Nepali Media More Independent Than Regional Peers: Leader Rana

Nepali Congress central committee member and House of Representatives lawmaker Uday Shumser JB Rana has said that Nepal’s media landscape is more independent, impartial, and effective compared to other countries in South Asia. Speaking at the inauguration of the Seventh General Convention of the Nepal Journalists’ Forum in Lalitpur, he emphasized the essential role played by the media as a watchdog in society and a pillar of democracy.

On the occasion, Ram Prasad Dahal, General Secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), reaffirmed the FNJ’s dedication to advancing the rights and welfare of journalists across the country. Arati Chataut, Deputy General Manager of Public Service Broadcasting, stressed the need for the State to take greater responsibility in ensuring the safety of media personnel.

Forum Chair Yubaraj Bidrohi called on journalists to maintain neutrality by avoiding political affiliations, highlighting the importance of ethical and independent journalism in shaping a responsible media culture.

Several journalists were also recognized for their contributions. Senior journalist Arati Chataut and Ramkala Khadka of Annapurna Post received the Pratap Memorial Journalism Award. The Gauri Narayan Shrestha Madhyanha Prize was presented to Santosh Mishra, editor of chandrasuryabani.com, while the Najir Uddip Memorial Journalism Award went to Chetan Raj Sapkota. Photojournalist Ghana Shyam Shrestha was honored with the Dr. Chuda Bahadur Shrestha Memorial Journalism Award, and television journalist Tanka Kala Timalsina received the Ballabh Bhandari Memorial Award.

The event underscored the continued need for press freedom, journalist safety, and professional integrity to uphold democratic values in Nepal.