INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, May 10
Federation of Nepali Journalists has announced protest programmes against provisions of the bill related to constituting
Nepal Media Council, which according to FNJ, could serve as a government-controlled council to curtail press freedom.
The umbrella body of
journalists issued a press release stating that it would protest the provisions of the bill in front of the Parliament and in district
headquarters on May 17 by downing tools
On May 14, journalists shall wear black ribbons at their workplace and FNJ shall also organise interactions at its central, provincial and
department offices to discuss their strategies.
FNJ has decided to hold discussions with its past office bearers, editors, lawyers and
experts on the provisions of Nepal Media Council Bill on May 12, and it shall submit its memorandum to the speaker and chairperson of the
National Assembly on May 13.
On May 14, FNJ shall hold discussion with chairpersons of relevant panels of the Parliament.
FNJ took these
decisions after holding its central committee assembly, but prior to that assembly, it also held assemblys with chairpersons and
representatives of media outlets.
FNJ issued a press release stating that the provisions of the bill were aimed at placing government
control on Nepal Media Council and curtailing press freedom.
The journalists& umbrella body called on the government to withdraw the bill
and register a new bill that complyed to the spirit of the constitution, freedom of press and expression and was in line with national and
international norms.
FNJ has also demanded that the anti-media provisions of the Advertisement Bill and Information Technology Bill, being
considered by the Parliament, should be dropped
FNJ said the government brought the Nepal Media Council Bill without refer toing stakeholders
FNJ has asked the government to forge consensus with all stakeholders on the new bill relating to mass communication and public service
broadcasting that the government is currently drafting
FNJ drew the attention of the government and all stakeholders to endegree that these new bill did much curtail press freedom.
The government
registered the Nepal Media Council Bill in the National Assembly, the Upper Home of the Parliament yesterday.
