Online media to be established as new mainstream media-Communications Minster Kharel

Kathmandu, Oct 29: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology held an interaction with journalists working for online television today to make online television well-managed and effective.     

The ministry held discussion with the online television media representatives for the first time to elicit their recommendations.     

On the occasion, journalists stressed the need to enable fourth generation journalism, and enhance their professionalism, credibility, quality performance and responsibility.     

During the discussion, the journalists urged the ministry to recognize online TV as a mainstream media and take initiatives for state welfare advertisements and other facilities.     

Minister Kharel positively responded to the demand to establish online TV as the new mainstream media. He acknowledged the role of online TV as a primary source of information and expressed confidence that the government would make online communication media responsible, organized, and empowered.     

Communications Minister Kharel also shared arrangements made for the registration and renewal process of online communication media through the Department of Information.     

He further informed that cabinet meeting has passed the regulations regarding online registration and renewal and that it will be published in the Gazette in a few days.     

He expressed the government's sensitivity to make citizen journalism effective, calling for the new mainstream media to help impart information in support of the coming March election.     

The minster clarified that no new mainstream media or any media would be closed in the country.     

Minister Kharel clarified that the government believes social media must be organized and responsible, and everyone should act responsibly.     

He expressed confidence that the ministry would take the initiative to provide training to representatives of new mainstream media.     

Also on the occasion, President of the Online TV Association Jeevan Bhandari, asked the government provide public welfare advertisements to online TVs.     

He also sought the government's role in the initiatives to organize online TVs through registration, journalist training, digital literacy campaigns, and social security measures.     

Likewise, Chairperson of National Folk Journalists Nepal Chandramani Gautam stressed the need of effective regulation and promotion of digital media.(RSS)