According to MAN Chairperson Laxman Datt Pant, this award is pertinent step to appreciate and encourage the development of a free and responsible media in Nepal. “At a time when independent journalism continues to come under attack from many visible and invisible forces and media’s credibility is regularly questioned by various elements of the state and society, we hope this award shines a light on the distinguished individuals doing their best to foster a media environment that can speak truth to power, is empowered with the rights it needs to ask the necessary questions and is accountable to the people,” he said.
In 2023 however, as the first year of conferral, MAN will provide a single award incorporating all three categories. This year’s award will be conferred on senior advocate Borna Bahadur Karki. Karki is the former chairperson of Press Council Nepal and has been a champion of freedom of expression and media freedom for many years. During his time in the Press Council, as well as before and after that, he has contributed to the strengthening of Nepal’s media sector in many ways. He will be awarded amid a program to be organized in Kathmandu on Monday, January 10. Since its inception in 2015, MAN has been contributing to the cause of independent and responsible press through research, dialogue, advocacy, publication and documentation and capacity building of journalists in collaboration with national and international organizations. It is present in all seven provinces of the nation and has worked with over 5,000 Nepali journalists to date. It has also maintained an international presence, most notably through the Media Freedom Coalition and continues to present Nepal’s media perspective and raise its voices at the global level.
