Int'l media mission wraps up visit, stresses on security of journalists
The International Media Mission wrapped up its visit to Nepal on Thursday making various recommendations to the Nepal government, political parties and media institutions for promoting press freedom.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of the visit, Executive Director of International Media Support Jesper Hojberg, who led the mission, said the mission was concerned about continued violation of press freedom taking place through the country.
The mission has called on the government and the parties to ensure the safety of the journalists during the constituent assembly elections, especially in Terai region and informed that a small team of the mission would be sent for election observation.
Welcoming the amendments in Working Journalists Act and enactment of the Right to Information Act, the mission stressed the need for reform of the broadcast and other media related laws to transform state-controlled media into public service media.
The mission recommended the media houses to be inclusive and called for negotiations between trade unions, media management and media workers in a constructive manner.
The mission has also urged the government to treat the web-based media at par with print and broadcast. Urging the government to form a body to make a distinction between commercial and community broadcasters, the mission also recommended for equal treatment to daily and weekly newspapers.
Furthermore, the mission asked the government to form a probe body to carry out additional investigations of all journalists who were killed in the past including Birendra Shah and Puskar Shrestha.
Giving instances of prevailing impunity in many parts of the country, the mission warned that journalists might find it difficult for impartial reporting during the polls if government did not ensure security to journalists.
Hojberg emphasised that impartial and independent media coverage is also essential for holding free and fair elections and promoting the democratic process. nepalnews.com ia Jan 17 08
