Clean and independent media, according to Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma, is a lovely feature of democracy.
Minister Sharma noted that the media industry has played a significant part in all movements leading to changes, including political movements, during a rally held by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day in Kathmandu today.
Every year on May 3, people throughout the world celebrate World Press Freedom Day in remembrance of the Windhoek Declaration for the Development of a Free, Independent, and Pluralistic Press, which was published in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991.
“Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights” is the slogan chosen by UNESCO for this year’s event.
Sharma believed that independent, unbiased, and objective media had a significant impact in elevating this industry’s respectability. The Minister gave the assurance that “complete press freedom in Nepal is guaranteed under the Constitution. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is developing and putting into effect regulations pertaining to press freedom.
Minister Sharma emphasized her commitment to always be on the side of journalists, claiming that she was in the ideal position to develop the required laws and policies in support of press freedom.
Furthermore, she felt that journalists had a bigger responsibility to provide good messages to society while being aware of assaults on the democratic and republican system due to her worry over the growing negativity in all aspects of our society.
Bipul Pokharel, president of the FNJ, bemoaned the recent attacks on journalists and said that in order to properly manage it, both the FNJ and working journalists must work together.
He also emphasized the necessity for a reassessment of the problems facing the nation’s journalistic industry.