Chief minister Shah stresses government’s responsibility to protect and promote media sector

Attariya: Sudurpaschim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has stated that it is the government’s responsibility to protect and promote the media sector.

Speaking at a discussion organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists’ Sudurpaschim Province Committee and Kailali branch in Dhangadhi today, he highlighted the importance of the media sector as the fourth organ of the state. The program was held as part of a pressure campaign by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), which has been demanding revision of the government’s circular directing that government information and advertisements be published or broadcast only through government media.

Chief Minister Shah said, “The role played by the media sector in federalism, democracy, and the republic is important. The government should formulate a clear policy with a special plan to protect and promote journalism, which the state has recognized as the fourth organ.” He emphasized the need for policies that do not disadvantage any party.

He further stated that weakening the media sector would weaken democracy itself. Referring to the recent federal government circular, he noted that it has created difficulties for private media and expressed confidence that the government will introduce a policy that is acceptable to all and beneficial for everyone.

Chief Minister Shah also informed that the Mass Media Bill was recently tabled in the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to further refine and amend the bill for the overall development of the media sector.