Kathmandu:Minister for Information and Communications, Dr. Bikram Timilsina, emphasized the importance of maintaining press freedom by ensuring that media in the country operate responsibly and accountably.
According to National News Agency RSS, Dr. Timilsina spoke during a discussion organized on the draft of the Mass Media Bill, 2083, at the Ministry on Thursday. The event was attended by stakeholders and Ministry officials. The Minister highlighted the necessity of a legal framework to clarify the boundary between press freedom and its misuse.
Dr. Timilsina noted the crucial roles both law and media play as major pillars of a democratic society. He stressed that the relationship between these two elements should be managed responsibly, with law providing binding rules and delineating the roles of state institutions, while media offers information to citizens, facilitating public debate and government accountability.
He urged the media to consider the interests of consumers and the general public, reiterating that journalism is a highly responsible profession. He underscored the importance of individual freedoms while exercising press freedom, stating, “Press must not be misused. Press freedom is a constitutional right, no one can seize it, but exercising one constitutional right should not violate the other.”
Dr. Timilsina further elaborated on the delicate relationship between law and media, emphasizing the dignity and scope of each. He asserted that democracy and media are complementary, and their actions determine how democratically and responsibly they function. He mentioned that the government is working on formulating a mass media law that protects freedom of press and opinion, aligning with national needs.
Secretary at the Ministry, Rajendra Kumar Poudel, committed to refining the draft of the Mass Media Bill, 2083 BS, based on stakeholders’ suggestions. He assured that adequate discussions with stakeholders would take place before finalizing the draft.
Representatives of various media provided suggestions to the Ministry on the preliminary draft of the bill during the program.