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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