CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
The important role media plays in
fostering an environment of good governance and political awareness needs
hardly be emphasized. As the watchdog and interpreter of public issues and
events, the media has a special role in every society. In an information-based society
the media has a disproportionately visible and influential role.
Democracy cannot exist in the absence
of the press. This is because democracy is based on popular will and popular
opinion depends on the public’s awareness and knowledge. It is the mass media
that brings up, promotes and propagates public awareness.
The main responsibility of the press
is to provide comprehensive, analytical and factual news and opinion to the
people on everyday issues and events of popular concern. To fulfill its duty
and responsibility, the press must work according to the fundamental principles
of professional ethics, as well as norms and values of journalism.
Democracy can neither be sustainable
nor strong without a freedom of the press. On the other hand, press freedom
will not be possible without democracy. Therefore, the mass media and
journalists must be committed to democracy. For this, the press must be
perpetually involved in the establishment and promotion of a democratic
culture.
The press must remain ever vigilant to
protect and enforce people’s freedom of thought and expression and citizens’
right to all information relating to the various aspects of their life and
future.
The fact that access to information is
a citizen’s right must be taken to heart, and information must be presented in
a simple and palatable manner. Right to information is inherent in democratic
functioning and a pre-condition for good governance and the realization of all
other human rights, including education and health care. The main objectives
should be the promotion of transparency and accountability in governance so as
to minimize corruption and inefficiency in public office and to ensure the
public’s participation in governance and decision making.
Media must be credible and trustworthy.
Trust is the most valuable asset for any media. Once lost, it cannot be earned
back. It is for this reason that all media must uphold their principles to
provide accurate and factual news and other programmes.
Press must understand the difference
between politics in general and party politics. Media should not be a vehicle,
or used as an advocate for any political party or ideology.
Public and political issues should be
clearly understood, analyzed and presented in an impartial manner.
During elections or political
campaigns, equal time slots or opportunity must be allocated to each of the
legitimate political parties and candidates. In the course of elections,
messages that encourage goodwill and harmony among all the ethnic groups,
religions, genders, cultures, languages, regions and communities should be
broadcast.
Media plays the role of watch-dog in
reporting corruption, complacency and negligence. In a changing, competitive
landscape, compliance to good governance has never been taken so seriously, as
people demand more transparency from both the government and private sectors.
Responsible practices from government, universal principles on human rights and
the fight against corruption have assumed great importance.
A flourishing media sector enables
people to make informed decisions, becoming more effective participants in
society’s development.
In a developing
country like Nepal,
the relatively low level of literacy, the variations in topography and limited
access to electricity all make radio the most suitable medium to satisfy the
information needs of the masses.
A robust, independent and pluralistic
media environment is crucial for good governance and the overall development of
the country. Freedom of expression, free flow of information and fair reporting
without government and commercial influences are accelerators of development.
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