Lalitpur Press Club Enters 34th Year, Leaders Call for Media Law Reform and Support

Lalitpur. The Lalitpur Chapter of the Nepal Journalists Association (NJA) has entered its 34th year today. On the occasion of the anniversary, Chapter President Ram Hari Karki extended congratulations and best wishes to advocates of press and expression freedom, members, former presidents, advisors, and well-wishers.

President Karki paid high respects to the pioneers who contributed to bringing the chapter to its current status since its inception. He also paid tribute to the journalists who sacrificed their lives in the fight for press freedom while participating in Nepal's democratic movement. Furthermore, he remembered the journalists who went missing or were injured during the movement.

He mentioned that the NJA has played a significant role since its establishment in protecting the rights and welfare of working journalists, institutional development of independent journalism, nationalism, democracy, and civil rights. He emphasized the need to remain strongly committed to achieving the objectives of the NJA, without deviating from the path shown by the pioneers even in adverse circumstances.

President Karki stated that although the NJA is the first democratic institution to practice federalism in the country, the communication sector has not been able to feel the impact of federalism because the three tiers of government have not given it the necessary attention. He expressed regret that media-related laws have not been enacted at all three levels, even though the constitution has been promulgated and two periodic elections have been completed. In this context, he stressed the need for continuous monitoring and pressure to enact press-friendly laws.

Mentioning that the economic crisis following COVID-19 has severely affected the journalism sector, Karki stated that many media outlets have closed down, and journalists have lost their jobs. He noted that the advertising market in traditional media has shrunk and shifted towards digital platforms, criticizing that local and provincial governments have still not become press-friendly. He added that media houses have become financially weak because the information that should be disseminated through mass media has been limited to the Information and Broadcasting Department and social media.

Stating that the situation where journalists have to protest for regular remuneration is worrying, he expressed the view that a strategic plan is necessary for the empowerment of media organizations while ensuring the professional rights of working journalists. He mentioned that the nurturing role of local, provincial, and federal governments is indispensable for solving these problems.

Highlighting that the rapid development of technology has created both opportunities and challenges in journalism, President Karki said that journalists must enhance their knowledge, skills, and capabilities in line with the times and increase the credibility of journalism through the proper use of the internet. He drew the attention of the three tiers of government to create an environment conducive to technology-friendly journalism.

On the occasion of the anniversary, President Karki stated that the cooperation and goodwill of everyone are necessary to fulfill the dignity, responsibility, and expectations of society from the journalism sector.