On December 24, the Center for Media Research (CMR) Nepal successfully concluded a one-day discussion program focused on the intersection of media and good governance.
The event featured insights and experiences shared by experts and journalists.
Dr. Dhirendra Nalbo, Assistant Professor of Peace Studies and Cofounder of the Open Institute for Social Science, brought attention to the pervasive issue of corruption in Nepal, spanning from grassroots to the highest echelons of power.
His presentation underscored the prevalent tendency in Nepal to label politicians as corrupt while paradoxically re-electing them.
Shiva Gaunle, Editor-in-Chief of OnlineKhabar, highlighted a significant challenge faced by Nepali media – the struggle to transform information and events into meaningful issues.
Gaunle pointed out the absence of institutional memory in Nepali media, noting that journalists often rely on a limited pool of information sources when reporting on critical matters.
He specifically emphasized the growing seriousness of the corruption problem and acknowledged the media’s difficulty in actively addressing it.
Dr. Kundan Aryal, Associate Professor of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University, shared his perspective during the program, expressing concern that journalism is progressively tilting towards idealism at the expense of practicality.
Aryal stressed the importance of not just skill but also ethical considerations in professional journalism. He asserted that ethical standards are integral to complete journalism, cautioning against the influence of political bias in the field.
The program was attended by 35 working journalists and others.