Kathmandu: Media scholars and experts have viewed the role of news agency was growing more in the wake of evolving media landscape.
They made such observation during a programme organized Friday on the occasion of 63rd anniversary of Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS). The speakers also urged RSS to expand services in view of the changed media scenario. Balance and credibility must be integral to news, they stressed.
RSS’ role is growing more at a time when it has been difficult to differentiate between information and news.
At the interaction organized by RSS Employees’ Union, media Professor Ramkrishna Regmi suggested that RSS prioritized investigative news in addition to reporting on activities of three tiers of government, while professionalism must be in focus.
Also the former chief reporter with RSS, Regmi reminded the verification of news and social responsibility of media. There is a global standard of news agency journalism, he informed.
Former chair of FNJ Mahendra Bista wondered if RSS opted for p
roviding information on State for free of cost to its subscribers. RSS could even bring forth investigate stories, he suggested.
Former chair of Sancharika Samuha Nirmala Sharma opined that RSS could pay heed to issues of marginalized community.
On the occasion, RSS’ Executive Chair Dharmendra Jha shared that he was aware that diversity should be reflected in RSS service. Although the subscription fee is negligible compared to foreign news agencies, RSS could mull how it can address distribution of news for free of cost.
General Managar Siddha Raj Rai also informed that efforts were underway to make RSS service inclusive.
Chief Editor Yekraj Pathak insisted that RSS’ relevance was growing with the increase in number of media. However, it is challenging for RSS to deliver news as per their demand and expectations, he mentioned.
Moreover, chair of public corporation employee’s organization Nepal Indu Acharya believed RSS would retain its image of authentic media of the country.
Deputy General Manager Shya
m Prasad Rimal pointed out the need of honing RSS skills and image because news agencies were emerging even in private sector of late.
Senior reporter Prakash Silwal and Union chair Kalika Khadka viewed they would pay attention to the suggestions received at the programme so that RSS’ relevance would grow further.
The RSS is holding its anniversary main celebration function on Fagun 7, coming Monday.
Source: National News Agency RSS