Dissemination of misleading contents doesn't serve FoE spirit: Minister Timilsina

Nuwakot, April 19: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has urged media and social media users not to disseminate or promote misleading and irresponsible contents. Such practices go against the spirit of freedom of expression (FoE), he said.     

Speaking at a press meet held at Battar of Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot today, the Minister said that the media, one of the vital pillars of the state, is expected to act responsibly and exercise self-regulation. He called on media professionals to adhere to existing laws and code of conduct.     

The Minister echoed that the spread of misleading and irresponsible contents cannot be addressed solely through legal measures. “The key lies in self-regulation and compliance with the code of conduct." He also urged the media to carry out multidimensional analysis of its impact on society.     

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr Timilsina, however, pledged to promote full press freedom and support to professional journalism.     

According to him, new provisions were introduced in the advertisement policy to enhance transparency in advertising, as well as in the publication and broadcasting of information. These measures also aim to maintain austerity and promote state-owned media. He claimed that the government’s practice of disseminating official information through state-owned media is also linked to transparency.     

The Minister acknowledged that the government cannot be strengthened unless the media itself is strong. Minister Dr Timilsina further stated the government is firmly committed to preventing the potential misuse of resources funded by taxpayers.(RSS)