I am serious about journalists' professional and physical safety: Communications Minister

Kathmandu, Sept 23: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel has said that the ministry would hold discussions with concerned agencies of the state in regards to the professional and physical safety of journalists.     

At the Hem-Sunil Risky Television Journalism Award distribution ceremony organised by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Nepal Television chapter today, Minister Kharel expressed the commitment to discuss with concerned agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, regarding the safety of journalists.     

He also pledged to take the initiative for an investigation into the killing of journalist Suresh Rajak while reporting the Tinkune, Kathmandu protests on March 28, and also for dispensing proper justice. He further said that an investigation would be undertaken about journalists who were killed and injured during other struggles and demonstrations.     

This year's Hem-Sunil Risky Television Journalism Award has been presented posthumously to camera person of Avenues Television, Suresh Rajak.     

Minster Kharel offered tributes to journalist Rajak as well as to the late journalists Hem and Sunil.     

“Respect gives the family patience and courage. I will discuss ways to ensure justice to slain journalist Rajak with the Home Minister and also bring this to the Prime Minister's level”, he said.

Minister Kharel also emphasised the need to make Public Service Broadcasting Nepal (PSBN) independent, professional, and financially self-sufficient. “Let’s not have any doubts that Radio Nepal and Nepal Television merging means it will be PSBN. I believe we will make it responsible, accountable, independent, and professional", he stated.     

The award instituted in memory of Nepal Television journalists Hem Bhandari and Sunil Singh, amounting to Rs 100,000, has been awarded to television journalists who engage in courageous journalism since the year 2064 BS.     

Journalist duo, Bhandari and Singh, died in a helicopter crash in Ghunsa, Taplejung, while collecting news on 7 Asoj 2063 BS.     

FNJ's Nepal Television chapter has been presenting the award on the same day every year. (RSS)