP.

What documents does a company need for a newspaper license in Bhutan?

For a publication license, BICMA requires an application, a business plan (DPR), CID clearance, and security clearance. Renewals additionally require, among other things, the license, an editorial-team list, and tax and security clearances.

Which broadcasting services can users receive in Bhutan?

Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) distributes the television programs BBS 1, BBS 2, and BBS 3 nationwide. Nationwide commercial FM offerings include BBS and Kuzoo FM; Radio Valley and Centennial Radio broadcast in Thimphu, and six community or campus radio stations also exist.

What rules apply to local OTT streaming services in Bhutan?

Local OTT providers must offer at least 60 percent local content, have films rated and certified, and obtain prior BICMA approval for video-on-demand content in Bhutan. Bhutanese citizens aged 18 and over, as well as organizations or agencies, may operate such services; a start license permits operation for no more than five years without a separate OTT license.

What rights and duties apply to journalistic media in Bhutan?

The Constitution protects freedom of expression and the press, the right to information, and dissemination through radio, television, and electronic media in Bhutan. The journalistic Code of Ethics in force since April 1, 2025 requires, among other things, accuracy, independence, separation of facts and opinions, corrections, source protection, and protection of children’s identities.

How can children and young people use media safely in Bhutan?

The state’s online-safety guidance recommends privacy settings, age restrictions, conversations with parents or teachers, reporting and blocking perpetrators, and securing evidence. UPSHIFT provides young people aged 9 to 24 nationwide with digital skills in information literacy, communication, content creation, safety, and ethics.

Media in Bhutan

Media in Bhutan include newspapers, broadcasting, television, streaming services, social platforms, and journalistic offerings. BICMA regulates licenses, content, complaints, film certification, and journalist accreditations. Constitutional rights, media ethics, child protection, and digital literacy also support access and responsible use.

Tip

First classify your project in Bhutan as a publication, broadcaster, streaming service, film project, journalistic activity, or private use. This determines the responsible authority, license, approval, deadlines, and technical requirements. Plan for child protection, copyright, data protection, source verification, and complaint procedures from the outset.

bySonam&Karma

The Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) is Bhutan’s consolidated regulatory authority for information, communications, and media under the Information, Communications and Media Act 2018. Its Media and Content Division handles, among other things, licensing and monitoring for print media, publications, over-the-top services (OTT), also referred to in the source terminology as Over-the-Top-Dienste (OTT), FM radio, television, and cable television. It also handles journalist accreditations, filming permits, film approvals, and complaints. Earlier designations such as the Media Council or National Film Commission no longer exist as independent bodies in the applicable administrative structures; their functions were integrated into BICMA. The Ministry of Information, Communications and Industry, or the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property (MoICE/DoMCIIP), develops media policy, media and information literacy, media enterprises, and initiatives for access to information. GovTech and BtCIRT support the protection of children online, while the Ministry of Education and Skills Development supports digital education and UPSHIFT programs.