Professional, Credible Journalism Needs Reform and Digital Transformation

Gandaki, Dec 28 — Speakers at a discussion in Pokhara have stressed the need to apply newly evolving concepts and practices to promote professional, credible and sustainable journalism.

The discussion, organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on “Recent Developments in Mass Communications,” highlighted the urgency of policy, structural and professional reforms to strengthen the media sector amid rapid technological change.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology and government spokesperson Jagadish Kharel said digital transformation has become unavoidable in mass communications. He emphasized that quality content, effective presentation, technological innovation and accessible media platforms are vital to preserving the relevance and identity of journalism.

“With online news portals and YouTube channels now established as mainstream media, traditional outlets such as print and radio have no option but to embrace digital transformation,” Minister Kharel said.

He informed that the ministry has begun the process of registering and listing YouTube channels that produce news and message-oriented content. Noting that existing media-related laws require revision, the Minister said policy-level reforms are among the government’s priorities.

Kharel also shared that preparations are underway to provide discounts on electricity tariffs for FM radio stations, with other media houses also expected to receive incentives. The federal government, he added, is facilitating media registration and renewal processes at provincial and district levels. He further suggested media mergers, citing the large number of media outlets in operation.

Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal said technological advancement has brought both opportunities and challenges to journalism, making timely legal amendments essential for regulating and managing digital media. She assured that the government remains committed to safeguarding press freedom.

Chief Secretary of the Gandaki Province Government, Danduraj Ghimire, warned that public trust in mass communications would erode if journalism fails to uphold dignity and ethical values. He said the provincial government has been extending full support for the development and strengthening of the media sector.

Chief District Officer of Kaski, Rudra Devi Sharma, noted that media plays a crucial role in informing citizens and reinforcing democracy.

Similarly, Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Gandaki Province Chair Ramesh Paudel stressed the state’s responsibility in protecting journalists’ professional rights and called for the decentralization of media-related services in line with the federal structure.

FNJ Kaski Chair Madhav Baral highlighted labour rights as a key concern for journalists, emphasizing the growing need for skills, technology and human resources to ensure a timely and effective transformation of the media. He also urged the state to support the sustainability of media organizations.