Orientation held for PSBN’s journalists ahead of HoR election

January 26, Kathmandu: Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Nepal organised an orientation programme on the House of Representatives election 2026, focusing on the election code of conduct and election coverage.

The programme was held at Nepal Television in Singha Durbar. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said the media must prioritise factual reporting to prevent the spread of misleading and negative information during the election period.

He urged journalists to strictly follow the code of conduct and help raise voter awareness. He also stressed the need to rely only on official sources.

Election Commission Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut said media outlets should avoid producing or broadcasting content that sends negative messages about the election. He added that misleading information is being closely monitored through the Press Council, Advertising Board, and the Cyber Bureau.

Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Laxmi Kumari Basnet, said journalists play a key role in creating a fear-free election environment. She said public service broadcasters have an important responsibility in promoting the code of conduct and delivering credible information.

Executive Chairperson of Public Service Broadcasting Nepal, Dr. Mahendra Bista, said the organisation will maintain neutrality and give priority to issues of public concern. He emphasised the need to produce and broadcast fact-based content to uphold democratic values ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for February 21.

Acting Chief Administrative Officer Bishnu Ram Neupane said expert guidance is important for free and fair elections. He added that such orientations help improve broadcast quality and that programmes serving national interest will be continued.

News Chief at Radio Nepal, Pawan Pyakurel, said Radio Nepal and Nepal Television will use technology to ensure impartial and error-free news and programme production.

During the programme, Election Commission Joint Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC provided training on the election code of conduct. Board members of Public Service Broadcasting Nepal, Dr Bhumi Chapagain and Anita Gurung, conducted sessions on election coverage.

Editors, reporters, programme producers, and provincial and district correspondents from Radio Nepal and Nepal Television are participating in the programme, which will continue until tomorrow.