KATHMANDU, Oct 9: A two-day conference on freedom of expression and inclusivity in the media is being held in Kathmandu from Monday. 

Leading journalists, academics, and policymakers will attend the conference being organized by the International Alert and Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ)

Panels will address a wide range of issues, including the challenges of reporting in difficult environments, self-censorship, alternative media and new technologies, gender, and media, business interests versus editorial independence, disaster communication, and on how to make media more inclusive of marginalized voices. 
While Speaker of the Legislative Parliament of Nepal Onsari Gharti will inaugurate the conference, distinguished journalists and civil society activists from Nepal and the wider South Asian region, international development partners, policymakers and government officials will be joining the inaugural ceremony.

FNJ President Govinda Acharya said Nepali media has struggled for a free writing environment right from the beginning. “There are incidences where journalists have been killed or attacked for doing their jobs. Only free, independent and strong media can become true defender of democracy and we hope this conference facilitates lessons and ideas encouraging the Nepali media to defend its values and play proactive role in institutionalizing democracy,” a press statement issued by the organizers quoted Acharya as saying.

 
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