Nepali media faces unprecedented financial crisis, threatening press sustainability

KATHMANDU: A recent report indicates that Nepali media endured a significant financial crisis throughout 2023, severely impacting the sustainability of a free press. The downturn in the advertisement market has led to widespread layoffs in media houses, exacerbating the crisis. The absence of a favorable legal and policy atmosphere further compounds the challenges faced by the media industry, according to the report released by Freedom Forum.

The report emphasizes the urgent need for intervention to rescue Nepali media, highlighting the critical juncture it currently faces—a 'sink or swim' stage. It calls for a supportive legal and policy environment, along with financial assistance to safeguard, protect, and promote press freedoms.

Key concerns outlined in the report include the migration of advertising to digital platforms and apps, labor disputes in media houses, the chaotic management of social media, and the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation.

The report categorizes various forms of intimidation against journalists and media houses, provides observations, analyzes media-related laws and policies at different governance levels, underscores the issue of impunity in crimes against journalists, acknowledges the National Human Rights Commission's efforts to enhance safety mechanisms, and offers recommendations.

In the past year, the report notes a total of 52 press freedom violations affecting 59 media persons directly. The violations represent a rise compared to the previous year's figure of 45 in 2022, with 8% being female and 92% male.

Taranath Dahal, the Executive Chief of Freedom Forum, stressed the importance of aligning media-related laws and policies with national legislation and international human rights standards. He advocated for non-criminalization of media laws, urging the government to distribute advertisements fairly and proportionally.

The report also highlights the closure of 100 media outlets and the departure of 243 media professionals from their jobs. To address the challenges posed by digital transformations, the report recommends enhancing journalists' capacity in digital technology, including AI in journalism practices, and promoting massive digital literacy to ensure the safety of social media and other digital spaces.