Kathmandu, Sept 22: President Ram Chandra Paudel lauded the role played by journalism in country’s political changes, social transformation and economic development.
At a programme organized at the Office of the President- Sheetal Niwas- marking the 55th anniversary of Press Council Nepal on Sunday, President Paudel acknowledged mass media as a backbone of democracy. Paudel expressed his confidence that the journalists would enhance public’s trust towards democracy by holding those in power accountable.
Noting the role of independent, impartial and responsible journalism for democracy to thrive, the Head of the State argued that journalism had been regarded as the fourth estate. A balanced and factual dissemination of information is a canon of journalism, he reminded.
Responsible journalism, well-informed citizens and accountable government are the pillars of democracy, according to him.
Furthermore, President Paudel viewed the Press Council Nepal would play fair, independent and creative role to uphold freedom of press and maintain dignity of journalism. “To maintain credibility of journalism and utilize the freedom of press, the government considered establishment of a body like the Press Council Nepal and entrusted it with the responsibility to prepare a code of conduct for media and media persons and monitor their compliance,” he asserted.
Recognizing the advancement of information technology, internet and online news portals in catering to public interest, he reminded that the professional and primary responsibility of the mass communication is to provide factual, authentic and credible information. President Paudel cautioned towards the growing incidents of misinformation and disinformation propagated through increased usage of ‘new media’ and social media.
He emphasized effective role of the monitoring agency like the Council in combating disinformation and misinformation.
Similarly, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment towards strengthening communication sector.
He shared that his Ministry was working towards addressing the absence of laws, policy ad regulations that he opined had put communication sector in peril. “We are working to streamline all kinds of legislation. Towards this, we seek your constructive suggestions,” he appealed.
Journalist Tirtha Koirala, also recipient of Press Council Gopal Das Journalism Award, called for training to enhance credibility of the journalism sector. He drew the attention of Minister Gurung towards this.
Likewise, journalist Akhanda Bhandari, another sharing the f Press Council Gopaldas Journalism Award, urged for government’s positive intervention to address the crisis facing journalism.
On the occasion, Press Council’s Surendra Bahadur Basnet Journalism Award was handed over to journalist Badri Sigdel. #presscouncil #nepal #rss
