President Emphasizes Democracy as Fundamental for Free and Fair Journalism on World Press Freedom Day

President Ramchandra Paudel underscored the indispensable link between democracy and free, fair journalism, stating that democracy serves as the minimum prerequisite for ensuring a vibrant press.

In a message issued today on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, President Paudel reiterated the pivotal role of press freedom and freedom of expression as the cornerstone of democracy. He commended the Nepali press for its significant contributions to the nation’s democratic movements throughout history.

President Paudel emphasized that press freedom is not only essential for upholding citizens’ constitutional right to access information but also crucial for fostering transparency in governance and ensuring accountability. He highlighted the integral role of a free press in the broader democratization process of society.

“The neutrality, freedom, and robustness of the press are directly proportional to the strength of the democratic system,” President Paudel stated, emphasizing the collective responsibility to cultivate an environment conducive to these principles. He noted that Nepal’s constitution guarantees complete press freedom and freedom of expression, reflecting the nation’s commitment to these fundamental values.

President Paudel defined true press freedom as unrestricted engagement in every stage of information collection and dissemination, emphasizing the importance of pluralistic journalism in providing citizens with access to diverse news sources.

In his message, the President urged media professionals to prioritize truth and accuracy through independent journalism, cautioning against the proliferation of rumors that could mislead citizens and distort perceptions.

Furthermore, President Paudel cautioned against the dissemination of fake news via social networking platforms, warning that such misinformation could undermine the integrity of the system and sow confusion among the public. He expressed hope that World Press Freedom Day would inspire Nepal’s media fraternity to uphold the principles of truth, accuracy, and credibility in their reporting.

President Paudel’s message serves as a reminder of the critical role of a free press in promoting democratic values, fostering transparency, and empowering citizens with accurate information, reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to press freedom on this significant occasion.