Accomplishing PSB's Mission?

One of the most anticipated and awaited media-related bills in Nepal, the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Bill, was passed by the House of Representatives in September 2024. The bill includes provisions to merge state-owned media — Radio Nepal and Nepal Television — and establish a governance structure, with Dr. Mahendra Bista appointed as the first Executive Chair. Activists and media practitioners had long lobbied for this legislation, and its approval was widely welcomed. However, it is important to note that while progressive bills are often formulated and passed in Nepal, their core intent frequently gets diluted due to weak implementation.

 As NTV’s annual celebration is nearing, it is a time to reflect whether this new move of establishing a PSB in Nepal is in fact moving towards the right direction. Public Service Broadcasting encompasses radio, television, and other electronic media outlets primarily dedicated to serving the public. These broadcasters may receive funding from diverse sources, such as individual contributors, public financing, commercial revenues, and government support. However, to fulfill their mission, PSBs must operate independently, free from the undue influence of their financial contributors. 

Traditionally, Nepali media has been influenced both my state-owned structure and later by corporatised media house, which is a global phenomenon now. Thus to be completely away from political and commercial interference will be challenging. For Nepal’s newly established PSB, the challenge lies in rising above these influences to serve the public genuinely and impartially. Globally, institutions like the BBC in the UK and ABC in Australia are often cited as successful models of Public Service Broadcasting. By providing citizens with platforms to voice their concerns, raise awareness about societal issues, and promote informed public discourse, PSBs can make a tangible impact. 

To achieve this, PSBs must embody principles such as universal geographical accessibility, inclusivity, attention to minority issues, promotion of national identity and community, freedom from vested interests, adequate funding, and a focus on quality programming over quantity. Nepal has a history of media restrictions, dating back to the Panchayat system. Even after the introduction of press freedom and the right to information, unseen mechanisms of control persist. In the name of protecting sovereignty and national interests, restrictive laws—including provisions for arresting journalists and imposing fines—have fostered a culture of psychological self-censorship. 

These factors hinder the media’s ability to operate freely and fairly in the public interest. For Nepal’s PSB, which merges Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, the biggest challenges will be to maintaining editorial independence and achieving financial autonomy, especially as they both have been under state ownership. Now in the federal republic, Nepal’s PSB must address the complexities that are prevalent to address the diverse needs of citizens across local, provincial, and federal levels. In a true democracy, development and diversity should be the government’s primary focus, and PSBs must reflect and serve this diversity to foster inclusivity.

As NTV celebrates its annual day this week, the new governance and executive need to understand the responsibilities and challenges they have acquired. They are now a PSB which has the first responsibility to systems and structures in place. It is actually an old bottle which they need to fill with new inspiring energy to make sure the Public Service Broadcasting in Nepal gets rooted well. Wishing then success in their endeavour.