Journalism is a medium of nation building, says President Paudel

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, May 8: President Ramchandra Paudel has stated that the role played by Nepali journalism in every political, social and cultural transformation in Nepal has been remarkable.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology on the occasion of National Journalism Day on Wednesday, the President said that journalism is a carrier of change and a powerful and effective medium for nation building.

President Paudel underscored that democracy is a fundamental requirement for independent, impartial and neutral journalism, asserting that a democratic system cannot exist without a free and fair press.

He said, “That is why our Constitution guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression. In accordance with the spirit and values of the Constitution, it is the state's responsibility to create an environment where journalists can report news fearlessly and independently. Similarly, informing the public by conveying truthful and factual news is the duty of a responsible press. I believe that the Nepali press will always remain vigilant in this regard.”

President Paudel stressed the need to end the situation where journalists feel unsafe simply for doing their job. He called for collective efforts to establish a secure and risk-free environment for news gathering and dissemination. He further said that with the development of information technology and the increasing use of social media and citizen journalism, the spread of baseless and false information has created a new challenge for the public, who can be misled. He expressed confidence that the Nepali press is capable of facing such challenges.

President Paudel also expressed his belief that the Nepali press will work even more effectively in the coming days to fulfil the expectations of good governance, development, progress and economic prosperity that the Nepali people have hoped for in the aftermath of political change and in strengthening the federal democratic republic.

On the occasion, former Federation of Nepali Journalists president Bipul Pokharel and former Press Chautari Nepal president Ganesh Basnet were honoured with the Senior Journalist Award 2025. The National Journalism Award 2025 was presented to Bimal Gautam (Baglung), Dipendra Shrestha (Kaski), Logshari Kunwar (Kailali), Dipendra Bantawa (Sankhuwasabha), Dilliram Khatiwada (Udayapur), and Sagar Pandit (Tanahun).