President hails role of journalism in nation’s transformation

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, Sept. 23: President Ramchandra Paudel has praised the role of the Nepali journalism community in Nepal’s political change, social transformation and economic development. 

Amid a programme organised at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas on Sunday to mark the 55th anniversary of the Press Council of Nepal, President Paudel said the media was the heart and soul of a democratic governance system. He said, “I believe that those in power must work more responsibly to enhance the public’s trust in democracy by bringing the benefits of federal democratic republic to the homes and yards of the people.”

Stating that democracy cannot be strengthened without independent, impartial and responsible journalism, he said that this had made journalism fourth estate of the nation. He said, “I believe that only responsible, balanced and fact-based communication can keep the respect that journalism has earned as the fourth estate alive. I trust that Nepali journalists are aware and vigilant in this regard. Responsible journalism, informed citizens and accountable governments are the three pillars of democracy.”

The President expressed confidence that the council itself would play a fair, independent and creative role in preventing any challenges to press freedom and the integrity of journalism. He said, “Establishing bodies like the council with the responsibility to maintain credibility of journalism, promote the proper use of press freedom, develop contemporary codes of conduct and monitor their implementation is crucial.”

President Paudel said that with the advancement of information technology and the internet, the rise of online news portals and social media had helped meet the public’s demand for rapid information. 

He pointed out the necessity of being cautious about the dissemination of misinformation in light of the competition for rapid information flow posed by new media and growing social networks. He said that regulatory bodies like the Press Council should play a prominent and effective role in this regard.

President Paudel wished the council well in facing the current challenge of misleading the public through the transmission of false information, emphasising the need for serious commitment to the fundamental principles of democracy that protect freedom of expression.

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Council, the Press Council Gopal Das Journalism Award was presented jointly to journalist Akhanda Bhandari and Nepal Press Institute. They received a cash prize of Rs. 150,000 each. Likewise, Badri Sigdel was presented the Surendra Bahadur Basnet Journalism Award of Rs. 100,000.  

Likewise, Executive Chairman of Gorkhapatra Corporation Bishnu Prasad Subedi was honoured with Agraj Patrakar Samman, along with 21other senior journalists. 

Likewise, the Press Council Women Empowerment Award was awarded to five women including Indira Aryal of The Rising Nepal and Pratikshya Kafle. They each received a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 from Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung in the presence of the President. 

Additionally, various individuals were presented awards on the occasion.