Information and Communications Minister Dr. Vikram Timalsina Emphasizes Importance of Community Radio

Lalitpur. Information and Communications Minister Dr. Vikram Timalsina has emphasized that the importance of community radio has not diminished in the current era of modern technology, and such radio should become technology-friendly and operate according to public expectations.

Speaking at a program organized here today on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Radio Sagarmatha 102.4 MHz, South Asia's first community broadcasting service, he said that community radio should become more technology-friendly and operate according to public expectations.

Minister Dr. Timalsina stated that the importance of radio has not diminished due to the general citizens and intellectuals of the country, and ethical and responsible journalism is the need of the hour. He expressed good wishes for Radio Sagarmatha to become more technology-friendly and play an important role in ethical journalism and responsible communication.

"Radio Sagarmatha has been demonstrating and teaching the fact that it is a standard of impartiality in Nepal's history for three decades. Currently, most media outlets are struggling. I will play an interventionist role in a way that positively impacts the sustainability of media outlets," said Minister Dr. Timalsina.

He informed that the state is spending Rs 30 crore on public welfare advertisements, adding that other advertisements have been halted for now due to manipulation.

"Media outlets are not receiving the advertisements they should, and for this, working journalists must raise their voices. The taxes paid to the government should be utilized properly, and if there has been any misuse of public welfare advertisements, it will be properly accounted for. Public welfare advertisements should be spent on communication according to the wishes and expectations of the people," said Communications Minister Dr. Timalsina.

He recalled that he served regularly at Radio Sagarmatha from 2060 BS to 2070 BS and expressed the view that Radio Sagarmatha is the basis for him becoming a minister.

UNESCO Representative for Nepal, Yaco Du Tei, stated that Radio Sagarmatha has helped amplify the community's voice in its 30-year journey and that community radio plays an important role in highlighting the voice of citizens. He informed that UNESCO provides programs and fellowships for community radio stations.

Chandra Shekhar Karki, Chairman of the Environment Journalists Group, said that Radio Sagarmatha and the Environment Journalists Group are companions to each other, emphasizing the need for effective and positive communication through the cooperation and coordination of both organizations.

Dr. Ghamaraj Luintel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Radio Sagarmatha, stated that Radio Sagarmatha is a history of independent media and freedom of expression, and emphasized that the government should support radio that highlights independent and community spirit by providing grants.

Urvashi Basnet, Station Manager of Radio Sagarmatha, informed that they have been working continuously for three decades with community responsibility at the center, and mentioned that they are fulfilling their responsibilities in the journey of democracy, prosperity, and community responsibility. Radio Sagarmatha, as South Asia's first independent broadcasting service, was launched and began operation on Jestha 9, 2054 BS.