Young journalists equipped to counter disinformation and promote inclusive reporting
KATHMANDU | July 27: To strengthen the capacity of young journalists in countering misinformation, enhancing media literacy, and promoting inclusive and gender-sensitive journalism, Media Action Nepal conducted a Residential Training Workshop on Countering Mis/disinformation through Media Literacy and Inclusive Newsrooms from July 23 to 25 in Godawari.
A total of 20 early-career young journalists from across Nepal, selected through an open call, participated in the workshop. The cohort included 12 women and 8 men, reflecting a strong emphasis on gender inclusion. The training was organized under the project “Strengthening Young Journalists to Counter Misinformation and Promote Inclusive Media in Nepal”, supported by the Czech Republic.
A total of 20 early-career young journalists from across Nepal, selected through an open call, participated in the workshop. The cohort included 12 women and 8 men, reflecting a strong emphasis on gender inclusion. The training was organized under the project “Strengthening Young Journalists to Counter Misinformation and Promote Inclusive Media in Nepal”, supported by the Czech Republic.
The training workshop was designed to be highly interactive and participatory, with each session incorporating a combination of expert presentations, group exercises, and active engagement from participants. The training was led by globally renowned media rights expert and trainer Laxman Datt Pant, who is also the Founding Chairperson and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal. He was accompanied by a team of senior and veteran journalists, including Rajan Pokhrel, Editor of The Himalayan Times; Namrata Sharma, Senior Journalist and Activist; and Shalik Subedi, Editor at Nepal Television.
Introduction and Inaugural
The training commenced on 23 July with a brief introductory session to familiarize participants with one another. It was officially inaugurated on 24 July with an opening session that included enthusiastic sharing of expectations by all participating journalists. The lead trainer presented the training objectives and session plan, setting the tone for the days ahead. Priyanka Jha, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, highlighted the organization’s continued efforts to empower young journalists, particularly women and those from gender and sexual minority communities—as a key priority in its media development initiatives. This session was moderated by Bal Krishna Sah, Secretary of Media Actin Nepal. In the afternoon, Mandira Khadgi from the Office of the Honorary Consulate General of the Czech Republic joined the participants.
Information Integrity and Tackling Mis/disinformation
The first session on July 24, facilitated by lead trainer Laxman Datt Pant, focused on Understanding Information Integrity and Tackling Mis/disinformation. The session introduced participants to key concepts such as information integrity, types of information disorder—including misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information—and their socio-political impact in Nepal. Pant emphasized the critical role of journalists in combating disinformation and safeguarding media freedom and freedom of expression.
Pant emphasized the critical role of journalists in combating disinformation and safeguarding media freedom and freedom of expression.
Through an engaging mix of presentation, interactive games, group exercises, and debates, participants explored fact-checking principles and practiced using verification tools. A lively discussion on whether the media can remain neutral in polarizing contexts encouraged critical reflection and active participation. Participants were divided into two groups to debate the role of media in agenda setting and narrative creation—specifically examining how media influences public opinion on whether Nepali youth should stay in the country or go abroad to contribute to the national economy. The discussions sparked critical thinking and highlighted the power of journalism in shaping national discourse.
Gender-Sensitive Journalism and Inclusive Media Narratives
Session 2, held on July 24, was facilitated by senior journalist and activist Namrata Sharma, and focused on Gender-Sensitive Journalism and Inclusive Media Narratives. The session aimed to promote ethical reporting practices and encourage participants to apply a gender-sensitive and inclusive lens to their journalism. Sharma introduced core concepts such as editorial responsibility, gender stereotypes in media, intersectionality in reporting, and the portrayal of women and marginalized communities.
Sharma introduced core concepts such as editorial responsibility, gender stereotypes in media, intersectionality in reporting, and the portrayal of women and marginalized communities.
The session was highly interactive, with participants divided into three groups for hands-on analysis of real media excerpts to identify ethical gaps and assess inclusivity in reporting. Group 1 explored gender stereotypes, examining how traditional roles are reinforced in seemingly positive stories, such as portraying a female mayor’s success alongside her domestic duties. Group 2 discussed the exclusion of intersectionality, analyzing how well-intentioned initiatives—such as rural scholarships for girls—may overlook other marginalized groups like children with disabilities or nomadic communities. Group 3 tackled ethical dilemmas in reporting, specifically around sensitive topics such as sexual violence. The group evaluated whether journalistic standards were upheld, especially in relation to victim privacy, age, and dignity.
