AUGUST 25, 2008 Freedom Forum organized a two-day long workshop on “Media Policy and Laws” in Dhangadi, headquarters of Kailali in far-western region on Friday, August 22 amid various representatives of civil society, legal sector and media. The workshop discussed on the existing problems, policies and laws of Nepali media sector and provided recommendations and comments over a study report entitled “Media Policy and Law”, published by Freedom Forum.
They stressed that Nepali media has not witnessed a fast growth and changes in consistent with time and context, however the sector saw a great deal of reforms and changes following the establishment of democracy in 2046 BS.
Commenting over the book, Chairperson of Nepal Bar Association, Kailali Chapter Bir Bahadur Jethara and journalist Umid Bagchan stressed that the right to freedom of expression should be constitutionally guaranteed.
Various speakers recommended that the book should categorically mention the issue of safety and security of journalists and contradictory laws on media.
Deputy Director of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Advocate Prayag Raj Bhatta among other individuals underlined that media related policy and laws should be made clear and democratic.
Presenting study report among the participants, Freedom Forum Chairperson Taranath Dahal shed light on contents of the report and its use in practice.
“The state should remove it all types of control and interference for the sake of press freedom in our country”, Chairperson Dahal said, adding, freedom of expression and opinion is the source of press freedom.
He stressed the need of bringing massive changes and reforms in Nepali media in line with nation’s restructuring.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022