Press And Its Ethic
PRIME Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand called upon all media persons to work rationally and
responsibly in disseminating information and educating the people. Addressing a function
organized to mark the first anniversary of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication
in Kathmandu the other day, Prime Minister Chand said that fair and impartial journalism
is the need of the hour. It is vital for and bringing about positive changes in the
society. In fact, free and impartial media is the hallmark of democracy. The role of the
Fourth Estate, as observed by the Prime Minister, is crucial in moulding public opinion,
and strengthening democracy. Press not only disseminates information and educates the
people but also acts as a bridge between the people and the government. In other words,
free, impartial and responsible press is the voice of the people and vanguard of people's
rights and freedom. Thus, the role of media must be constructive and responsible. It is
more so in the present context of Nepal. The country has been severely affected by
violence and terrorism being perpetrated by a section of misguided element. Violence and
terrorism is against democracy, people's rights, peace and development. People are clearly
against violence and terrorism, which press must disseminate with prominence. Peace is the
need of hour and that is also the wish of the people. Against such background, the role of
Nepalese media should be more responsible and constructive in order to promote the culture
of peace, stability and unity in the country. The role of media should be to discourage
violence but not glorify and inflate it. Media can function freely and independently only
in democracy. His Majesty's Government is committed to extending full cooperation for the
healthy and positive development of Nepalese journalism. Minister for Information and
Communication Ramesh Nath Pandey has also repeatedly expressed this commitment of the
government for the development of media and has initiated some important measures for the
same. As a result, Nepalese media has experienced significant changes and development over
the last one decade. Nepalese media has, no doubt, been professional. But it needs to be
more responsible and mature. The world has seen a tremendous progress in the field of
information and communication, which has helped bring about dramatic, social and economic
changes and development. Nepal also needs to reap the benefit of the revolution in the
field of information and communication. Apart from some progress and achievements,
Nepalese media also has a great challenge ahead. So far, Nepalese media is urban-based and
majority of the rural people do not have access to it. This trend needs to be reversed for
the healthy and sustainable development of the country. The initiatives must be taken from
the media sector itself.
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