Spread of false information via online media

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said the spread of fake and misleading information via online media in the wake of development in information technology is challenging.

Addressing the 53rd anniversary of Press Council Nepal on Thursday, President Bhandari expressed happiness over Press Council Nepal's mandatory orientation to the online media operators to make them effective and dignified at a time when the online media have emerged as a global challenge. She reminded that the Council was set up to develop fair, free and accountable journalism along with professional integrity.

She also appreciated the role the Council has been playing to censure those who violate journalists' code of conduct.

On a different note, the President said all state organs should seriously abide by the constitutional provisions to institutionalize the federal democratic republic. She also hoped the media would play an important role in holding the coming elections to Provincial Assembly and House of Representatives in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Govt expects journalists' role for successful election: Minister Karki

On the occasion, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, reminded that the government held the elections to local level, the foundation of democracy, successfully on May 13. The government has expected a significant role of journalists in the coming November 20 elections as well.

"We are poised for elections to the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly, so you the journalists and Press Council have a greater role for the society. Government is for taking country towards prosperity by holding in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere,"

He further said it is easy to talk about rights and duties from a public platform but difficult to implement in practice. So, it warrants attention from the concerned sectors, the Minister added.

Minister Karki urged the journalists to be a source of inspiration in society.

Meanwhile, Council Chairperson Balkrishna Basnet said time has come for credible journalism for strengthening the media.