KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepali Journalists today held discussions with the office-bearers of its valley-based associate chapters about contemporary issues concerning journalists in their respective media houses.

During the discussions held at the FNJ central office at Media Village in Kathmandu, the participants shared various issues and challenges facing working journalists at their workstations with the FNJ central office-bearers.

Some of the participants expressed their concerns as to how long the working journalists must fight to get minimum wages and other rights.

They urged the FNJ, an umbrella organisation of journalists, to advocate for other minimum facilities ensured by the International Labour Organisation for working journalists as well. The basic remuneration set for a full time working journalist is Rs 19,500.

One of the woman participants while sharing her personal accounts as a media worker at a capital-based media house said female journalists have long been subject to discrimination based on their gender.

"Their physical appearances have been commented upon in a newsroom," she added.

The FNJ was requested to give its membership to those who really deserve it and highly discourage the culture of non-journalists acquiring it on the basis of their personal connections.

FNJ Vice President Dilip Thapa Magar, General Secretary Ramesh Bista and Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal were among those present in the meeting on behalf of the FNJ central office.