KATHMANDU, JULY 27
Media Action Nepal has strengthened the capacity of young journalists in countering disinformation, enhancing media literacy, and promoting inclusive journalism through a Residential Training Workshop held from July 23 to 25 in Godawari. The workshop was part of the project "Strengthening Young Journalists to Counter Misinformation and Promote Inclusive Media in Nepal," supported by the Czech Republic. Twenty early-career young journalists from across Nepal, including 12 women, participated in the training, which was designed to be interactive and participatory.
The workshop was led by globally renowned media rights expert and trainer Laxman Datt Pant, Founding Chairperson and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal. He was joined by experienced journalists Rajan Pokhrel, Editor of The Himalayan Times; Namrata Sharma, senior journalist and activist; and Shalik Subedi, Editor at Nepal Television.
The training began with an introduction to information integrity and the challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information. Pant emphasized the critical role of journalists in safeguarding media freedom and freedom of expression while combating disinformation. A key activity involved dividing participants into two groups to debate how media narratives influence public opinion on whether Nepalese youth should stay in the country or seek opportunities abroad, demonstrating journalism's power to shape national discourse.
Namrata Sharma facilitated a session on gender-sensitive journalism and inclusive media narratives. Participants examined editorial responsibility, gender stereotypes, intersectionality in reporting, and the portrayal of women and marginalized communities. Through group analyses of real media examples, participants identified how traditional gender roles and exclusion of marginalized voices appear in coverage. They also tackled ethical dilemmas in reporting sensitive cases such as sexual violence, discussing journalistic responsibilities regarding victim privacy and dignity.
Rajan Pokhrel's session focused on producing credible, fact-based journalism. He highlighted essential elements such as media ethics, story structuring, source verification, and clear, accurate writing. Participants worked in groups to draft outlines of counter-disinformation articles and received detailed feedback on language, tone, and factual accuracy. This session equipped them with practical tools to uphold journalistic integrity amid growing misinformation threats.
Laxman Datt Pant led an advanced session on conflict-sensitive journalism (CSJ), introducing the 'Do No Harm' principle and differentiating CSJ from traditional conflict reporting and peace journalism. Given Nepal's post-conflict social divisions and identity politics, Pant stressed the importance of ethical, balanced reporting that promotes pluralism and avoids inflaming tensions. Participants were divided into groups to devise reporting strategies for a scenario involving violent youth clashes and disinformation, focusing on headline approaches, source prioritization, and ethical considerations. This practical exercise reinforced their role as peacebuilders.
Shalik Subedi's session addressed media literacy in the age of information disorder, emphasizing journalists' role as advocates for critical media consumption. He discussed the consequences of misleading reporting and introduced tools and techniques for verifying sources and debunking misinformation. Participants engaged in practical exercises to improve their verification skills and explore inclusive storytelling approaches.
The final session, facilitated by Pant, focused on developing powerful story pitches grounded in truth, inclusion, and ethical reporting. Participants learned why a strong pitch matters and explored its core elements, including clarity, newsworthiness, and ethical responsibility. They were encouraged to consider how journalism shapes social attitudes and influences editorial decisions. Divided into four groups, participants drafted three-minute pitches on topics such as countering hate speech, challenging gender stereotypes, promoting conflict-sensitive journalism, and advocating freedom of expression.
The third day began with a participant-led session co-facilitated by Mimamsha Dhungel and Kanchan Kumari Yadav, providing a space for individual reflections. Participants shared personal learning experiences and commitments to applying their new skills. Sumitra Luitel reflected on recognizing unconscious gender biases in her reporting and vowed to use an intersectional lens in future stories. Astha Basnet highlighted the importance of structured fact-checking over intuition. Kamal BK reconsidered the role of neutrality in polarized contexts, while Karishma Chaudhari committed to reporting protests with a focus on peace. Sajira Shrestha expressed the need for sensitive newsroom practices in covering sexual violence.
The training concluded with a participant-led closing session moderated by Kusum Rimal. Chairperson Priyanka Jha praised the journalists' dedication and reiterated Media Action Nepal's commitment to empowering young journalists, particularly women and gender minorities. Lead trainer Laxman Datt Pant shared his concluding observations and outlined next steps for mentorship and ongoing engagement. Certificates of recognition were jointly presented by Jha and Pant, acknowledging the participants' growth and readiness to inclusive and independent journalism in Nepal.
