100 journalists equipped with CSJ and ethical reporting skills across Nepal
KATHMANDU/November 29: Media Action Nepal, in partnership with the GiZ-Civil Peace Service, has trained a total of 100 journalists from across Nepal through a series of 10 webinars on Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ). The initiative, part of the “Strengthening the Role of Media, Youth, and CSOs in Peace building” project, aimed to enhance ethical reporting practices and foster peace building through the media.
Held from November 18 to 27, 2024, the webinars engaged journalists from all seven provinces, equipping them with essential tools to navigate the complexities of conflict-sensitive and ethical journalism. A total of 47 female and 53 male journalists participated, reflecting a strong commitment to gender inclusivity.
Media Action Nepal selected 10 journalists from each province for training, with three sessions tailored specifically for Karnali Province. Sessions were led by prominent media experts and supported by 10 co-facilitators from a pool of CSJ training fellows, including five women, further emphasizing diversity and expertise.
A 10-part webinar witnessed 100 journalists from 61 districts in Nepal, including 47 women and 53 men. The sessions were led by four lead facilitators: Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal; Namrata Sharma, senior journalist; Kamal Dev Bhattarai, editor of Annapurna Express; and Rajan Pokhrel, editor of The Himalayan Times. Three working journalists from national media (Laxmi Bhandari, Nari Magazine, Ramesh Dhamala, Kantipur TV, Bal Krishna Sah, The Himalayan Times) shared their knowledge and ten co-facilitators (five males and five females) who had previously completed CSJ training in Karnali. The participants included 37 from online news portals, 20 from television channels, 28 from radio stations, and 15 from newspapers. Furthermore, 27 journalists are currently reporting for national media outlets.
It began in Koshi Province on November 18, with Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, emphasizing the importance of CSJ. Pant urged journalists to avoid biases related to gender, religion, or community and to integrate CSJ principles into their everyday reporting. He highlighted the media’s role in promoting social harmony and preventing conflict. Co-facilitator Krishna Maya Upadhayaya, a BBC Nepali Service Correspondent, discussed her experience using CSJ principles in her reporting, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Karnali. According to her, responsible journalism can reduce conflict and promote community understanding.
The second webinar in Madhesh Province focused on the ethical responsibilities of journalists. Facilitated by Pant, the session explored the challenges journalists face in maintaining objectivity. Co-facilitator Rama KC, a correspondent for Himalpress, discussed the Journalist Code of Conduct and the Karnali Declaration, emphasizing ethical practices such as respecting privacy and avoiding sensationalism. The session highlighted how responsible reporting can mitigate conflict and contribute to peaceful discourse.
In Bagmati Province, senior journalist Namrata Sharma led the third webinar, where she emphasized solution-orientated conflict reporting. Sharma discussed the importance of fact-checking, understanding the psychological impact of conflicts, and respecting victims’ privacy. Co-facilitator Parichandra Khatri, a correspondent from Rastriya Samachar Samiti in West Rukum, underscored the value of constructive journalism in rebuilding public trust and fostering unity rather than sensationalizing issues.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai, editor of Annapurna Express, facilitated the fourth webinar in Gandaki Province. Bhattarai outlined the various conflicts in Nepal and discussed the role of journalists in mitigating them through ethical reporting. Co-facilitator Bamdev KC, editor of Khabar Gallery, emphasized the significance of using clear language, thorough research, and avoiding sensationalism in conflict reporting.
The session in Lumbini Province focused on the core aspects of the CSJ, such as human rights, freedom of expression, and fact-based reporting. Co-facilitator Shrijana Budhathoki, a correspondent for Nepal Samacharpatra, emphasized gender sensitivity in reporting, particularly when covering sensitive topics like gender violence. Ramesh Dhamala, a journalist with Kantipur TV, emphasized global conflict issues, focusing on how climate change exacerbates tensions in Nepal through challenges like water scarcity and environmental degradation.
The webinar in Sudurpaschim Province emphasized the importance of including local perspectives in conflict reporting. Pant facilitated the session, stressing the need for truthfulness, source protection, and critical thinking. Co-facilitators Tukmaya Gharti, a correspondent of Rara Khabar online Jajarkot, and Bal Krishna Sah, a correspondent at The Himalayan Times, shared insights on fact-based reporting and understanding local dynamics when covering conflicts.
Three webinars were conducted for Karnali, addressing the unique challenges of CSJ in one of Nepal’s most conflict-prone regions. Laxman Datt Pant, Rajan Pokhrel, editor of The Himalayan Times, and local facilitators Om Shahi, Lalit Budha and Lalit Bista underscored ethical reporting practices, such as verifying information, protecting sources, and addressing gender sensitivities. Laxmi Bhandari, assistant senior subeditor of Nari Magazine, shared her experience, emphasizing that conflict-sensitive journalism practices will be most effective if integrated into educational curricula. The sessions also discussed regional issues such as food crises, gender inequality, and border disputes.
Rajan Pokhrel led the final webinar for journalists in the Kathmandu Valley, distinguishing conflict from violence and emphasizing the importance of solution-oriented journalism. Co-facilitators Hikmat Bahadur Nepali and Sarita Chalaune shared their perspectives on reporting gender violence sensitively and combating misinformation in the digital era.
Media Action Nepal’s Chairperson Pant emphasized the significance of the 10-part webinar series in advancing Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ) across Nepal. “Media Action Nepal has effectively strengthened the knowledge and skills of journalists from diverse regions and backgrounds, enabling them to report ethically on sensitive issues and support peace building efforts,” he remarked. He further highlighted that the collaboration between local journalists and experts underscored the pressing need for conflict-sensitive practices in newsrooms, equipping journalists to contribute to a more informed, peaceful, and harmonious society
