Kathmandu, Aug 3. Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has said the government is committed to press freedom and civil rights.
At a programme organized by Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) here Monday, Finance Minister Sharma said, “Current government and ruling coalition stand firm for press freedom.” He also vowed that financial problems faced by media sector in the face of COVID-19 pandemic would be addressed well.

According to him, relief could be managed in a way it would prop up small and mid-scale media. “Working class is facing a severe problem at present. They have lost their jobs. So, solution can be reached after holding broader discussion,” he added.

He however pointed out the need of reform in media law and acts along with institutional structure and capacity building.

On the occasion, Acting Chair of FNJ, Ramesh Bista, reminded Minister Sharma that journalists were relieved from the post and deprived of remuneration in the name of COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has been an excuse, he said, adding that the laws on media should be friendly to media persons. RSS

KATHMANDU, May 1: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), an umbrella organization of working journalists in the country, hosted a solidarity rally for press freedom and freedom of expression to mark the 26th International Press Freedom day on Wednesday.

The rally that began from Babar Mahal passed through Bijuli bazaar before converging into a corner meet upon reaching New Baneswar, in front of the Federal Parliament building.

Participants, including working journalists and rights workers, carried placards with various slogans calling for freedom of press and expression. Speaking on the occasion, FNJ Chair Govinda Acharya called for the restructuring of the media sector and full enforcement of the minimum wage for working journalists in the country.

Photos: Reporters’ Club Nepal/Mukunda Kalikote

KATHMANDU, Jan 8: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has said that Nepal Police does not have the authority to shoot letters to the editors, seeking to know the source of news that is published or broadcast and requiring the editor to be present at the police station for an explanation over the issue of that news.

A press release issued by FNJ general Secretary Ramesh Bista on Monday states that the FNJ’s attention was drawn to the Police’s writing letter to some online news portals to disclose about the source of a particular news that they had carried and asking the editors of these news portals to be present in person at the police station to furnish explanation.

In the press release, Bista has urged the sides concerned to seek solution to any complaints or grievances over any news published or broadcast by the mass communication media through the Press Council.

The FNJ has concluded that such incidents would only cause hindrance to the news media in enjoying the freedom of the press.

“We urge the sides concerned to immediately stop such activities and not repeat them. The FNJ would be compelled to take strong steps of protest if such anti- press freedom incidents were not halted,” the FNJ stated.

The press release also states that the FNJ has come to the conclusion to draw the serious attention of the government and the security bodies after holding consultations with the representatives of Nepal Press Union, Press Chautari Nepal, Press Centre Nepal, Revolutionary Journalists Organization Nepal and the Online Journalists Association, and to jointly defend the freedom of the press, freedom of expression and protection of the news source. RSS

KATHMANDU, Aug 21: Voting has begun for a new leadership of the Federation of Nepali Journalists in the 25th general convention that is underway in the capital.

The voting began from 10:00 this morning, according to election committee coordinator Chiranjibi Khanal. Voting for a new 45-member executive committee shall take place until 3:00 pm today. Voting is taking place on a province-wise basis at separate locations at the general convention venue, Nepal Academy.

There are a total of 1,516 voters. The counting of votes will take place at the FNJ central office in Sanchargram later today, Khanal said. RSS 

Photo: Mukunda Kalikote