With 30 days remaining for the federal and provincial elections, the role of media in making the upcoming polls free and fair was discussed here today staying that countering misinformation and hate speech as well as promoting inclusive media is key to free and fair elections. The workshop on fair media coverage, the seventh in a series, was organised by Media Action Nepal and supported by Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). It covered topics such as professional standards and code of conduct for journalists, media approach to human rights, countering hate speech, and promoting inclusive news content. "Media persons have a vital role to play to ensure free and fair elections as they are responsible for facilitating free flow of information to help people make informed choices about which party and leader to vote for," said Chairperson of Media Action Nepal Laxman Datt Pant.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of the Kaski chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists Bimala Bhandari urged journalists to meet public expectations during the elections through fair reporting and practice objective, impartial and balanced journalism every day.

Secretary of Media Action Nepal, Ganesh Ghimire said, "Journalists must remind the government of its obligations to uphold human rights protected by Nepal’s constitution as well as those provisions set out in the international human rights treaties." At the event, human rights expert SB Chhetri shared how media persons can contribute to ending disinformation and hate speech in a world dominated by social media. While commenting on the workshop, a Pokhara-based journalist, Suman Gurung, said, "Through the event I have developed my understanding about new approaches to develop inclusive and diverse media content." A total of 175 journalists, half of them women, benefitted from the seven series of the workshop organized by Media Action Nepal with CFLI funding in the headquarters of all seven provinces.