Each group presented their findings and reflected on how journalistic narratives can either reinforce or challenge structural inequalities. Participants share that they had a clearer understanding of how to identify and avoid harmful narratives, and how to integrate a gender and intersectional perspective into their daily reporting practices.
Fact-Based, Credible Media Content
The third session on July 24 was facilitated by Rajan Pokhrel, Editor of The Himalayan Times, and focused on understanding and producing fact-Based, credible media content. The session aimed to strengthen journalists’ ability to produce structured, fact-checked, and impactful journalism in response to the growing threat of disinformation.
Pokhrel delivered a comprehensive presentation covering the elements of credible journalism, including the importance of media ethics, structuring a well-researched and engaging news story, source verification, and ensuring accurate attribution. He also emphasized the need for journalists to write with clarity, precision, and a strong sense of public responsibility.
Pokhrel delivered a comprehensive presentation covering the elements of credible journalism, including the importance of media ethics, structuring a well-researched and engaging news story, source verification, and ensuring accurate attribution.
Participants were divided into two groups and tasked with drafting outlines of counter-disinformation news stories. This hands-on activity allowed them to apply the principles discussed during the session. Pokhrel provided detailed feedback on each group’s work, focusing on the language, tone, structure, and factual accuracy of their outputs. The session helped participants critically reflect on the integrity of their reporting and provided them with practical tools to uphold journalistic standards in the fight against misinformation.
Reflections and Learning: Participant-Led Session
Day 3 of the residential training for young journalists began with an engaging participant-led session, designed to consolidate learning, foster collaboration, and encourage self-reflection. The session was co-facilitated by Mimamsha Dhungel and Kanchan Kumari Yadav, created supportive space for all 20 participants to share their personal reflections on the training experience so far.
The session was co-facilitated by Mimamsha Dhungel and Kanchan Kumari Yadav, created supportive space for all 20 participants to share their personal reflections on the training experience so far.
Sumitra Luitel shared that the discussion on gender stereotypes in media reporting helped her reflect on unconscious biases in her own work. I realized how easily we can reinforce harmful narratives without intending to, she said. Her commitment going forward is to apply an intersectional lens to every story she covers. Astha Basnet was most challenged by the session on fact-checking and verification tools. I often relied on instinct or intuition for credibility, but I now understand the importance of structured verification, she noted.
Kamal BK found the debate on media neutrality in polarizing contexts particularly eye-opening. It changed how I view the role of journalism, not just to report facts, but to provide context without inflaming divisions, he reflected. His takeaway was to pursue more nuanced storytelling. Similary, Karishma Chaudhari shared that the session on conflict-sensitive journalism made her rethink how to report on protests and community tensions. I want to avoid narratives that deepen divides and instead highlight solutions and voices of peace, she said. Sajira Shrestha found the ethical dilemmas in reporting cases of sexual violence to be the most impactful. It challenged me to rethink how headlines and framing can traumatize survivors, she explained. She committed to advocating for more sensitive newsroom practices.
This reflective session underscored the success of the training in not only building technical skills, but also nurturing ethical awareness, self-confidence, and a strong sense of purpose among the young journalists.
Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ): Inform, Not Inflame
Session 5, held on July 25, was facilitated by Laxman Datt Pant, who led an in-depth session on Conflict-Sensitive Journalism (CSJ). The session aimed to equip young journalists with the principles and practical tools needed to report ethically, inclusively, and constructively in Nepal’s diverse and often polarized media environment.
Pant began by introducing the concept of CSJ and the “Do No Harm” principle, highlighting how it differs from traditional conflict reporting and peace journalism. He stressed the importance of CSJ in Nepal’s current context, marked by post-conflict transition, identity-based politics, and persistent social divisions. Journalists, he emphasized, must play a responsible role in shaping narratives that foster understanding rather than deepening tensions. Participants engaged in interactive discussions on media responsibility in volatile contexts and explored ways to tackle harmful stereotypes, promote pluralism, and ensure balanced reporting in the face of political pressure and disinformation.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions on media responsibility in volatile contexts and explored ways to tackle harmful stereotypes, promote pluralism, and ensure balanced reporting in the face of political pressure and disinformation.
