Govt committed for press freedom: Communication Minister

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, May 15: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Dr Bikram Timilsina said that the government will not take any steps that will threaten the freedom of press and freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution. 

He said that since press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, the government will respect it and take necessary initiatives to make the media sector more responsible, dignified, and commercial.

During a meeting and discussion with the Sancharika Samuha,  Nepal, at the ministry, Communication Minister said that the government is committed to press freedom, while reminding that both the press and the denizens need to be responsible while using the freedom of expression. 

The Minister said, "The government will not take any steps that will jeopardize the freedom of the press and freedom of expression; however, it is equally necessary to be responsible and sensible while utilizing the freedom of expression."  

He assured that the ministry is serious about the overall improvement of the communication system while pointing out that the communication sector is going through different kinds of challenges. 

He expressed his opinion that only fact-based, responsible, and publicly accountable journalism will ensure that democracy is strong. 

Any material that is published and broadcast by the press needs to be more sensible. Issues of children and women need to be curated in a way that shows a clear picture without adding any enticing elements. 

He also said that there is a challenge to make the journalism sector more responsive in the context of the increasing influence of content disseminated through social media and digital platforms.