Federation of Nepali Journalists Opposes Government Decision to Restrict Public Notices to State Media

Kathmandu. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has expressed strong opposition to the government's decision to publish and broadcast official notices and advertisements exclusively through state-owned media outlets.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Federation demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to all three tiers of government (federal, provincial, and local).

The FNJ asserts that the secretary-level decision to restrict government advertisements will lead to the closure of private media houses already facing severe economic crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Gen-Z movement, ultimately threatening the livelihoods of working journalists.

The statement notes that this decision indirectly creates a state of press censorship and will have a serious impact on independent journalism, which serves as the voice of the voiceless.

The Federation stated that this government move is contrary to the full press freedom guaranteed by the Constitution, liberal economic policies, and the spirit of federalism. The FNJ has also warned the government that if the decision is not immediately withdrawn, it will reject the state's attempt to impose a monopoly on information and will lead the entire media sector in a strong protest.