The government has drafted a bill aimed at discontinuing long standing public welfare advertisements received by the media. The Media Council Bill, proposed by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, includes several provisions perceived as restricting media freedom, notably the cessation of public welfare advertisements. Currently, the bill is being reviewed by the Committee for Legislation Management of the National Assembly. Critics argue that this bill undermines the existing independent nature of the Press Council, replacing it with government-controlled oversight.
Under the existing Press Council, Section 10 includes a provision for the Audit Committee of Newspaper Circulation, which facilitates government advertisements worth over Rs 300 million to classified newspapers. This provision is slated for removal in the proposed bill. During discussions within the National Assembly committee, parliamentarians emphasized the importance of preserving state support for newspapers. They also criticized the recommendation committee, led by the Ministry Secretary, for potentially overstepping constitutional boundaries by influencing judicial appointments.
Jayantidevi Rai, a Member of Parliament and chairperson of the committee, stated that consultations with fellow MPs and experts are ongoing. Section 6 (2) of the Media Council Bill proposes forming a recommendation committee chaired by the Ministry Secretary, a detail that has faced significant criticism. Additionally, objections have been raised against a provision that would elevate the ministry's joint secretary to a senior position within the council.
Notably, the new bill excludes provisions for public welfare advertisements to the media. During consultations, experts including Dr. Suresh Acharya, Taranath Dahal, and Nirmala Sharma advised against rushing through legislation that could endanger press freedom.
Various journalist associations, including the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Press Chautari Nepal, Nepal Press Union, and Samajwadi Press Organization, have issued a statement warning of protests if the bill advances hastily.
