Nepalese Media

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Nepalese Media

Today Nepal Blog discusses over the kind of role Media has been playing in the Kingdom of Nepal. When I say "Kingdom", you may feel that Nepal Blog is just another Royal propaganda disseminator. But we support none. In fact, there is no need for any other group to play such role as long as there is Nepal Television (NTV). Being the only official media of the government, NTV has well concealed the flaws of governments and raved its achievements. It can be justified that the largest broadcasting body of Nepal should not publicize the illogical and undignified remarks and actions, such as those of few political leaders. But the way NTV is not addressing the important views and activities of political parties and foreign bodies against the government is almost shocking. So, what they show in NTV is half-true and at times even false. At times, they have censored the parts of speech made by important as well as general people such that the portion in favor of the government was only broadcasted. And how often do we see the faces of Tanka Dhakal and Sachit Shumsher JB Rana, on our TV sets, delivering their vehement pro-King speeches. So Nepal Blog feels that NTV is an epitome of media fiasco.

There are other channels like Kantipur Television and Nepal ONE that are doing pretty descent job but since their viewership is not as large as that of NTV they have not got proper opportunity to be as effective as they could be. And there certainly is the fear of the government as well. Indian Media, although a bit exaggerating in nature, are contributing to their society largely. The way Aaj Tak and Star News make Indian people aware of what is going on in their country is appreciable indeed. Programs like "Crime Reporter" and "Sansani" are for certain pushing the criminals onto the back foot. They have become so powerful that they have the guts to point their caustic finger on anyone. And due to the cutthroat competition between these media agencies, there are minimal leeways for false news.

Still, we cannot say that the Nepalese Media has been averting to all the criminal acts within Nepal. Nepal Blog Discovery is extremely thankful and enjoys programs like "Sarwajanik Sunuwai" (Public Hearing). The degree of corruption, within the Nepalese bureaucracy, illustrated by the critical program, never fails to astound. The sweat-covered face of corrupt officials, at hearing the public accusations, provides a sense of relief after vengeance.

Publishing Media, on the other hand, has been quite successful in becoming puissant enough to publicize what is exactly taking place within the country. Since "Gorkhapatra", the daily government newspaper has not been as dictating as its Audio-Visual counterpart- NTV; government has not much control over the paper media.

Finally the Internet, well... it has never been under the control of anything and no government will ever be able to stamp its authority on the NET. The current government has banned few web sites such as www.samudaya.org and www.insn.org but such actions are like pouring water on sand.

Nepalese Media posted by Pradeep Chand @ 6:54 PM

Comments:

interesting blog, i invites you to visit mine on english at http://catmanenglish.blogspot.com
thx

#
posted by

Catman : 4:02 PM

As a Canadian jounrnalist who grew up in Nepal, I am very interested in the state of the media there. How would you describe the print media? How much freedom the press would you say there is right now in Nepal?

thanks,
Anita

#
posted by

anitaxpressmyself : 6:51 AM

Hi Anita,
Nice to know that you grew up in Nepal and you still care about what is going on in Nepal. After the recent success of Jana Aandolan (public revolution), all forms of media have gained complete freedom and have become more powerful. Now, its not a rare site to see strong criticisms and satirical cartoons against those who are in the government. The political leaders are patient with the media but we can not yet say the same about Maoist party. Just few days back, Maoist members tortured a journalist in a remote place. But the Nepal journalism council immediately sent a team to that area to find out the truth as the Maoist leaders are completely denying the allegations.

#
posted by

Pradeep Chand : 1:38 PM

Freedom of the press? The press enjoys so much freedom that it is vulgar. These yellows are on a power trip these days. Somthing has to be done to distingush a proper journalist and those who are in this for all those fringe benefits.

#
posted by