Self-compunction must to retain institutional dignity of journalism: Info Minister Dr Timilsina

Kathmandu, Sept 23: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said the journalism sector ought to seriously review its weaknesses, make corrections and advance by maintaining professionalism, credibility and institutional dignity.

Addressing a programme organized to hand over the ‘Hem-Sunil Television Journalism Award for Courageous Reporting-2083’ in the federal capital on Wednesday, Minister Dr Timilsina viewed journalism is an institution in itself, so it requires responsibility to uphold prestige, dignity, and credibility with collective efforts of individual journalist, institution and entire journalism fraternity.

The programme was organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) chapter at Nepal Television.

“Every journalist must reflect on the elements that undermine the prestige of journalism,” the Minister stressed. He argued answers must be sought to the key concerns regarding the kind of journalism and media institutions we want to create and foster.

According to him, serious questions were being raised on the safety and professionalism of journalism and future of journalists. Considering this, government has been forwarding necessary initiatives to address the concerns. “The tendency to take to the streets and blame each other over minor issues would not help wipe out systemic problems. Rather strengthening established procedures, statutes and institutional systems help address the problems in this sector,” the Minister reminded.

The Minister pointed to the urgency of reviewing the status of public media institutions, including the agencies of public service broadcasting. He, however, reminded the public media’s long history and contributions to the development of Nepali music, media and journalism. It is essential to study the reasons behind the deterioration of public media, according to him.

“Why the media institutions despite owning the property worth billions of rupees seek help from State to manage employees’ pensions and benefits? What are the factors hindering the audits for years? We must find answers to these pressing questions,” Minister Timilsina became vocal, seeking transparency at public media. The physical infrastructures of the Radio Nepal and the Nepal Television are not subpar to private organizations, but why these institutions were yet to become robust, he wondered further.

The Minister urged these media to seek answers within the organizations themselves.

In his argument, institutional reform is prerequisite for bolstering public media agencies and the journalism sector in a whole. He underscored all sides’ preparation to rectify weaknesses and malpractices.

The Minister observed that as journalism is a profession that faces risks, the journalists must prioritize their individual safety. Those undertaking reporting assignments at risky circumstances can inform the public to avoid adversity. Individual safety must be prioritized while fulfilling professional duties whenever possible.

Five journalists were honoured on the occasion with the ‘Hem-Sunil Television Journalism Award for Courageous Reporting-2083’.Those receiving the award are Ramchandra Aryal (correspondent) and Diwakar Pokharel (cameraperson) of Himalaya Television and Shyam Shrestha (cameraperson) of Kantipur Television.

Even Shiva Silwal (Dhading correspondent) and Anjir Singh BK (Bhaktapur correspondent) of Nepal Television were honoured for their news coverage on climate change and environmental risks.

The Nepal Television chapter of FNJ has been conferring the award every year in memory of Hem Bhandari and Sunil Singh since 2064 BS. Bhandari and Singh, the reporters with the Nepal Television, died in a helicopter crash in 2063BS at Ghunsha, Taplejung district.

Environmentalists and dignitaries, including Minister of State for Forest and Soil Conservation, Gopal Rai, had died in the tragic incident. (RSS)