Arjun Narsingh KC Emphasizes Media's Role in Strengthening Democracy and Curbing Authoritarianism

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC has emphasized that the media sector must play the role of a strong watchdog for the strengthening of democracy and the control of authoritarianism of power. Leader KC expressed this view while addressing a program organized on the occasion of the establishment day of the Nepal Press Union on Wednesday.

Leader KC mentioned that press freedom and democracy are complementary to each other. Expressing concern that untruths and misinformation are being spread more than truth in the current social environment, he urged the members of the Press Union to be even more vigilant.  

He stated that in the crowd of false information that confuses society, transmitting information with truth, reality, and objective analysis is the main challenge and responsibility at present. Leader KC recalled the belief that absolute power corrupts absolutely and criticized the autocratic tendencies of those in power and centers of power. He said that checks and balances are essential in a democracy.

Speaking at the program, he said, 'Where there is no democracy, the pen of journalism cannot function. A fair, transparent, and informative journalist is naturally a democrat because only democracy provides freedom of expression and organization. It is the duty of the press to expose anomalies within power, authority, and parties. Consciousness and wisdom are needed for social change, not excitement and impulse.'

Leader KC alleged that some steps of the current government have challenged the established democratic traditions and values. He described the attempt to control the freedom of expression and trade union rights given by Article 17 of the constitution as a sign of 'new authoritarianism'.