FNJ seeks improvement in Media Council, IT bills

Kathmandu: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), an umbrella organization of Nepali journalists, has sought further improvements in the Media Council Bill and Information Technology (IT) Bill before taking the documents ahead.

A meeting of the FNJ central office bearers and members available in the capital Thursday reviewed the latest status about the bills, deciding to go with pressure-creating programmes to get the FNJ voices addressed in the bills. The umbrella organisation of journalists highlighted the need of additional improvement in the Media Council Bill for Council’s autonomy.     

The meeting chaired by FNJ acting chair Bipul Pokhrel urged the government to sit for discussions with stakeholders concerned before proceeding with the bills.   

“Besides, the meeting has decided to draw the government’s attention towards a press statement capable of posing a threat against editors and media house issued by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal over the disseminated news,” the FNJ stated in the press meet.

It has also urged media house to follow media ethics and be more attentive while disseminating the news on the sensitive topics.      

It has as usual stressed on the editorial freedom in media house, deciding to keep going with efforts and monitoring in regard with the implementation of Working Journalists’ Act more effectively. 

Citing a large number of journalists are at present without press pass, it has demanded the government facilitate to create an easy atmosphere for renewing press pass and ensure safety of journalists. —