Media Alliance Nepal Opposes Government Decision to Restrict Advertising to State-Owned Media

Kathmandu. Media Alliance Nepal has expressed serious objection to the government's decision to restrict government advertisements and notices exclusively to state-owned media outlets, demanding an immediate review of the policy.

 The Alliance asserts that this decision, made by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, contradicts the spirit of freedom of expression, the right to information, and the right to equality guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal.

In a press statement, the organization noted that by centralizing information flow solely through state channels, the government is narrowing citizens' fundamental right to access information from diverse sources and creating discrimination within the media sector. The Alliance claims that this decision will further weaken the private media sector, which is already struggling due to the post-COVID economic downturn, eliminate a competitive environment, and directly impact the employment of media professionals.

Labeling the government's decision as 'policy discrimination' and 'indirect control,' the organization has demanded that the government immediately revoke the decision and establish an inclusive, transparent, and competitive advertising distribution system for all media outlets.