KATHMANDU, JUNE 30
The growing risks faced by women journalists in the digital era were a central focus of MediaTalk Series–XXXIX, hosted by the Faculty of Journalism at St. Xavier's College, Maitighar.
Speaking at the event, Jaco du Toit, UNESCO Representative to Nepal, stressed the importance of adhering to the Journalist's Code of Ethics to uphold public trust in the media. Referring to UNESCO's research report "The Chilling: Global Trends in Online Violence Against Women Journalists", he warned that online spaces remain particularly unsafe for women in journalism.
Binu Subedi, a journalist recognized for amplifying the voices of the marginalized, shared her personal experiences. "Women journalists face harassment at every step," she said. "That's what pushed me to speak louder-but in the end, it's worth it."
Fr. Dr. Augustine Thomas, S.J., Principal of St. Xavier's College, reflected on the broader relevance of ethical journalism in the current media landscape. "In an era where social media shapes public opinion, journalism ethics are not just professional duties but crucial to public trust," he remarked.
Chun Bahadur Gurung, Faculty Lead of Journalism and Coordinator of the MediaTalk series, highlighted the theme "Journalism Ethics in the Age of Social Media" as essential for students navigating the fast-changing media world. "While journalism is in transition and facing tough times, ethics remain non-negotiable," he said.
Dr. Binod Bhattarai, senior journalist and media educator, also engaged with students in an interactive session focused on upholding integrity in journalism.
