The role of the press council in the digital age

Nepali media is going through a difficult time. Traditional media or legacy media are struggling to continue their publication, while digital media is growing at an unprecedented level. For instance, Himal Khabarpatrika, Nepal’s renowned news magazine, shut down its print edition starting from June 2023. The Nepali print media industry is probably in the midst of the biggest crisis in its history. This is because: sources of revenues are drying up as both advertisers and audiences are shifting to digital platforms.

Despite many odds and difficulties, print media in Kathmandu is sustaining but the situation outside the Kathmandu valley is distressing. The circulation and sales of most newspapers has plummeted, hitting the revenue generation. Many are resorting to online and PDF versions, relying on advertisement and public welfare advertising payments provided by the government but that alone is not sufficient. Readers’ habit of visiting stationery shops for newspapers is dwindling, leading shopkeepers to stop selling papers. This has particularly affected small-scale, self-employed newspapers. Some publications are surviving through public welfare advertisements, while others have ceased altogether.

According to the classification results of the Press Council of Nepal for the years 2077 and 2078 BS, a total of 868 newspapers participated in the classification process. This included 190 daily newspapers and 509 weeklies, with the remainder comprising semi-weekly, fortnightly, and monthly publications. But most of these publications have a very low circulation and sales volume. The Council is in the final stages of classifying publications for the recent years as well, and the condition is anticipated to be far more grim.

As journalism has transitioned from print to the digital era, this shift has ushered in both trials and triumphs. The rise of online media platforms has been meteoric and the pervasive influence of social networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter) has significantly impacted traditional journalism. Mainstream media outlets, including newspapers and TV, now find themselves needing to leverage these social networks to reach their audiences, underscoring the versatility and popularity of social media. With the decline of print media, a trend has emerged where publications are transitioning to online formats, or even becoming exclusively digital. This shift signifies that every media outlet and journalist must become technologically adept.

The proliferation of online and social media is not the only change; we have now entered the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From the moment we wake until we retire for the night, our lives are intertwined with AI, often without our conscious realization. To harness AI’s potential across various sectors, it is imperative for the government to implement a systematic plan. Any delay in digitizing data could result in Nepal falling behind in multiple fields. Just as in other industries, journalism has seen a widespread adoption of AI. Media outlets in developed countries have significantly increased their use of AI for tasks such as news collection, writing, analysis, and presentation. This trend underscores the growing importance and prevalence of AI in our daily lives.

Despite its pivotal role in driving political change, traditional media is grappling with unprecedented challenges. On one hand, there are issues with communication management, and on the other, questions about the credibility of journalism have surfaced in public discourse. Addressing these issues is crucial for integrating communication into the country’s development and prosperity. The task at hand is twofold: to leverage the evolving journalism as an opportunity, and to take effective measures to eliminate the problems and discrepancies that have arisen in this field. Cooperation and coordination with various agencies are needed to revive the journalism sector. There is a tendency to overlook the Code of Conduct in media promotion, leading to frequent violations. Newly established online platforms and social networks like YouTube have not paid sufficient attention to this aspect. In essence, it’s imperative to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and upholding journalistic integrity.

The Press Council serves as a quasi-judicial body, adhering to prevailing values and existing laws in its administration of justice. It directs the correction of false and misleading content that has been broadcast /published. The Council effectively carries out regular monitoring, receives complaints related to the code of conduct, and takes necessary action.  The Council’s role is not limited to prosecuting media; it also exempts those who adhere to the journalistic Code of Conduct by meeting certain standards. It honors and rewards media outlets that practice objective, dignified, and reliable journalism. In 2079-80 BS, a total of 221 complaints were registered, out of which 152 were settled while 69 are still in the settlement process. Through the Council’s regular self-monitoring, 259 pieces of content were found to be in violation of the code of conduct. Out of them, 219 were settled. Three media outlets were blacklisted and 74 unregistered online websites were prosecuted in the same period.

