Journalism reform is possible through mainstream media: Chairman Dr. Bista

Kanchanpur: Executive Chairman of Public Service Broadcasting Nepal Dr. Mahendra Bista, has mentioned that the role of mass media is important in stopping wrong trends like misinformation, disinformation, fake news and deep fake with the expansion of social media.

‘It is the mass media that can stop wrong trends like misinformation, disinformation, fake news and deep fake. The main responsibility for that should be taken by the mainstream media,’ he said.

Speaking as the chief guest at the Sudurpaschim Province-level interaction program on the status, challenges, and solutions of the implementation of the Working Journalists Act organised in Dhangadhi on Sunday, Dr. Bista mentioned that the journalism sector in Nepal is currently going through serious challenges.

Stating that social media is trapping the mainstream media, he stressed that the mainstream media should produce content according to the needs of readers, listeners and viewers to face such challenges.

Stating that independent and dignified journalism is not possible without proper evaluation of the work of journalists, Dr. Bista said that ensuring the rights and interests of working journalists is a prerequisite for democracy.

He pointed out the need to review the welfare fund for journalists, ensure strict implementation of arrangements such as affiliation to the social security fund, appointment and retirement, ensure clarity of employment, media classification and continuity of labour.

The program was organised in Dhangadhi under the coordination of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Sudurpaschim Province Committee and the Minimum Wage Determination Committee.

The program discussed the status of the implementation of the Working Journalists Act, challenges and solutions. Minimum Wage Determination Committee Chair Sangita Khadka said that ensuring the rights of working journalists working in the media is the cornerstone of democracy and expressed the view that all state bodies should be serious in implementing the act.

Federation of Nepali Journalists Sudurpaschim Province Committee Chair Bharat Bahadur Shah mentioned the practical challenges seen in the implementation of the act at the provincial level and said that coordination between the federal, provincial and local governments is necessary.

Senior journalist Chitrang Thapa said that the main challenge in implementing the act is the inaction of the state and the irresponsibility of media houses. Another senior journalist, Manmohan Swar, opined that the media should be kept in professional dignity, and the professional safety of journalists should be kept at the centre.

Journalists and media entrepreneurs from the Far West participating in the interaction expressed their views on the obstacles to the implementation of the Working Journalists Act, the assurance of minimum wages, the lack of a contract system, and press freedom.

After listening to the queries and suggestions of the participants, Committee Chairman Khadka pointed out the need for a common understanding and the creation of an institutional mechanism for the effective implementation of the Working Journalists Act.