KATHMANDU, Aug 22: The Chairman of Press Council Nepal (PCN), Bal Krishna Basnet, said that any journalist found to have misused a press card will face strict action.

Speaking at a media orientation program with the students at the PCN held on Wednesday, he said that the press ID card is available for journalists to assist in their creative work, not for  intimidating and threatening society and it should be used properly.

“What happens if the knife in a doctor's hand is used incorrectly?” Basnet asked, informing that an investigation is ongoing regarding the misuse of press passes. “The press pass is also the same. Journalists are given the press pass to serve the interests of journalism with integrity and dedication.” 

He said that media literacy is also crucial for society because the information and news on social media have created confusion and problems among the general public.

He said, “Media literacy is essential not only for journalists but for society as a whole due to the rise of information technology. We should be able to distinguish the difference between fake and genuine information.”

Stating that now everyone  can provide general information from anywhere, he said that journalists should focus on communicating matters related to construction, positive change, and creative issues. The PCN has been implementing necessary regulations to make the YouTube medium manageable.

He also suggested that the country increase investment for media literacy. The PCN has been taking actions such as taking away the card, mandating participation in code of conduct classes, blacklisting, and halting advertisements and others. The PCN has been taking action in cooperation with the investigating agency for cyber and other criminal charges.

 
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