Kathmandu: Experts in the media sector have emphasized the need to amend existing regulations to make the news service of the RSS more effective and relevant. Speaking at a policy dialogue on ‘Current Status and Legal Provisions related to News Agency Journalism in Nepal’ organized by the Nepal Journalism Development Society, they highlighted the crucial role of the RSS news service as a backbone for most media outlets. They stressed the importance of amending and implementing laws to enhance RSS services.
According to National News Agency Nepal, RSS Executive Chair Dharmendra Jha stated that while the state should not run media, it should operate a news agency to publicize state affairs. He noted the diversification of RSS services into audio, video, mother tongue, and photos, and mentioned that round-the-clock services have been provided for the past year.
Advertisement Board Chair Laxman Humagain emphasized implementing the RSS Act enacted in 2019 BS and promoting good governance within the media, as outlined in the Advertisement Code of Conduct 2079 BS. Ram Prasad Dahal, General Secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, advocated for promoting news agency journalism based on existing laws.
Media professor Chiranjibi Khanal suggested reforming the formation of the RSS board of directors to meet international standards. Dr. Kundan Aryal, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University, argued that private news agencies should not be discouraged in a democratic governance system.
Former president of the society, Kedar Khadka, recommended making legal arrangements to welcome private news agencies in the country. Jagat Nepal, Chief of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, called for formulating a law to organize news agencies, given the increased demand due to the collapse of large media outlets.
Madhav Tiwari, President of the society, noted that although a dozen news agencies operate in Nepal, only three have received official permits from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.