Press Council insists on right use of press card

Kathmandu, Aug 22: Press Council Nepal (PCN) has urged one and all to refrain from the misuse of press cards.

Addressing a ‘media orientation with mass communication students’ here on Wednesday, Council Chairperson Balkrishna Basnet said the misuse of press cards is punishable by law. He insisted on the proper use of the card.

According to him, complaints regarding the abuse of press cards are rising at the Council and its use as ‘a tool of bargaining’ is not entertained under any circumstances. He also utilised the forum to stress the need for media literacy to address confusion and issues among the citizens due to the flood of news content on social sites.

“Not only for journalists and mass media, media literacy has been vital for the entire society in this era of information technology.” As Basnet stressed, it is also the responsibility of the media to give coverage to positive stories and constructive content. He took time to say that the Council has prepared and implemented criteria to systematize ‘journalism’ being practised through YouTube channels.

“Not to use the press card as a tool of bargaining,” the Press Council Chair cautioned.