Communications Minister lauds media role for political changes

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has said Nepali journalism has played a significant role in bringing political changes and protecting democracy in the country.

In her address to a programme organised on the occasion of the eighth National Journalism Day here today, the Minister said Nepali journalism had its historic contribution to creating public awareness and gaining a public support in different political movements at home.

"We will forever remember and recognize the historic role of Nepali journalism in making people aware of their positions and rights in the dark days during the Panchayat system," the Minister said.

As the Minister said, journalism is also professionally accountable for creating an atmosphere for institutionalization of political achievements and the transformation in people's life.

The Minister took time to say that media role was necessary to fight negativity in each sectors of the society. The government Spokesperson said," The government is serious towards the need to straighten media and improve physical and professional securities of journalists. "

 According to her, to recognize mass media as the national industry, to promote small-scale media which are based on self-employment and are non-profitable and to establish the Mass Communications Training Academy at the central and province levels are the priorities of the government.

This year the government honoured two senior journalists: Rajendra Dahal and Balaram Thapa and other six journalists: Anita Bindu, Ambika Dahal, Ganesh Lamsal, Gambhira Sahani, Ram Krishna Gyawali and Laxmi Acharya on the occasion of the National Journalism Day. Those awarded towards the Senior Journalist category received Rs 200,000 each with a letter of felicitation while six winning the 'National Journalism Award' received Rs 100,000 each.

On the occasion, journalist Dahal drew the government's attention towards the need of establishing a dedicated organisation for the research and study in mass communications and journalism.

Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) president Bipul Pokhrel also drew the government's attention to the need of increasing investment in mass communications and journalism with the formulation of better policies for the promotion of the related field.

---