PCN reminds journalists to fully abide by code of conduct during election Silence Period

Kathmandu, March 3: The Press Council Nepal has urged media houses and journalists to fully respect the Silence Period in view of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections. The Silence Period began at 12:00 midnight on Monday ahead of the HoR voting scheduled for March 5.

The PCN, a statutory body, has called on all concerned to strictly abide by the code of conduct for the Silence Period, which prohibits the dissemination of advertisements in favor of or against political parties or candidates, as well as the broadcast or publication of talk shows, commentaries, analyses, questionnaires, or any content supporting or opposing political parties and candidates. It has reminded media organizations and journalists to comply with the election code of conduct.

Violations of the code of conduct during the Silence Period are punishable under the Journalist Code of Conduct-2073 BS and the Election Code of Conduct, the statement said.

According to PCN Joint Spokesperson Ramsharan Bohora, cases of code of conduct violations will be considered as criteria for the assessment and classification of media houses, including decisions regarding the payment of advertisements, such as public welfare advertisements. Such cases will be documented by the PCN.

It has urged media houses, journalists, media workers, and social media users to remain more sensitive and aware of the importance of complying with the code of conduct during the Silence Period. (RSS)