'Unruly online portals must be disciplined by legislation'

By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, Dec. 23: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has pointed out that while other media outlets adhere to laws, regulations, and the journalist’s code of conduct, many online portals have become unruly. 

“It is necessary to control such online portals, rather than just regulate them, as they disregard laws and mock journalistic principles,” he said.

Speaking at the oath-taking and assumption of office ceremony of newly elected officials of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Kaski, he mentioned that legislation is being prepared for this purpose. 

“A bill has been drafted for the effective regulation of online media,” he said, adding, “There are plans to pass it in this winter session. If convening Parliament immediately is not feasible, this bill may also need to be introduced through an ordinance.”

He urged journalists and stakeholders nationwide to provide suggestions on what should be included in the draft of the Mass Communication Bill. 

Highlighting that Nepal Television and Radio Nepal have been brought under the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), he clarified that similar policies would be applied to publications as well.

“It is essential to move government media forward in a new direction. Now, it is necessary to adopt the same model for publications, making them competitive in the market and self-sustainable,” he said.

Minister Gurung, who is also the spokesperson for the Government of Nepal, remarked that rumours about the government’s collapse began circulating as soon as it was formed. 

Emphasising that there is no alternative to this government for leading the country on the path to prosperity, he noted that the communication sector also needs to be responsible and accountable for development and prosperity.

At the ceremony, the newly elected committee of FNJ Kaski, formed after the recent election, took their oaths and assumed office.