FNJ Empowers Journalists: “Media and Information Literacy Training” Held in Dang

The Lumbini Province Committee of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) recently concluded a two-day training session on Media and Information Literacy for Journalists in Dang. The program, aimed at equipping working journalists with techniques to critically evaluate content and avoid manipulated information, took place on February 5-6.

The training, which concluded on Tuesday amidst a function organized in Bhalubang, Dang, saw participation from 25 journalists from the province. Basanta Giri, Chair of the Lumbini Province Committee of FNJ, emphasized the necessity of encouraging journalists to develop foundational skills in media literacy to combat the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.

In his address, Giri stressed the importance of empowering journalists to critically evaluate media content in the face of the rising tide of false information. He emphasized that informed and empowered journalists play a vital role in enhancing the credibility of the media and countering mistrust.

Siromani Dhungana, lead trainer of the session and Secretary-General at the International Press Institute (IPI) Nepal chapter, highlighted the crucial role of media in the social learning process. Dhungana emphasized the need to equip journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills in media and information literacy to verify information and disseminate evidence-based facts.

Dhungana, who is also the editor of Nepal Live Today, underscored the importance of enabling journalists with fact-checking skills to tackle the growing challenge of misinformation effectively. He emphasized that informed journalists are better equipped to make informed decisions while disseminating information, thereby enhancing the prospect of quality journalism and consolidating democratic values and practices.

Bikram Khadka, General Secretary of the FNJ province committee, pledged to continue such training programs on media and information literacy in other parts of the province. The program received support from the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Lumbini Province, as confirmed by the FNJ.

The training session reflects FNJ’s commitment to fostering media literacy among journalists, empowering them to navigate the complex landscape of information in today’s digital age. Such initiatives are crucial in ensuring the integrity and credibility of journalism while combating the proliferation of false information in society.