KATHMANDU, Dec 16: A new book on the Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on print media in South Asia was released amidst a special function in the capital on Monday.
Speaking at the event organized to launch the book titled 'South Asian Print Media Crisis’, Co-Editor Dr. Nishchalnath Pandey highlighted the challenges faced by print media in South Asia in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic. He noted a significant decline in print media sales and advertising revenue, job losses for many journalists and a sharp increase in the use of social media.
Hamro Kitab: For the book-loving society
Dr Pandey also expressed concern over the rampant spread of fake information on social media platforms across the region. The book published jointly by COSATT and Konrad Adeneuer Foundation is edited jointly by Ansgar Graw and Dr Pandey.
Commenting on the book, Journalist Anil Giri said the book thoroughly examines the crisis in the print media sector following the pandemic. The book addresses key issues such as the struggles of journalists, declining advertising revenue and the broader challenges faced by print media in the post-COVID-19 era.
Giri emphasized that print media globally is currently facing its most significant crisis, with Nepal being no exception. He added that the widespread circulation of false information on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and YouTube has further exacerbated the issue. He also pointed out that the readership of Nepal’s print media is steadily declining.
The book features contributions from various South Asian countries, including Nepal, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, offering a comprehensive perspective on the state of print media in the region.
