Breaking Gender Barriers In Media

The week The Rising Nepal celebrated six decades of publication, which was another milestone in Nepal's media history. Nirmala Sharma has become the first female journalist to be elected president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Association (FNJA). This achievement comes after her second attempt to lead the network of Nepali journalists.

The FNJA elections have been highly politicised since the organisation’s inception. Candidates often contest not merely as competent journalists with the capacity to lead their professional network but also with support from journalists aligned with various political parties. During her first attempt, Nirmala Sharma faced a split in support from journalists associated with the UML party, as the party itself was divided. This division cost her the election, even though she was an equally deserving candidate. This time, however, with backing from both Press Chautari and Press Union, Sharma successfully claimed a leadership position where no woman has tread before. Her victory reflects not only political support but also recognition of her professionalism and determination to lead Nepal’s journalist community.

Recognition

The significance of Sharma’s victory in the FNJ's head goes beyond breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. It highlights a growing recognition of women’s leadership potential in Nepal’s media landscape, which has historically been male-dominated. This milestone can inspire younger female journalists to aspire to leadership roles and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and equitable media industry. However, for this progress to be sustainable, there must be deliberate efforts to mentor and support women journalists at all levels, ensuring their voices are amplified in editorial decisions and leadership forums.

Nepali media has traditionally focused on political coverage, and this remains true even now. However, with the rise of digital platforms and the influx of young, dynamic journalists educated in reputed institutions both within Nepal and abroad, the scope of coverage is expanding. While politics still dominates, there is increasing attention to issues that affect the daily lives of people across all seven provinces.

The growing competition in the media sector has posed challenges, especially for independent outlets in print, audio-visual, and online formats. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated financial difficulties for private-sector media, making it hard to retain staff. In contrast, state-run organisations like the Gorkhapatra Corporation, as government entities, operate without financial constraints. Private-sector media, particularly those managed by professional journalists without external funding, face significant economic difficulty to sustain themselves.

The emergence of private media after Nepal’s 1990 restoration of democracy marked a turning point. Over time, the funding landscape for both traditional and digital media diversified. Some media outlets still remain politically affiliated and serve as mouthpieces for political parties, while others have embraced corporatisation, much like media organisations globally. Despite its growth, the Nepali media continues to face formidable challenges. Advertising revenues are still manipulated by political parties and their allies. Government advertisements tend to favour supportive outlets, and major industries prefer to invest in media that align with their interests. Subscription-based revenue models remain underdeveloped, and crowdfunding efforts have yet to gain traction.

Nevertheless, investigative journalism has gained momentum in the past two decades. Numerous media outlets have uncovered high-profile corruption cases, exposing political leaders and parties involved in trafficking, land-grabbing, and misappropriation of public funds. However, threats against journalists have increased, and many credible journalists have been dismissed from their roles. Journalism driven by the people’s interests, rather than those of politicians or political parties, remains an unfulfilled ideal.

Nepali media also grappled with limited access to information and censorship. Although the country has senior journalists who played pivotal roles in establishing press freedom and the legal right to information, hurdles persist. Accessing uncensored information, particularly in provincial areas remains difficult. Many provincial journalists lack professionalism, and their practices often hinder the development of healthy journalism nationwide. While the monarchy-era censorship was overt and authoritarian, today’s censorship is more subtle but equally concerning.

In summary, Nepal’s media landscape faces numerous challenges including legal constraints, the digital divide, political interference, unprofessional practices, financial instability, and unreliable reporting from some digital platforms that overlook fact-checking process to be ahead of their rivals in posting their news. On a brighter note, Nepal’s media enjoys a reputation in South Asia for its openness in raising issues, especially compared to countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The election of the first female president of the FNJA marks a shift in public attitudes toward traditional male-dominated leadership in journalism. This milestone offers hope for more transparent and inclusive journalism with reduced political influence in the future. 

In addition, the rise of digital media presents both opportunities and challenges for the Nepali media. On one hand, platforms like social media and online news portals have made information more accessible to the general public, enabling faster dissemination of news and a broader reach. On the other hand, the unchecked proliferation of online media has led to concerns about the spread of misinformation and a decline in journalistic standards. Many online platforms prioritise sensationalism over accuracy, undermining the credibility of the profession.

Capacity building 

To address these issues, it is crucial to invest in training and capacity-building programmes for journalists, particularly those working in remote areas and on digital platforms. Equipping them with the skills to fact-check, report responsibly, and uphold ethical standards will be vital for the credibility and growth of Nepal’s media. Media organisations, civil society, and international partners must collaborate to foster a culture of accountability and professionalism in journalism.

Moreover, the government and private sector should prioritise creating a more favourable environment for independent media to thrive. This includes fair distribution of advertisements, support for investigative journalism, and reforms to strengthen the right to information. By addressing these structural challenges, Nepal’s media can continue to serve as a pillar of democracy and a catalyst for social change, and also move away from being politicised. 

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women’s rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com or on X @NamrataSharmaP.)