How can the media thrive?

Nirmala Sharma has been elected as the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ). Securing 4,282 votes, she became the first woman to lead the media organization. This has revamped the organizations’ profile as well as sparked hope among journalists that the FNJ will work for a prosperous media landscape in Nepal. ApEx talked to three young journalists from different media houses about their concerns and expectations.

Sanskriti Pokharel, 20, The Kathmandu Post

I believe in press freedom and I expect FNJ to focus on engaging with local journalists and communities to address the specific challenges they face in remote and conflict-affected areas. FNJ should also provide safety training to journalists as that can ensure fearless reporting. FNJ could establish mentorship programs pairing experienced journalists with young journalists to foster knowledge sharing. As someone young navigating this field, I also see immense value in FNJ leveraging partnerships with media houses and academic institutions to provide scholarships, internships, and global exposure. I feel that a diverse media landscape leads to richer, more inclusive storytelling. Acknowledging and highlighting the contributions of journalists from diverse backgrounds and age can inspire others and shift perceptions about who can succeed in the field.

Sara Pahari, 22, myRepublica

FNJ should prioritize creating a secure environment for journalists, especially for those reporting from conflict zones or covering sensitive issues. This includes advocating for stronger laws to protect press freedom, journalists’ rights and providing legal support for journalists facing threats. It’s also important to establish crisis response mechanisms to address immediate risks. It can also partner with media houses and international organizations to offer scholarships or fellowships for advanced learning. This would make a difference in enhancing skills and career growth. FNJ needs to be proactive in guiding journalists on adapting to new technologies while addressing issues like misinformation, plagiarism, and ethical dilemmas in digital reporting. I’d love to see FNJ push for more inclusive policies within media organizations, ensuring fair representation of women, young journalists, and those from marginalized communities. Promoting leadership opportunities and recognizing diverse voices can create a more equitable and innovative media sector.

Tenging Dolma Tamang, 24, MakaluKhabar

In Nepal, although there is press freedom, journalists are frequently threatened and assaulted. Many journalists feel unsafe because of the news they report. In most cases involving the safety of journalists, the FNJ seems to merely draw the attention of the concerned individuals or authorities. When no action is taken against those responsible, attacks on journalists continue. So, the FNJ must go beyond just drawing attention and take decisive action to uphold press freedom and protect journalists. I believe there is a lot of nepotism and favoritism, and journalism is often misused. FNJ must look into this and encourage and reward those who genuinely practice good journalism, rather than favoring those aligned with political ideologies. The FNJ should introduce programs aimed at building the capacity of these groups. They should reward journalists who highlight issues concerning youth, women, and marginalized communities.