The Nepal Weekly 
May 9, 2023
The eighth National Journalism Day was observed on Sunday across the country. The day coincides with the day the publication of the Gorkhapatra began in Nepal. The publication of the Gorkhapatra had begun on Baisakh 24, 1958 BS.
The decision to mark the National Journalism Day was made in 2073 BS.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal gave away the awards. Minister for Communication Rekha Sharma honoured the awardees. Ramesh Tiwari, Shiva Kumar Bhattari, Dipak Shrestha, Yalu Joshi and Anjan Khadka. Similarly, Indira Aryal, Bikas Dware, Govinda Regmi and others were awarded on the occasion.
This is the digital where new technologies are applied in journalism and other aspects, but Nepali media is facing challenges. The traditional media are bound to compete with new media, as the latter serve news to the public in a quicker and easier way creating advent of ICT a direct impact on the media.
Currently, there are over 3,786 online media in Nepal, while the number of television in regular operation stands at 87. Similarly, 707 FM radios are operative, while the number of registered newspapers is 7,911. Data to this was shared by the Department of Information and Broadcasting.
Speaking on the occasion, chief of Journalism Department at TU, Prof Chiranjivi Khanal said that Nepali journalism needs to adopt digital technology by adhering to code and related laws. He expressed worry that Nepali journalism is now people-focused, while it must be society-focused. For the investigation and study, Nepali journalists need to upscale skills and expertise, he suggested.
Similarly, Dr Kundan Aryal opined that new media has been obfuscating people. So, the media must make themselves more credible. Similarly, readers and audiences’ better awareness is required.
There is a lack of law to implement the Mass Communications Policy, 2073, observers opined on the occasion.
Just a few days back the 30th anniversary event of World Press Freedom Day organised on 2 May at the UN General Assembly Hall, in a full day of plenaries with prominent human rights advocates, press freedom activists, media leaders and renowned journalists.
Various formal programmes were organized across the globe to observe the World Press Freedom Day. Besides, several informal events have also been held to commemorate the Day. New York City was the focal venue of at least 40 events dedicated to press freedom and freedom of expression as an enabler for other human rights from 1st to 4th May. The events are organized by the World Press Freedom Day’s global community including civil society organizations, universities, media freedom networks and other New York-based and international organizations.
The day carries a specific importance for entire journalists of the world who have been active in their profession facing all sorts of challenges. The journalists who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the freedom of press and expression by fulfilling their professional duties are to be deeply respected on this occasion.
People believe that independent press is one of the important parts of democracy. Absence of press freedom cannot be a democracy. Thus, it is responsibility of entire media community to keep on preserving the indispensable element of democracy.
UNESCO had set a theme for the celebration of the day each year and organisers various events. This year, the set theme for the day was – ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights’.
