Center for Media Research – Nepal (CMR-Nepal) has established “CMR Nepal Journalism Academy” in Kathmandu with the objective of strengthening the digital capacity of Nepali journalists.
The academy has been established in collaboration with Interlink Academy for International Dialog and Journalism of Germany.
German Ambassador to Nepal Dr. Thomas Prinz opened the Academy alongwith Interlink Academy’s Director Werner Eggert, Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) secretary Pawan Acharya and CMR-Nepal chairperson Trishna Acharya.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Ujjwal Acharya, managing director of CMR Nepal Journalism Academy, said the academy will start offering training programs for journalists on mobile journalism, podcast, digital security, fact check, media literacy and data journalism from January 2023.
In his message, Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) President Bipul Pokhrel said he was hopeful that the academy would enhance the capacity of Nepali journalists by imparting necessary training.
Pokharel said: “I am confident that the professional and passionate team of experienced journalists at the CMR-Nepal will ensure that the Journalism Academy will succeed in its mission to establish itself as a trendsetting digital journalist training institute.”
Pokharel in his message also said: “The rise of disinformation fueled by the internet and social media has been a threat to trust in the media. Disinformation is also a threat to democracy and democratic system and social peace we have. I believe that journalism is the strongest tool we have today to fight disinformation.”
Similarly, ambassador Dr. Prinz said democracy thrives only when the press is free. Stating that misinformation would be disastrous for society, he said the academy should work to minimize the dissemination of fake information.
Also speaking on the occasion, Eggert said he was hopeful that training imparted by the academy would enhance the professionalism of Nepali journalism.
Presiding over the program, CMR chair Acharya said the academy would be crucial in enhancing the technical and practical skills of Nepali journalists.
Journalists, journalism academician, CMR-Nepal’s supporters and members were present on the occassion.
