KATHMANDU, Jan 2: Nepali media witnessed a huge financial crisis in the past one year- 2023, thereby causing a severe dent on the sustainability of free press.
The slump in the advertisement market has resulted in a massive retrenchment in media houses, while a favorable legal and policy atmosphere is still awaited, according to a report.
"The Nepali media is in need of immediate rescue, with favorable legal/policy environment and financial support so that press freedoms would be survived, protected and promoted," the media report released by Freedom Forum stated, arguing that the media is at a critical juncture of 'sink or swim' stage.
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According to the report, the migration of advertisement to the digital platforms and Apps of late is a worrying trend. Labor disputes in media houses, muddled management of social media, spread of mis- and disinformation are significant issues dwelt in it.
The report categorizes the types of intimidation on journalists and media houses, presents observation, analyzes media related laws and policies at federal, provincial and local levels, reminds impunity relating to crimes against journalists, welcomes National Human Rights Commission's initiative to make the safety mechanism functional, and makes recommendations as well.
This past year, as the report archives, recorded 52 press freedom violations where 59 media persons - 8 percent females and 92 percent males- were directly affected. It is a rise compared to the previous year where violations stood at 45 in 2022.
Freedom Forum's Executive Chief Taranath Dahal observed, "The media-related laws and policies must abide by the national legislation and international human rights standard. The media laws must not be criminal but ensure the civil law."
He also pointed out the need for boosting the advertisement industry and urged the government to distribute advertisements fairly and proportionally.
Notably, the document reports the closure of as many as 100 media outlets and 243 media persons quitting their jobs.
The report recommended, "Capacity enhancement of journalists on digital technology including AI in journalism practices is necessary to make them more competitive and familiar with contextual changes and challenges. Massive digital literacy is essential to make social media and other digital spaces safe."
