Print Media Task Force Urges Government Not to Cut Welfare Advertising Funds

Kathmandu, September 13: The Print Media Protection Advisory Task Force has urged the government not to reduce the amount allocated to print media under the welfare advertising scheme. A delegation of the task force met CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli on Sunday and briefed him on the financial and professional challenges facing print media, while submitting a memorandum calling for the welfare advertising funds to be maintained.

During the meeting held at the CPN-UML Central Office in Chyasal, the task force representatives said that the financial condition of print media has been deteriorating steadily. They warned that any reduction in welfare advertising funds could directly affect the regular publication of newspapers and magazines as well as the employment of journalists and other media workers. The task force stressed the need for the state to make its support to the print media more effective and sustainable.

The task force called for the continuation of welfare advertising provided by the state for the protection, promotion and sustainability of print media. It also urged the government to introduce additional relief and policy measures rather than reducing the advertising allocation, considering the current financial difficulties faced by the sector. According to the task force, the declining financial strength of print media has created growing challenges for regular publication, job security for journalists and the overall sustainability of the media industry.

A delegation led by Damodar Dawadi, coordinator of the task force formed by the Nepal Press Federation, Bagmati Province Committee, held discussions with Chairman Oli on the current situation of print media, the financial crisis and necessary policy measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the communication sector. The delegation also shared its views on the state’s media policy, the effectiveness of welfare advertising and measures needed to protect and promote print media.

Responding to the delegation, Chairman Oli said that his party stands in favor of press and freedom of expression as well as the welfare of the media sector. He emphasized the important role of an independent press in strengthening democracy and expressed a positive view toward addressing the problems and challenges faced by the media sector. Discussions also focused on addressing issues related to the protection of print media and the professional security of journalists through appropriate state policies.

The task force said that the rapid expansion of digital media, changes in the advertising market and rising operating costs have placed traditional print media under increasing financial pressure. It concluded that cutting welfare advertising funds at such a time could push small and medium-sized publications into an even deeper crisis. The task force therefore reiterated its call for the government to ensure that welfare advertising funds are not reduced and are provided regularly and effectively to help sustain Nepal’s print media sector.