Kathmandu: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, has committed to prioritizing the professional and physical safety of journalists through discussions with relevant state agencies. At the Hem-Sunil Risky Television Journalism Award distribution ceremony organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Nepal Television chapter, Minister Kharel emphasized his dedication to this cause.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Kharel expressed his intention to engage with the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the safety concerns of journalists. He also vowed to initiate an investigation into the killing of journalist Suresh Rajak, who lost his life while covering the Tinkune, Kathmandu protests on March 28. The minister assured that proper justice would be pursued for Rajak and other journalists who have been killed or injured during various struggles and demonstrations.
This year’s Hem-Sunil Risky Television Journalism Award was posthumously awarded to Suresh Rajak, a camera person for Avenues Television. Minister Kharel paid tribute to Rajak and the late journalists Hem Bhandari and Sunil Singh, after whom the award is named. He stated, “Respect gives the family patience and courage. I will discuss ways to ensure justice for slain journalist Rajak with the Home Minister and also bring this to the Prime Minister’s level.”
Minister Kharel also highlighted the necessity of making Public Service Broadcasting Nepal (PSBN) independent, professional, and financially self-sufficient. He clarified, “Let’s not have any doubts that Radio Nepal and Nepal Television merging means it will be PSBN. I believe we will make it responsible, accountable, independent, and professional.”
The Hem-Sunil Risky Television Journalism Award, established in memory of Nepal Television journalists Hem Bhandari and Sunil Singh, amounts to Rs 100,000 and has been awarded to television journalists for courageous journalism since 2064 BS. Bhandari and Singh tragically died in a helicopter crash in Ghunsa, Taplejung while collecting news on 7 Asoj 2063 BS. The FNJ’s Nepal Television chapter has been presenting the award on the same day annually.