Press Council committed to take action against media involved in spreading false information: Basnet

Press Council Nepal Chairman Bal Krishna Basnet said that he is determined to take action against any media that spurs anarchy.

Mentioning that legal action has been taken against some media for deliberately disseminating false information to disrupt social harmony and incite ethnic hatred, he said, “Some elements may be active to create confusion in the society by attacking the system. Media should always stay far from such characters and trends. The Council has already taken action against some media. Others will also be brought to book.”

Speaking at an orientation class attended by the editors of newly launched online media on Tuesday, he said that the violation of journalistic code of conduct is the abuse of press freedom, urning all to do journalism responsibly.

Just 2 weeks ago, the Press Council had written to Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police to take action against 43 YouTube channels for carrying out wrong activities under the guise of journalism.

Further action is being taken by placing some media in black list.

Chairman Basnet said that the online and YouTube media, which are flourishing in the digital world, should always be careful of being used by any interest group.

“Journalism has its own values, beliefs and principles. There are codes of conduct accepted globally. Spreading false information through media is also to provoke the society,” Basnet said.

Meanwhile, journalist duo Keshav Sharan Lamichhane and Bijay Raj Adhikari have been appointed as the board members in the Council.