Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism (CESIF) organized a round table discussion on ‘Geopolitics and Information Disorder in Nepal’ with the motive to initiate a wider engagement of stakeholders to discuss the role of infrastructure governance in Nepal and to disseminate the research findings on “Geopolitics and Information Disorder in Nepal” on Friday at Basera Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
The discussion brought together journalists, researchers, academicians and members from the Civil Society to discuss the issues surrounding the misinformation, disinformation and fake news in Nepali media, especially in the foreign policy aspect of journalism, reads a statement issued by the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism.
The discussion began with Research and Program Coordinator at CESIF Arpan Gelal addressing the distinguished guests and sharing his views on the misinformation and disinformation prevailing in the Nepali media sector.
“Misleading or fabricated media content on recent issues of geopolitical imports, foreign relations and diplomacy has led to the polarization of the public in several instances, including geopolitical and geostrategic implications. This was particularly evident in the media coverage of fabricated contents surrounding the ratification of the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact from the parliament and even in the vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19 pandemic.”, said Gelal, according to the statement.
Following the welcome remarks, Research Advisor at CESIF, Ajaya Bhadra Khanal presented the research findings. “The study found that in most cases more misinformation correlated with more negative portrayals of a country, hurting its reputation globally with an exception of just one country where more misinformation aligned with more positive coverage.
Along with some important insights on the detrimental impacts of geopolitical misinformation, the study highlights the need for expanded research and collaborative efforts to bring balance and thoughtful discussion.”, said Khanal during the presentation, the statement reads.
Editor at Republica, Kosh Raj Koirala, stressed that foreign affairs and news related to foreign policy is covered and printed based on the political ideology of the editors. He further said, “There have been instances where ideological bias nesses while the stories are covered and printed; the role of editor plays an important role in any media house and news coverage.”
While talking about the Chinese presence in the Nepali media, Parshuram Kafle, Chief Reporter at Nayapatrika, said “There is no pressure from the Chinese side in Nepali newsroom but there is a perceived threat.”
He further stated, “Nepali China experts are rigid and difficult to talk to in comparison to others. However, they blame Nepal for the lack of BRI implementation,” the statement further said.
Furthermore, Professor Lekhnath Pandey talked about images, cartoons and memes being weaponized these days with the use of social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to set false narratives among the general public and spread misinformation.
