Labor Journalists’ Association Proposes Comprehensive Restructuring of Nepal’s Media Sector to the Government

June 16, Kathmandu – The Labor Journalists Association Nepal has initiated detailed discussions regarding its proposal submitted to the government for comprehensive structural reforms in the media sector, assurance of journalists’ labor rights, and effective regulation of communication mediums. The proposal, handed over to Minister for Information and Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina, outlines serious recommendations to restructure Nepal’s mass communication sector under a new legal and institutional framework.

A delegation led by the Association’s President Janmadev Jaisi and General Secretary Manisha Awasthi presented the recommendations at the Ministry of Information and Communications, Singha Durbar.

During the discussions, the Association highlighted that despite rapid expansion in recent years, the media sector faces intensified challenges related to journalistic credibility, labor security, professional ethics, and institutional management. The most significant proposal in the document is the establishment of a “National Mass Communication Authority.” According to the Association, the current fragmented regulatory system fails to effectively oversee communication in the digital era, making a centralized regulatory body indispensable.

The proposed Authority would be responsible for multiple functions including registration, renewal, and classification of media outlets; journalist accreditation and protection; fact-checking; digital communication management; government advertisement distribution; and media research. The recommendations further suggest creating several units under the Authority: Media Registration and Regulation Department, Media Tribunal, Journalist Accreditation and Records Department, National Journalism Training Institute, Journalist Safety and Welfare Center, National Fact-Checking and Information Reliability Center, and Communication Studies and Policy Research Center.

The Association describes this as the fundamental structure for managing modern communication systems. The proposal emphasizes bringing print, radio, television, online, and other digital platforms under a unified legal framework. It also stresses transparency in media ownership and investment, mandates annual audits, and requires public disclosure of internal income and expenditure, with strict enforcement measures.