The restoration of democracy in 1990 and the promulgation of one of South Asia’s most progressive constitutions ushered in a new era for Nepal’s media sector, which had long been under strict state control during the 30-year Panchayat regime. The constitution provided an enabling environment where both journalists and investors could operate free from fear of arbitrary arrest or harassment.
It explicitly prohibited the banning, seizure or cancellation of newspaper registrations, giving private investors a sense of security.
Many top political leaders, who were primarily educated in India and exposed to global democratic ideals, understood that freedom of speech and expression was the cornerstone of democracy. At the same time, Nepal’s economic liberalization policies, which encouraged deregulation, privatization and an open-market economy, expanded the advertising market, the primary revenue source for the media industry.
In this environment, a significant number of private investors entered the media sector. On the one hand, this helped establish media as a legitimate industry, a major development compared to the Panchayat years when outlets served mainly as political tools for the ruling regime or opposition forces fighting for democracy. Media was then less a profession or industry and more of a mission, funded by both sides for political ends. On the other hand, journalism began to emerge as a glamorous and financially rewarding career, attracting growing numbers of professionals.
This surge also pushed universities to introduce journalism education and the media industry quickly absorbed the graduates. In the initial years, the Nepali media landscape was dominated by newspapers which broadly fell into three categories. The first were party-affiliated papers, serving as the mouthpiece of major political parties. The second were state-owned newspapers which enjoyed strong influence. The third were privately owned broadsheets which soon rose to prominence, led by Kantipur. The daily, which was launched in 1993, has grown into one of Nepal's most influential media houses today. Many newspapers, however, shut down over time due to unsustainable business models.
Since 1990, the media industry has expanded rapidly in both reach and diversity. As of 1 Sept 2025, data from the Department of Information and Broadcasting shows Nepal has 8,000 registered newspapers, 5,135 online media outlets, around 700 radio stations and 250 television stations. While this growth has enhanced access to information and amplified diverse voices, the sector continues to face challenges of quality, accountability and financial sustainability.
From the mid-1990s onward, newspapers gradually lost their monopoly as the primary source of information for the Nepali people. Although state-owned television and radio stations were already popular, the rise of private radio broadcasting reshaped the landscape. Community radio stations, in particular, gained immense popularity for their ability to deliver news instantly. In rural areas, they became transformative platforms for disseminating news, information, education and public service messages, as well as amplifying the voices for marginalized groups, including women.
Television expanded shortly thereafter, rapidly increasing its reach nationwide. But the most disruptive change came with the rise of online news portals, which began to pull audiences away from print, radio and television. Mainstream media, once the dominant source of reliable information, has since seen declining readership and revenue as digital platforms mushroomed.
Nevertheless, Nepal’s mainstream media has made profound contributions to the nation’s socio-political development, particularly during the democratization process. Following the 1990s political changes, the country entered a turbulent period marked by two major challenges: The Maoist insurgency, which sought to impose a one-party communist regime through armed struggle and the monarchy’s attempts to reassert power, both of which undermined the constitutional order established in 1990.
During this period, the media came under attack from both sides. On one hand, it faced repression from the monarchy, particularly between 2001 and 2006, when censorship, harassment and confiscation of journalistic materials were common. On the other, the Maoists targeted journalists and media institutions, resulting in the deaths of over 36 media workers. These dual pressures placed media outlets in an extremely precarious position, as they struggled to uphold the principles of press freedom and democratic accountability amid criticisms that media should remain neutral and refrain from political engagement.
Despite censorship, threats and violence, the media remained steadfast in its commitment to democratic values, human rights and civil liberties. It continued to serve a watchdog role, exposing abuses of power and advocating for political reform. Today, however, the rapid expansion of digital media and video-sharing platforms presents new challenges to the sustainability and credibility of traditional media institutions. While the technology has improved access to information, it has not provided an adequate substitute for quality journalism. Independent, institutionalized and trustworthy media is essential in an environment increasingly polluted by misinformation, disinformation and propaganda. Yet, as outlets continue to investigate corruption and hold those in power accountable, they continue to face hostility from political actors and state institutions. This growing antagonism undermines press freedom and poses a serious threat to democracy.
The evolution of media in Nepal reflects the broader political and technological transformations the country has undergone. From the rise of radio in the 1990s to today’s digital disruption, media has consistently played a central role in supporting democracy, informing the public and amplifying marginalized voices. Protecting independent and institutional media is, therefore, vital to safeguarding democracy from collapse.
Unfortunately, mainstream media’s importance often goes unrecognized, except within the business community, which has begun to voice concerns. In an interaction organized by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) recently, top business leaders underscored the need for independent media that can question the government, ensure accountability and raise awareness on business and economic issues. Encouragingly, the private sector has recognized that while digital platforms may fulfill the need for instant information, they cannot replace the role of independent media.
This perspective highlights a crucial distinction between institutional media and the rapidly growing digital platforms. While digital platforms have significantly increased access to information and diversified voices in the media landscape, they often lack the editorial rigor, accountability structures, and ethical standards upheld by established media institutions. Digital platforms are frequently driven by clicks, algorithms, and viral content, which can prioritize sensationalism, misinformation, or unverified news over facts and context. In contrast, mainstream media—with its professional journalists, editorial oversight, and commitment to journalistic ethics—serves as a cornerstone of reliable information and democratic discourse.
The business community's support for independent media is particularly significant. It reflects an understanding that a functioning democracy, rooted in transparency and informed public debate, creates the foundation for sustainable economic growth. Independent media exposes corruption, monitors public spending and informs policy debates—all of which contribute to a healthier economic climate. Their support is thus not only altruistic but also a recognition of the symbiotic relationship between a free press and a thriving economy.
In conclusion, while digital platforms may serve as supplementary sources of information, they cannot replace the foundational role of independent, institutional media in a democratic society. It is essential that all sectors, not just the business community, actively support and defend mainstream media. Without strong, independent journalism, democratic accountability weakens, public discourse deteriorates and the very fabric of democracy comes under threat.
