Media Council Bill respects press freedom: Minister Gurung

Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said the Media Council Bill respects press freedom. The Bill aims to make the media systematic and dignified, according to him.

The Minister made the statement during a discussion organised by Press Chautari Nepal on the Media Council Bill. While responding to queries during the event, Minister Gurung said the Bill would recognise the autonomy of the Media Council.

On the occasion, the former president of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Shiva Gaunle, urged the Media Council to ensure that journalists adhere to the code of conduct.

Citing the example of the structural practice of the UK’s Press Council, he emphasised that the structure of the Council should be autonomous in order to maintain a balance between the state and journalists.

Nitu Pandit, Vice President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, expressed the view that the Media Council should be motivated towards self-regulation rather than being ‘dignified’, as it is like a court for journalists.

Ganesh Pandey, Chairman of Press Chautari Nepal, emphasized that the Bill being prepared for journalists should be made in a way that journalists feel ownership of it.