Professional and strong media vital for good governance: Minister Timilsina

Kathmandu: Minister for Information and Communication Dr. Bikram Timilsina has said that a professional, responsible and strong media is essential for ensuring accountability, adding that weak media cannot effectively question the government or fulfil its responsibility to society.

Speaking during a discussion with the Online TV Journalists Association, Nepal, at the ministry in Kathmandu today, Communication Minister Timilsina said the government supports independent, responsible and credible journalism and has no intention of promoting control-oriented media.

He said press freedom guaranteed by the Constitution would be fully respected, while media outlets violating existing laws and the journalistic code of conduct would face legal action.

He said the government would strengthen regulatory mechanisms to curb irresponsible content, misinformation, abusive language, privacy violations and misleading reporting. He also stressed that journalism carries a significant social responsibility and should always uphold truth, accuracy and the public interest.

Minister Timilsina acknowledged the rapid growth of online journalism but said the sector has also witnessed increasing unprofessional practices. He said the government is committed to enforcing the journalistic code of conduct, strengthening self-regulation and promoting responsible journalism.

He also announced that the draft Mass Media Bill and Media Council Bill would soon be released for public consultation. The bills, he said, are aimed at addressing the challenges facing the media sector.

During the discussion, the Online TV Journalists Association called for a clear legal framework for online multimedia journalism, stronger digital literacy programmes, improved journalist safety and insurance provisions, and systematic regulation of online television platforms.