Kathmandu, Oct. 29
Minister for
Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel said that online
television (YouTube channels) will be systematised and strengthened to
establish them as a new form of mainstream media.
During a discussion with
representatives of the Online Television Association and National Folk
Journalists Nepal on Wednesday, Minister Kharel said that the role of online
television has already been expanded as a primary medium of information, and
therefore, it must be made responsible, organised, and powerful.
“As the new mainstream
platform, online carries the greatest responsibility. Most Nepalis now consume
news through new media. The audience is constantly evaluating you - how
responsible and accountable are you? How truthful is the information you
provide? How much misinformation and disinformation exists? We all stand in the
people’s court,” he said.
The Minister added that
if the media operates professionally and responsibly, the public will be better
informed and able to access accurate information.
He also assured that all
workers in the formal sector would be included in the Contribution-Based Social
Security Fund, and he committed to simplifying the process of online media
registration and renewal by introducing necessary regulations.
Likewise, he reaffirmed
that social media would never be banned or shut down. According to him, neither
the new mainstream media nor any form of communication platform would face
closure.
“As the Minister for
Communications, I want to make it clear that social media and the new
mainstream media must never be banned, and they will not be banned. No type of
media should be shut down, and it will not happen,” said Minister Kharel.
Minister Kharel meets
Rajak's family
Meanwhile, Minister
Kharel met the family of late journalist Suresh Rajak and expressed his
commitment to pursuing justice for the victim.
During the meeting with
Rajak's spouse Sujan and other family members held at the Ministry of
Communication and Information Technology at the Singha Durbar on Wednesday, he
assured that efforts to ensure justice for the late journalist would continue.
He also committed to coordinating employment opportunities for Sujan and
supporting her in pursuing higher education.
On the occasion, Sujan
requested that the perpetrators of the incident be brought under legal action.
Journalist Suresh Rajak
lost his life when a house caught fire during a protest in Tinkune, Kathmandu,
on March 29 this year. His family has been consistently demanding that those
responsible be held accountable and brought to justice.
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