Minister Gurung pledges outreach of quality broadcasting services

By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, Nov. 28: Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced that the government media outlets will be upgraded to meet modern standards and their reach extended to all citizens.

Speaking at a programme organised by Radio Nepal's Public Service Department in Pokhara on Wednesday, the Minister highlighted the commitment.

Minister Gurung, also the Spokesperson for the government, stated that Radio Nepal and Nepal Television (NTV) will be accessible to all Nepalis within this year. 

“By the end of this year, Radio Nepal will be heard in every household, and Nepal Television will be viewable from every home,” he said. 

He further mentioned that NTV World would be launched this year to promote Nepal’s tourism and identity globally.

Emphasising the outdated laws governing state media, Minister Gurung expressed the need for reforms following the implementation of public service broadcasting, which will introduce a new dimension to the sector. 

“We are adopting the British model of public service broadcasting,” he said. “While Radio Nepal and Nepal Television are considered broadcast media, Gorkhapatra as a print medium has not been included yet.” 

He added that the Gorkhapatra Corporation Act would also be amended and brought under a similar public broadcasting model.

Stating that government media operate for service, not profit, the Minister urged all three levels of government to take ownership and provide support to the government media. 

He remarked that federalism is well-implemented in provincial media, saying, “If federalism is effectively functioning anywhere, it is in the province. News, programmes, and contents are being broadcast in various languages.”

Minister Gurung also pointed out the need to regulate online news portals and other similar platforms to address emerging mess in the digital space. 

“To regulate social media and online platforms, we are preparing to pass the Media Council Bill in the upcoming parliamentary session,” he said.  

He further mentioned that efforts are underway to operationalise the long-delayed Security Printing Centre of Panauti, Kavre, which has faced challenges due to irregularities and legal issues.

Bimala Bhandari, Press Registrar of Gandaki Province, shared that the provincial government and Press Registrar’s Office have been working in collaboration with Radio Nepal. “We are cooperating to ensure the communication rights of all province residents,” she said. 

Amar Dhoj Lama, Executive Director of Radio Nepal, noted that the organisation’s expansion to the provinces reflects its commitment to inclusivity. 

“We are moving forward by incorporating suggestions from journalist associations, institutions, experts, and individual journalists,” he added.

At the event, Tara Prasad Osti, Head of the Programme Division of Radio Nepal, presented a paper on “Inclusivity in Radio Nepal’s Broadcasts.” He highlighted that Radio Nepal broadcasts through its central station, seven provincial stations, and 33 FM stations. 

Shanti Gurung, Chief of Radio Nepal, Gandaki Province, reiterated the organisation's mission to foster emotional unity, provide information, deliver entertainment, and raise public awareness among Nepalis.

Other speakers included Shukra Raj Sharma, Gandaki President of the Nepali Congress, and Purushottam Neupane, Programme Officer of Radio Nepal, Pokhara.