Nepal Media Society and Editors’ Alliance joined forces with BAN (Broadcasting Association of Nepal), ACORAB (Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal), KVFB (Kathmandu Valley FM Broadcasters) to launch the Alliance for Press Freedom.The Alliance brings together Nepal’s national daily newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio networks and online news portals.
“The reason we have to come together is to magnify the voice from the all sectors of media for the protection of their freedoms at a time when they are under serious threat,” said the Alliance in a statement.
A task force has been set up by the Alliance to determine its immediate strategy to put pressure on the government to protect constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the media against threats. It will also chart out medium- and long-term strategies to safeguard press freedom.
Mohan Bista of ACORAB said Nepali press has never been under as much pressure as it is now.
“This is a collective pressure group that is unique partnership across the Nepali media spectrum,” said Kailash Sirohiya of the Nepal Media Society.
Bishnuhari Dhakal of BAN that the recent attacks on press is just the latest and such threats are have been faced the media in the districts for a long time.
“This time it’s the media industry that is under attack but industry as a whole has been facing similar threats for a long time,” said Bhaskar Raj Karnikar of Avenues TV.
Kunda Dixit of the Editors´ Alliance said, “Our strength comes from our unity. That’s the only way we can deal with violent threats against our freedoms.”
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