Bhutan’s fourth king allowed private media to be established in 2006, to prepare the nation for its first-ever democratic parliamentary election in 2008. The free media was expected to deepen democracy thereafter, as the nation transitioned from an absolute-but-benevolent monarchy to a democracy. However, under two consecutive, democratically elected governments the press has been stifled by financial crises and threats from powerful figures unhappy at investigative pieces. Vishal Arora reports.
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Bhutan’s Struggling Media
Despite high hopes, journalism in Bhutan has struggled during its democratic transition.