As part of a hands-on activity, participants were divided into two groups and asked to respond to a real-world scenario:
- Scenario: You’re covering a violent clash between two youth groups in your district. Disinformation is spreading rapidly online. Political actors are attempting to manipulate the media to blame one side. How will you report the story while ensuring balance, accuracy, and preventing further escalation?
Each group developed and presented a concise reporting strategy addressing three key areas: headline strategy, sources to prioritize and safety and ethical considerations. This exercise helped participants apply CSJ principles in a practical context, reinforcing the idea that responsible journalism can contribute to peacebuilding rather than polarization.
Media Literacy in the Age of Information Disorder
Session 6, was facilitated by Shalik Subedi, Editor at Nepal Television, and focused on media literacy in the age of information disorder. The session emphasized the critical role of journalists as media literacy advocates and explored how inclusive storytelling and fact-based journalism can combat the spread of false and misleading information.
Subedi’s presentation addressed the importance of promoting critical media consumption habits, especially in a digital landscape overwhelmed by mis/disinformation. He highlighted real-world cases illustrating the consequences of misleading reporting, and introduced practical tools for verifying information, sources, and visuals.
Subedi’s presentation addressed the importance of promoting critical media consumption habits, especially in a digital landscape overwhelmed by mis/disinformation.
Powerful Pitches: Truth, Inclusion & Ethical Reporting
Session 7, the final and concluding session of the training, was facilitated by lead trainer Laxman Datt Pant and focused on equipping participants with the skills to craft and present impactful story pitches rooted in truth, inclusion, and ethical journalism. The session explored the core elements of a strong pitch, emphasizing clarity, relevance, newsworthiness, and ethical grounding. Participants reflected on how journalism plays a vital role in challenging stereotypes, influencing public discourse, and promoting inclusive storytelling. They were encouraged to think critically about the stories they propose and how those stories can contribute to countering disinformation, promoting human rights, and strengthening democratic dialogue.
Pant guided participants to focus on key themes such as hate speech, misinformation, gender stereotypes, conflict sensitivity, freedom of expression, and inclusive narratives—urging them to align their pitches with these pressing issues. In a practical group exercise, participants were divided into four groups, each selecting one theme and drafting a three-minute pitch. The selected topics included countering hate speech, challenging gender stereotypes, promoting conflict-sensitive journalism, and advocating for freedom of expression.
Pant guided participants to focus on key themes such as hate speech, misinformation, gender stereotypes, conflict sensitivity, freedom of expression, and inclusive narratives—urging them to align their pitches with these pressing issues.
Each group presented their pitches, receiving feedback from the trainer and peers on structure, storytelling techniques, ethical considerations, and editorial value. This session not only reinforced the workshop learning but also empowered participants with a crucial journalistic skill: the ability to confidently pitch meaningful stories that reflect the values of truth, inclusion, and responsibility.
Participant-led Closing Session
The final session of the residential training concluded with a participant-led closing program, offering a meaningful platform for the young journalists to reflect on their learning, express appreciation, and share their renewed commitment to ethical and inclusive journalism.
Moderated by Kusum Rimal, a participant from Koshi Province, the session featured welcome remarks from Kanchan Kumari Yadav of Madhesh Province and a vote of thanks by Prakash Bahadur Parki, of Sudur Paschim Province delivered on behalf of all 20 participants. The experience sharing from Sumitra Luitel and Uma Bhandari highlighted the value of the training in enhancing their understanding of media ethics, information integrity, and the journalist’s role in shaping narratives that uphold democratic values and social inclusion.
The session was chaired by Priyanka Jha, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, who praised the participants for their active involvement and reiterated the organization’s continued commitment to empowering young journalists, especially women and those from gender and sexual minorities, to contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s democratic processes.
Lead trainer Laxman Datt Pant shared his concluding observations and outlined next steps for follow-up engagement, mentorship, and professional development. As part of the closing, certificates of recognition were jointly presented by Priyanka Jha and Laxman Datt Pant to all participants, acknowledging their dedication and contributions throughout the training.