KATHMANDU, AUGUST 2

The Nepal Media Society (NMS) concluded its 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kathmandu yesterday, electing a new working committee for the term 2082-2085 BS and issuing a comprehensive seven-point 'Kathmandu Declaration' addressing critical challenges facing the Nepali media landscape.

The autonomous, common, and non-profit organization, which brings together media entrepreneurs and operators, unanimously elected Madan Lamsal of the Aarthik Abhitan Daily as its new President. Founding President Kailash Sirohiya (Kantipur Media Group) and Captain Rameshwor Thapa (Annapurna Media Network) were appointed to the advisory committee.

The newly elected working committee also includes Shubhashankar Kandel (ABC TV) as outgoing president, Dharmaraj Bhusal (Himalaya TV) and Mahesh Swar (Kantipur Daiy) as Vice-Presidents, Bodhraj Tripathi (Soury Daily) as General Secretary, Nawaraj Kunwar (Butwal Today Daily) as Secretary, and Janak Panta (TV Today) as Treasurer. Dr Balkrishna Chapagain (Dainik Patra Daily), Nikita Poudel (Gopikrishna TV Filmy), Binod Poudel (Mission Today), Surendra Bahadur Singh (Gauri Shankar TV), and Rajan Pokhrel (The Himalayan Times) were selected as members.

Founding President Sirohiya extended his best wishes, commending the Media Society's establishment and its remarkable contributions to the media sector. The seven-point Kathmandu Declaration of Nepal Media Society highlights the 'crisis in history' faced by Nepali media, despite its active role in establishing the Federal Democratic Republic. The declaration outlines seven key demands and concerns:

Safeguarding Press Freedom: The declaration strongly condemned the misuse of cyber laws and the imposition of criminal charges against journalists for exercising their constitutional right to publish and broadcast public matters. It called for an immediate halt to activities undermining press freedom and international values.

Fair Advertising Policy: The NMS criticized the government's advertising policy, which it described as contradictory to privatization principles by continuing to mobilize budgets for state mouthpieces. It demanded a 'level playing field' for all media outlets, ensuring government advertisements are distributed equitably and transparently.

Scrutiny of Media Council Bill: A major point of contention was the proposed Media Council Bill, which the NMS views as an 'evil attempt to impose itself as a regulatory body' rather than promoting the media sector. The Society urged Parliament to prioritize an umbrella media act before enacting other media-related laws, emphasizing the importance of media self-regulation over government intimidation.

Promoting Domestic Advertising for Consumer Rights: Citing consumer rights as a fundamental right, the declaration advocated for mandatory promotion of products and services through domestic mass media, especially for imported goods. It highlighted the current practice of foreign media broadcasting information about goods sold in Nepal, arguing for domestic advertising from a 'natural justice' perspective.

Lifting Advertising Restrictions: The declaration drew serious attention to government policies that restrict advertising by private educational institutions and insurance companies. It argued that such prohibitions negatively impact students, parents, and the flow of vital information, urging the government to correct these restrictive provisions.

Addressing Disinformation and Online Advertising: The NMS expressed grave concern over the 'global disinformation epidemic,' which turns social media into an 'anti-social phenomenon.' It criticized the government's indifference to managing misinformation and tackling illegal online advertising that drains the national tax base, urging immediate initiatives for clear and legal frameworks.

Curbing Unhealthy Competition: Finally, the declaration called for a code of conduct among media organizations to combat 'unhealthy competition' in the advertising market. It urged media entrepreneurs to follow minimum rates and ensure transparency to dignify the industry. The Nepal Media Society's new leadership and its comprehensive declaration signal a strong resolve to advocate for a free, fair, and sustainable media environment in Nepal.