Media Action Nepal observes WPFD, releases reports
KATHMANDU | May 5: Media Action Nepal observed the World Press Freedom Day 2026 by releasing its annual press freedom report on May 3 in Kathmandu. Based on violations documented by Media Action Nepal between May 4, 2025 and May 2, 2026, Nepal’s press freedom is strongly opposed to independent journalism and free speech.
According to the report, Media Action Nepal documented 71 incidents of press freedom violations that impacted 78 journalists. The vast majority of incidents occurred in Kathmandu (Bagmati Province) and Madhesh Province, indicating that these are high-risk zones for journalists.
Media Action Nepal documented 71 incidents of press freedom violations that impacted 78 journalists. The vast majority of incidents occurred in Kathmandu (Bagmati Province) and Madhesh Province, indicating that these are high-risk zones for journalists.
“Overall, the period saw a decline in Nepal’s press freedom situation. There were no journalist killings in Nepal during this time period, which is an improvement from previous years,” reads the report. “Threats persisted, however, with a number of journalists receiving death threats in the midst of other issues that directly affected press freedom. There were two arrests, one equipment seizure, eight information blockages, 50 threats, six harassment cases, and ten instances of legal violations, affecting 78 journalists and ten media outlets or news platforms.”
On the occasion, a separate study titled ‘Youth, Media, and Information Integrity’ which assesses Nepali youths’ awareness, attitudes, and practices towards digital and media literacy, was released. The study with a survey of 332 young people (aged 18–30) from diverse backgrounds across all seven provinces of Nepal revealed that social media is the most widely used source of information, followed by news portals, though television is considered the most trustworthy. While youths show strong interest in educational and skill-based content, 88% face technical difficulties accessing online materials, the study summarizes. The study also highlights awareness of privacy and intellectual property rights, alongside significant experiences of online abuse especially among vulnerable groups.
While youths show strong interest in educational and skill-based content, 88% face technical difficulties accessing online materials. The study also highlights awareness of privacy and intellectual property rights, alongside significant experiences of online abuse especially among vulnerable groups.
Joining the launch of these reports alongside a roundtable on upholding press freedom and information integrity, stakeholders called for an enabling environment for free and accountable media in Nepal.
Dr. Laxman Datt Pant, founding chair of Media Action Nepal, stated that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other constitutional bodies appear to have excluded attacks on the media from their primary focus.
Jaco du Toit, UNESCO’s Representative in Nepal, emphasized the critical shift in how we interact with information in the digital age. “The new digital environment requires us to consume and use information differently,” he stated. Adding that the people should be extensively careful in checking and cross-checking information, He also stressed the importance of involving everyone in decision-making processes based on the information they receive.
Namrata Sharma, a senior journalist, connected modern digital challenges to historical struggles while sharing personal anecdotes. She noted that, while technology has advanced, the atmosphere of fear has remained consistent. She compared contemporary lurking (digital stalking/trolling) to the physical evasion of political activists during the Panchayat era. “Journalists, especially women, face increased risks of digital harassment and character assassination online,” she stated.
Media Action Nepal’s executive committee member and a co-author the study, Yam Bahadur Dura, sharing the survey report, said that a large number of youth trust news from television. Youth have an elevated sense of verifying information, he added.
Kabindra Burlakoti, Chief Whip and General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), said, “We are committed to the principles of press freedom and democracy, with no compromises on these standards.” He added that they seek support from organizations such as Media Action Nepal to foster constructive dialogue on media-related laws and policies, ensuring an enabling environment for both independent and credible media.
Journalist Anant Anurag suggested that journalists in this era should be academically sound to report more ethically and responsibly. Media researcher Umesh Pokhrel shared that the gatekeeping role of media has decreased while social media influence has increased. Dr Shree Ram Khanal, media educator noted that there is a lack of media literacy in people. Bhuwan KC from the Center for Media Research shared that media has become a tool for the elite class, which is hampering the role of media. The way of the current government is questionable regarding press freedom because they seem to be omitting the procedure, he added.
Santosh Sigdel, Executive Director of DRN, shared that it is very prevalent that laws are being weaponised against press freedom and media. The law formation in Nepal is very lengthy, which always pushes the timeline of law formation and implementation, he added. Media educator Sahishnu Paudel, shared that it is very critical to separate opinions and facts, hence journalists should be very careful with this so to combat misinformation and disinformation.
Faculty member at St Xavier’s College, Puja Giri shared that traditional media is being complemented by social media. She shared that students have reduced reading the news; their interest is to become communicators. Daya Dudhraj of Kantipur daily shared that laws are being formulated to stifle press freedom. Journalist Mohan Singh added that certain big media houses are surrounded by a syndicate with corporate houses, which restricts press freedom.
Jhabindra Bhusal, Chief Officer at Press Council Nepal, shared that media should follow codes of conduct to gain the trust of people. Restrictions posed on advertisements to private media will also push compromises on credible reporting, he added.
The inaugural session, moderated by Media Action Nepal’s Secretary Bal Krishna Sah and chaired by Priyanka Jha, featured remarks from NHRC Commissioner Dr. Lily Thapa, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Chairperson Bijaya Gautam, Press Council Nepal’s Chair Dr. Kumar Sharma Acharya, and Dr. Laxman Datt Pant, Founding Chair of Media Action Nepal and Deputy Chair of the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD).
The roundtable began with opening remarks from UNESCO Representative to Nepal Mr. Jaco Du Toit, Chief Whip of the House of Representatives of RSP Kabindra Burlakoti, and senior journalist Namrata Sharma. Attended by over 40 stakeholders, the roundtable discussion brought together experts, journalists and media educators and was moderated by Mimamsha Dhungel, a media fellow at Media Action Nepal.