Kathmandu: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology convened a significant meeting with online television journalists to strategize the integration of online TV as the new mainstream media. This initiative aims to enhance the management and effectiveness of online television platforms.
According to National News Agency Nepal, this marks the first official dialogue between the ministry and online television media representatives, focusing on gathering their insights and recommendations. Journalists emphasized the necessity of fostering fourth-generation journalism by improving professionalism, credibility, quality performance, and responsibility within online media platforms.
During the discussions, the journalists appealed to the ministry to formally recognize online TV as a mainstream media entity and advocated for support through state welfare advertisements and other facilities. Communications Minister Kharel responded favorably, acknowledging the pivotal role of online TV as a primary information source and expressing the government’s commitment to making online communication media more responsible, organized, and empowered.
Minister Kharel highlighted the arrangements made for the registration and renewal processes of online communication media through the Department of Information. He revealed that regulations concerning online registration and renewal have been approved by the cabinet and will soon be published in the Gazette.
The minister underscored the government’s dedication to effective citizen journalism, urging the new mainstream media to facilitate information dissemination in anticipation of the upcoming March election. He assured that no media outlet would face closure and emphasized the need for social media to operate responsibly.
Minister Kharel expressed confidence that the ministry would spearhead initiatives to provide training for representatives of the new mainstream media. Additionally, Jeevan Bhandari, President of the Online TV Association, called on the government to allocate public welfare advertisements to online TVs and support initiatives for organizing online platforms through registration, journalist training, digital literacy campaigns, and social security measures.
Chandramani Gautam, Chairperson of National Folk Journalists Nepal, also highlighted the importance of effective regulation and promotion of digital media, reiterating the need for strategic development in the digital journalism landscape.