Government committed to press freedom: Communications Minister Karki

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki said that the government is committed to press freedom and freedom of expression.

He also urged all to play their part in consolidating these freedoms. The minister was speaking at an event organised here today by the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (ACORAB) Nepal on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the Community Information Network (CIN).

Minister Karki, also the government spokesperson, stressed the need for making Nepali journalism impartial, balanced and credible through authentic and fact-based news and making it a means to transform the society.

“Community FM radio in particular should focus on producing and promoting local products in the field of modern agriculture, tourism and water resources. For this, they should be strengthened with internal and national supports.” 

Praising its contribution to carry out societal changes through awareness, the minister expected such work from community radio in the days to come.

Similarly, former ACORAB Chair Min Bahadur Shahi viewed that to correct the broadcasting system, policies and laws related to mass communication should be formulated and revised.

Chairperson of the National Women Commission Kamala Parajuli, Chairperson of the Press Council Nepal Balkrishna Basnet, Chairperson of the Advertisement Board Laxman Humagain and Director General of the Department of Information and Broadcasting Gogan Hamal urged adherence to journalism credibility.

On the occasion, educationalist Dr Bidya Nath Koirala, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, information officer at the Education Service Commission Sudarshan Marahatta, Spokesperson for the Election Commission Shalikgram Sharma Paudel, analyst Jainendra Jiban, infectious disease specialist Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, Prof Dhurba Ghimire and senior economist Chandra Mani Adhikari were honoured.  

Journalist Lalita Hayu won the ‘Volunteer Community Journalist Award’ this year. Hayu is associated with Radio Siddhababa, Sindhuli. Similarly, journalists Shova Humagain, Bhuvan Rayamajhi and Sushila Shrestha bagged the ‘Community Radio Journalist Award’ each. Humagain works for Radio Koshi, Kavrepalanchok while Rayamajhi and Shrestha are associated with Radio Muktinath, Palpa and CIN respectively. Each of the awards carries a purse of Rs 15,000.