The advancement and progress seen in electronic media have posed significant challenges to traditional media, while also presenting opportunities to make print media more appealing to readers. The future of online journalism appears bright, although necessary initiatives to strengthen and organize online media are yet to be fully realized. Distortions, particularly in the realm of new media and the so-called “YouTube journalism,” have escalated. Society has raised concerns about the misuse of press passes and press jackets. The unprofessional behavior exhibited by most YouTubers, who are not registered anywhere, has begun to affect not just Nepali journalism and the communication sector, but the society as a whole. Such anarchic activities have heightened the risk of social disintegration. 

The government has been repeatedly urged to implement more policy arrangements in this regard.

The Council meanwhile has amplified its monitoring, orientation, and code of conduct awareness campaigns to empower the media. It continues to support initiatives such as capacity-building training, procurement of press materials, establishment of communication centers, interest subsidies, and treatment concessions. It has also commenced the publication of the English Year Book with the aim of chronicling various events, challenges, problems, and solutions in Nepali journalism throughout the year.

In the digital age, the Press Council has devised various strategies to address challenges in journalism and has effectively executed its duties. It has primarily focused on two aspects: firstly, fostering technological proficiency among journalists and media outlets, and secondly, emphasizing media literacy and orientation to ensure reliable and sustainable journalism. The Council is actively seeking resources and undertaking substantial work in these areas. Additionally, it is striving to ensure full compliance with the Code of Conduct through effective monitoring and action. The Council has also written to the Government of Nepal proposing amendments to certain sections of the existing Council Act, which is currently under consideration. Furthermore, the Council has initiated studies and research with the assistance of media matter experts to address the problems. This year, an expert group was formed to monitor and enhance the Code of Conduct in journalism, and the group has since submitted its report.

The Council has introduced a one-day orientation class aimed at acquainting new online outlets with the Code of Conduct and fundamental values of journalism, which has proven effective. Similarly, mandatory orientation classes for media outlets and journalists found in violation of the code of conduct have yielded positive results. The practice of journalism through digital platforms has given rise to new topics that should be addressed by means of the Code of Conduct. To enhance journalism and broaden its reach, the Code of Conduct should clarify the responsibilities of relevant media in terms of content sharing on social sites. Additionally, third-party comments on media content should also fall within the purview of the Council’s Code of Conduct. There is a need to elucidate certain references in the Code of Conduct or guidelines when journalists produce, distribute, share, and comment on content on digital platforms.

The trend of producing, distributing, and sharing news content through YouTube and other social sites without media or journalist involvement is on the rise. This is an area that should be addressed by a code of conduct or guidelines. In this context, the expert group formed by the Council has provided various recommendations. In addition to plurality and diversity, attention should also be paid to new trends in journalism, newsroom structures, and workplace safety. A code of conduct is a self-regulatory system. The mass media itself should establish a self-regulation framework that prioritizes hearing complaints about content first.

As the prevalence of social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, X, and YouTube continues to rise, it becomes increasingly challenging to distinguish between news media and personal content, as well as between journalists and regular users. These platforms serve a dual purpose: they are used by individuals for personal expression, while also being leveraged by media outlets to disseminate their content. This has led to the emergence of various TV channels on YouTube, blurring the lines between personal networks and institutional media.

It is crucial to identify and categorize these platforms appropriately. YouTube channels operating as media outlets should be registered and organized under the Department of Information as well as the Press Council. This was a point of discussion at the World Press Council’s meeting in Nairobi, Kenya last year, where Nepal proposed a comprehensive code of conduct for media operating through social media. This proposal is currently under further study and discussion. 

Regardless of how these social networks are operated, it is essential for users to ensure their reliability and avoid conflicts. To achieve this, self-regulation must be implemented creatively. Journalism must evolve to cater to the preferences of new generations, leaving behind outdated practices. 

The crux of the matter lies in preserving journalism. This requires a clear definition and recognition of journalists and journalism. The Press Council, in collaboration with experts, is currently studying this aspect. The focus should then shift to enriching content to make it more insightful and exploratory. Upholding balanced journalism within the code of conduct will ensure the endurance of this field.

The author is Chairperson of the Press Council of Nepal