13 July, Kathmandu : Minister for Information and Communications Dr Bikram Timilsina on Monday held discussions with representatives of ‘Digital Media Society’ on present status of media industry, challenges and policy reforms for the future.
During the meeting held at the Ministry, Dr Timilsina stated that a robust democracy was unlikely without a robust media industry and promised the government’s readiness to resolve the existing challenges the media industry is facing. Minister Dr Timilsina said that the Ministry was committed to ensuring further robust, institutional, credible and professional media, and expected support from all stakeholders in this regard. He also stressed that the media industry should maintain its own dignity, credibility and social responsibility. Likewise, the Minister added that the government was working on policy, legal and institutional reforms in the media sector to further strengthen this sector and make it more dignified.
On the occasion, Minister Dr Timilsina expressed concern over the trend of distribution and dissemination of sensational news by spreading fake news and deep fake created by the use of artificial intelligence. He called for cooperation to tackle such serious challenges surfaced in the media fraternity. During the meeting, Minister Dr Timilsina shared that discussions on mass communications bill and media council bill have been initiated, and added that the bills will be made contextual and practical based on the recommendations received from stakeholders.
On the occasion, representatives of the Digital Media Society said that the role of the Press Council should be made strong for effective regulations of the media sector, self-discipline and implementation of the professional code of conducts.
