KATHMANDU, MAY 3
Media Action Nepal released its annual press freedom report in Kathmandu today, observing World Press Freedom Day, 2026. According to violations documented by Media Action Nepal between May 4, 2025 and May 2, 2026, Nepal's press freedom is staunchly opposed to independent journalism and free speech.
According to the report, Media Action Nepal documented 71 incidents of press freedom violations using the indicators. The vast majority of incidents occurred in Kathmandu (Bagmati Province) and Madhes Province, indicating that these are high-risk zones for journalists.
"Overall, the period saw a decline in Nepal's press freedom situation. There were no journalist killings in Nepal during this time period, which is an improvement from previous years," reads the report. "Threats persisted, however, with a number of journalists receiving death threats in the midst of other issues that directly affected press freedom. There were two arrests, one equipment seizure, eight information blockages, 50 threats, six harassment cases and 10 instances of legal violations, affecting 78 journalists and 10 media outlets or news platforms."
Dr Laxman Datt Pant, deputy chair of the Global Forum for Media Development and founding chair of Media Action Nepal, stated that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other constitutional bodies appear to have excluded attacks on the media from their primary focus.
Jaco du Toit, UNESCO's Representative in Nepal, emphasised the critical shift in how we interact with information in the digital age. "The new digital environment requires us to consume and use information differently," he stated. He also stressed the importance of involving everyone in decision-making processes based on the information they receive.
Lily Thapa, commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, emphasised the critical role of civil society in ensuring press freedom. However, she lamented that the media should be more responsible when reporting, which can help avoid character assassination.
Namrata Sharma, a senior journalist, connected modern digital challenges to historical struggles while sharing personal anecdotes. She noted that, while technology has advanced, the atmosphere of fear has remained consistent. She compared contemporary lurking (digital stalking/trolling) to the physical evasion of political activists during the Panchayat era.
"Journalists, especially women, face increased risks of digital harassment and character assassination online," she stated.
Speaking on the programme, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chief Whip and General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti acknowledged that the government had come under fire for ignoring the media but emphasised a commitment to democratic norms and open communication about parliamentary proceedings.
"We are seeking support from organisations like Media Action Nepal to ensure information integrity and government accountability to the press," he stated.
Sharing experiences at a roundtable discussion on 'Upholding Press Freedom and Promoting Information Integrity,' senior journalist Anant Anurag lamented that many journalists are biased towards political parties, making unbiased reporting difficult to come by.
He called for higher academic standards and greater transparency in the profession. "If we cannot be transparent as journalists, our credibility will remain in question," said Anant Anurag, senior journalist.
Jhabindra Bhusal, Chief Administrative Officer of Press Council Nepal, criticised the use of sensational language and viral content culture for clickbait, urging media outlets to strictly follow the Code of Conduct.
Sahishnu Paudel, a media lecturer, emphasised the importance of distinguishing between opinions and facts. Journalists and media should exercise extreme caution in this regard. This practice can help to reduce misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
Puja Giri, a faculty member in the Department of Journalism at St Xavier's College, explained that social media is supplementing traditional media channels. She stated, "Students are less interested in reading the news; instead, they want to be communicators. Their lack of understanding of the distinction between content creators and journalists is a critical issue."