Masudur Rahman, Returning from Nepal: The path to achieving media freedom in Nepal was not smooth. It has reached its current position through a long struggle and movement. Overcoming various historical stages such as the Panchayat system, monarchy, and civil war, Nepali media has tasted freedom and autonomy. Currently, as one of the pillars of democracy, Nepali media plays an integral and indispensable role in the social, political, and economic landscape of the country. By ensuring freedom of speech and the free flow of information as granted by the constitution, the media acts as a strong bridge between the government and the people. Its contribution to the overall progress of the country, establishment of good governance, and increasing public awareness is undeniable.
Specifically, the democratic movement of 1990 and the people’s movement of 2006 (democracy movement) played a crucial role in consolidating media freedom. These movements made the media stronger and more accountable, encouraging fearlessness in news gathering and dissemination. Although political pressure, attempts at control, and limitations in delivering information to remote areas are sometimes observed, Nepali journalists often work with courage and publish important information in the public interest.
The role of media in Nepal’s economy is not limited to mere information dissemination; it acts as an active driving force. The media provides information about the country’s economic trends, market conditions, investment opportunities, and challenges. It serves as a reliable source of information for domestic and international investors, aiding in investment decision-making.
Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage attract tourists worldwide. The media, especially travel magazines, blogs, and television channels, promote tourist destinations, which helps in earning foreign currency and boosting the local economy.
A large part of Nepal’s economy is agriculture-dependent. The media provides farmers with information about modern agricultural methods, market prices, weather forecasts, and government agricultural policies, which helps increase their productivity.
The media acts as a strong guardian against financial irregularities, corruption, and a lack of transparency in government project implementation. Its investigative journalism ensures accountability in government institutions and the private sector, creating a healthy investment environment.
Local products and services get the opportunity to reach a larger population through the media. This helps small businesses create product and brand awareness, contributing to job creation and economic diversification.
The media increases awareness about banking, insurance, stock markets, and other financial products. It helps ordinary people make financial decisions and fosters a culture of saving and investment.
Nepal has several strong media outlets that play a leading role in objective news reporting, analysis, and public opinion formation. Their role has been particularly notable up to January 10th. Among them is The Kathmandu Post: one of Nepal’s leading English dailies. It provides objective news on deep political analysis, economic reports, social issues, and international relations. Up to January 10th, it published detailed analyses of the country’s ongoing political instability, reviews of the new government’s policies, and regional geopolitical influences. Its reports on the Nepal-India border dispute, China’s growing influence, and the challenges of achieving economic stability have generated widespread public discussion.
Additionally, Nagarik News, Kantipur TV, The Himalayan Times, and BBC Nepali are highly important media outlets for reporting national-level news. Their reports on public life issues, development projects, and local government activities often attract the attention of policymakers. Investigative reports create in-depth discussions on national politics, social justice, and cultural matters. These media outlets also cover business and commerce, infrastructure development, and the tourism sector.
Nepal’s media is not just a medium for news dissemination; it is the lifeblood of democracy, an economic driving force, and a catalyst for social change. Despite challenges, its continuous efforts play an indispensable role in building a strong, transparent, and prosperous future for Nepal.
Masudur Rahman
Writer and Journalist
(Opinions published in the open column section are those of the author. The views expressed may not necessarily align with the editorial policy of BD24Live.com.)