Media Action Nepal celebrates 9th anniversary with new leadership and renewed vision

Media Action Nepal (MAN) marked its 9th Foundation Day and 3rd Convention on December 21, 2024, in Kathmandu, celebrating nearly a decade of championing independent, inclusive, and accountable media to strengthen democracy in Nepal. The event featured the election of new leadership, strategic plans for the future, and recognition of contributions to press freedom and media development.

Over 65 attendees joined the event, which featured a presentation highlighting MAN’s nine-year journey. The organization has published 26 reports and directly benefited 7,073 journalists through research, policy discussions, capacity building, and monitoring press freedom violations.

Priyanka Jha was elected as the new Chairperson, supported by Mim Bahadur Pariyar (Vice President), Bal Krishna Sah (Secretary), and Laxmi Khatiwada (Treasurer). Ganesh Prasad Ghimire, Yam Bahadur Dura, and Triguna Bhattarai were elected as members. The executive committee appointed Laxman Datt Pant, MAN’s founding Chairperson, as Executive Director, ensuring continuity in leadership.

On the occasion,  province coordinators—Hadis Khuddar (Madhesh), Narendra Dhakal (Koshi), and Lalit Bahadur Budha (Karnali)— were awarded for their exceptional contributions to media development and reappointed for the next four years.

At the inaugural session, Laxman Datt Pant stressed the urgent need to address growing threats to independent media. He warned of increasing impunity for crimes against journalists and the misuse of disinformation laws to suppress press freedom.

Two separate panel discussions examined challenges facing journalism and digital disinformation. Experts called for strengthened investigative reporting, fair wages, and innovative strategies to adapt to evolving media landscapes. Gham Raj Luintel emphasized innovation in converging media; senior journalist Namrata Sharma stressed the need for robust investigative reporting; and Rajan Pokhrel, Editor of the Himalayan Times highlighted leveraging technology for accuracy and speed. Chandra Shekhar Adhikari raised concerns about job insecurity in the media, while Santosh Sigdel underscored the role of fact-checking tools in combating disinformation. Rabi Raj Baral advocated for editorial gatekeeping, and Manjima Dhakal and Mahesh Kushwaha discussed responsible journalism and the challenges posed by generative AI in amplifying echo chambers.

Meanwhile, newly elected Chairperson Priyanka Jha pledged to uphold MAN’s mission to defend independent media and foster accountability. She emphasized promoting responsible journalism and expanding MAN’s reach in the coming years. The convention concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing challenges, fostering inclusive governance, and enhancing the media’s role as a democratic pillar.

The convention concluded with a strong commitment to tackling emerging challenges, fostering innovative and inclusive governance, and enhancing the role of media as a cornerstone of democracy in Nepal. Media Action Nepal continues to amplify its global presence through active participation in influential alliances like the Consultative Network of the Media Freedom Coalition, GFMD, and ACOS Alliance, reinforcing its leadership in global media advocacy.