Responsible press strengthens federal democratic republic: President Ram Chandra Poudel

Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Poudel has said that a responsible press will further strengthen the federal democratic republic. He expressed confidence that the Nepali press will play a more effective role in the campaign to fulfill the era-appropriate aspirations of good governance, development, progress, and economic prosperity expressed by the Nepali people through various movements and struggles over time.

Addressing an award distribution program organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology on Monday, President Poudel recalled the significant contribution of the Nepali journalism community in every political, social, and cultural change in the country.

He said, “Our constitution guarantees freedom of the press and expression. In accordance with this essence and spirit of the constitution, it is the responsibility of the state to create an environment for journalists to fearlessly and freely disseminate news. It is the duty of a responsible press to inform the people by disseminating truthful news. I am confident that the Nepali press will always be alert and vigilant in this regard.”

President Poudel stated that journalism is a vehicle of change and a powerful and effective means of nation-building. He further noted that while democracy is a prerequisite for free, impartial, and neutral journalism, democracy itself cannot be imagined without such journalism.

Stating that the situation where journalists feel insecure simply for reporting news should end, President Poudel said it is necessary to focus on ensuring a safe and risk-free environment for news collection and dissemination. He also emphasized the need for coordination between the government and private sector to protect the rights and interests of working journalists and ensure the financial sustainability of media houses.

He further stated that with the development of information technology and the increasing use of social media and citizen journalism, new challenges have emerged for mainstream media, but expressed confidence that the Nepali press will be able to address these challenges.

Congratulating the award recipients, President Poudel said that the Senior Journalism Award and the National Journalism Award are state honors recognizing the decades-long contribution of journalists in serving society through journalism. He expressed confidence that the achievements of the awardees will continue to inspire new generations of journalists to uphold professional integrity and truth.

At the event, President Poudel honored Chandra Kishor Jha and Namrata Sharma with the Senior Journalist Award, while Bhola Paswan, Umesh Shrestha, and Rupa Gahatraj received the National Journalism Award.