KATHMANDU, Feb 6: With the aim of equipping working journalists with techniques to critically evaluate content and avoid manipulated information, the Lumbini Province Committee of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) organized training on Media and Information Literacy for Journalists in Dang.

Speaking at the two-day program that concluded on Tuesday in Bhalubang, Dang, Basanta Giri, chair of the Lumbini Province Committee of FNJ, highlighted the need for encouraging journalists to develop foundational skills in media literacy to combat the challenges of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

"The training on media and information literacy skills for journalists is expected to empower journalists to critically evaluate media content in the age of the rise of false news. Empowered and informed journalists can work to enhance the credibility of the media by countering mistrust," said Giri.

Lead trainer Siromani Dhungana, who is also Secretary-General at the International Press Institute (IPI)- Nepal chapter, emphasized the need to equip journalists with the required knowledge and skills in media and information literacy to empower them in verifying information, facts, and disseminating evidence-based information.

Highlighting the influencing role of media in the social learning process, Dhungana, also the editor of Nepal Live Today, stressed the need to enable journalists with fact-checking skills to combat the growing challenge of misinformation. "Informed journalists can make informed decisions while disseminating the message. The flow of fact-based information not only enhances the prospect of quality journalism but also helps consolidate democratic values and practices," he said.

Bikram Khadka, general secretary of the FNJ Lumbini province committee, vowed to continue training on media and information literacy in other parts of the province. A total of 25 participants from the province participated in the program.

The program was organized with the support of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Lumbini Province, according to the FNJ.

 
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