KATHMANDU, AUGUST 13 Media researcher Umesh Pokharel has been elected as the new chair of Media Action Nepal, following a meeting of the organisation's executive committee members in Kathmandu today. Pokharel is a media activist and researcher with extensive experience in the media and development sectors. He previously served as South Asia Coordinator of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and has also worked as a research consultant for DW Akademie, Germany. His background spans media research, journalism, media development, press freedom and journalists' rights, with a particular focus on South Asia. Assuming office, he said, 'I am pleased to be part of Media Action Nepal and to contribute to its mission, vision, goals and priorities, particularly in promoting freedom of expression, journalists' safety, the right to information, and media development.' Welcoming the newly elected Chair, Dr Laxman Datt Pant, Founding Chair of Media Action Nepal, expressed confidence that under Pokharel's leadership, the organisation will continue to strengthen its work across key areas of media development, press freedom, the right to information, and freedom of expression, while fostering broader cross-sector collaboration to advance a vibrant and inclusive media landscape in Nepal. Amit Pyakurel was also appointed executive director of the organisation. Outgoing chair Priyanka Jha extended her best wishes to the incoming leadership and expressed hope of continuing to support free press and media development in Nepal and around the world.