Kathmandu: Lawmakers have stressed the need to free the Media Council from political interference. At a discussion with the amendment proposers on the Media Council Bill during today’s meeting of the House of Representatives Education, Health and Information Technology Committee, the legislators suggested to get the Council freed from government control and interference. They also raised the voice to bring the bill in a way that would regulate the media and journalists but not impose control.
According to National News Agency Nepal, amendment proposer Manish Jha demanded an end to political interference in regard to the appointment of the Chairperson and members. Jha, who represents Rastriya Swatantra Party in the parliament, advised adhering to enshrine the provision of appointments in the bill in line with the recommendation of the committee along with the experts.
Another proposer, Bijula Rayamajhi, suggested naming the bill ‘Nepal Communications Council’. She said self-regulatory practices would increase when a hassle-free environment is created for journalists to perform. Lawmaker Thakur Prasad Gaire also echoed the need to bring the bill to facilitate the media sector rather than impose control. He recommended simplifying the provision of penalty in the law if the collection and dissemination of fake news is proved.
Lawmaker Sher Bahadur Kunwar demanded the placement of an independent individual instead of the line ministry secretary in the process of appointing council office-bearers. ‘How it could function impartially while keeping it under the government domain,’ he questioned. Another lawmaker, Rajendra Prasad Pandey, underlined the need to ascertain timely monitoring of the bill and the context when it is framed. “Attention should be paid to the development, protection, and monitoring of media so as to make it free and healthy, thereby developing journalism, including online and print as a dignified, responsible, and credible profession,” he added.
Also speaking on the occasion, proposers, including Dr. Amresh Kumar Singh and Narayani Sharma, highlighted the need to promote self-regulation in media. Lawmakers have drawn attention towards holding Council meetings in a routine manner while insisting on the provision that the members can also demand emergency meetings of the Council.