Boom Journalism Culture: Bangladesh and South Asia Perspective

Boom journalism, characterized by sensationalism, rapid dissemination, and viral content creation, has significantly transformed media ecosystems across South Asia. This research investigates the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of boom journalism with a special focus on Bangladesh. By analyzing media practices, political influence, economic motivations, and technological drivers, this article reveals how boom journalism both empowers and endangers democratic discourse. Through comparative case studies from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, it highlights regional commonalities and national peculiarities. The article concludes by recommending ethical reforms, media literacy, and policy frameworks to curb the excesses of boom journalism in South Asia. Boom journalism, a term increasingly used to characterize rapid, sensationalist, and commercially-driven news coverage, has gained traction in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, where the convergence of traditional media and digital platforms has redefined journalistic practices. This study critically examines the rise of boom journalism within the socio-political and economic landscapes of South Asia, focusing on its implications for public discourse, media ethics, and democratic engagement. Rooted in theories of media sensationalism, market-driven journalism, and digital populism, the paper explores how the pursuit of high viewership and viral content has led to the erosion of investigative reporting and journalistic integrity. In Bangladesh, the proliferation of private television channels and online news portals, coupled with a competitive media economy, has created a fertile ground for boom journalism, where speed often trumps accuracy, and emotion-driven narratives dominate rational analysis. The article also explores the intersection between political patronage, corporate interests, and media ownership, arguing that these dynamics fuel content that prioritizes spectacle over substance. Drawing on content analysis, interviews with media professionals, and case studies, the paper highlights how boom journalism amplifies misinformation, heightens political polarization, and undermines the role of media as a watchdog. Furthermore, it interrogates the regional similarities in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where similar patterns of media behavior are evident. The study concludes with recommendations for promoting media literacy, reinforcing ethical journalism, and encouraging policy frameworks that support editorial independence and accountability. This research contributes to broader discussions on media transformation in the digital age and its socio-political impact on transitional democracies in South Asia.