Bhutan Observer

"Bhutan Observer" is Bhutan's second private newspaper after the government-run "Kuensel" and the "Bhutan Times". It was launched on 2 June 2006 by Her Royal Highness, Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck.

"Bhutan Observer" was the first private newspaper to print both in English and dzongkha. Druk Nelug is the Dzongkha edition of Bhutan Observer. The launch of the paper was part of the fourth Druk Gyalpo’s vision to start two private print media to ensure Bhutan’s smooth transition to and advancement of a healthy parliamentary democracy. "Bhutan Observer" strives to achieve the vision to raise the level of engagement and active participation of Bhutanese citizens in the democratic process in order to ensure a healthy and effective democracy and safeguard free speech and freedom of the press.

Bhutan Observer is a private limited company operating with 50 staff in editorial, commercial, administration, and management sections. To achieve the vision, "Bhutan Observer" relentlessly carries out its mission, which is to be an independent voice for all citizens, both urban and rural, covering issues and events that impact their lives and are important to the development and social well-being of the Kingdom.

The paper’s objectives reflect the meaning of its strapline An Independent Voice. As a social watchdog, being true to the strapline ensures that the paper is not aligned to any group or party and is free from political, commercial, social, cultural, religious, linguistic, regional, communal, ethnic, and gender influences, biases, control, and leanings. However, Bhutan Observer is the least circulated among the three papers in the country.

External links

* [http://www.bhutanobserver.bt "Bhutan Observer" website, bhutanobserver.bt]
* [http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6504 "Two private newspapers to start in April", Kuensel Online]
* [http://www.bhutan.gov.bt/government/newsDetail.php?id=204%20&%20cat=12 "Bhutan Observer: a rural focus", Bhutan Portal]