Federation of Nepali Journalists Launches Protest Against Government Media Directive

Kathmandu. The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has launched the first phase of a protest campaign to pressure the government.

The FNJ decided to initiate this campaign after the government failed to take positive steps toward withdrawing a circular issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The circular, which directed all federal ministries, commissions, secretariats, as well as provincial and local levels to publish and broadcast government notices exclusively through state-owned media, remains in effect.

Viewing the government's decision as detrimental to private media and independent journalism, the FNJ is set to escalate pressure starting from 25 Chaitra.

FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal stated that despite meeting with Minister for Communication and Information Technology Bikram Timsina to demand the revocation of the decision, their concerns have not been addressed.

Protest Schedule

2082.12.25 – Former FNJ Presidents

2082.12.26 – Editors of national dailies, weeklies, and online media

2082.12.27 – Parliamentary party leaders of political parties

2082.12.28 and 29 – FNJ Central Committee meeting

If demands are not met during this period, further protest programs will be announced. The central committee has mandated that these protest activities be carried out by provincial committees and branches as well.

Additionally, the FNJ has urged media houses to ensure the regular payment of salaries and benefits to working journalists.