Interaction between MAN and Nebaraska University
Media Action Nepal, an academic non-governmental organization, in association with Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Nebaraska University, USA, organized one day interaction titled “Media and Contemporary issues in Nepal”. The event was organized at Media Action Nepal.
The program was attended by the Chairperson of Press Council Nepal Borna Bdr Karki, Senior journalist Babita Basnet, Senior Correspondent of The Kathmandu Post John Narayan Parajuli , Chairperson of Media Action Nepal Laxman Datt Pant , Bruce Thorson, Associate Professor of Nebrasaka University and Senior Photo Journalist Chandra Shekhar Karki.
The aim of the program was to inform the students of Nebrasak University and American journalists about the media and other contemporary issues of Nepal. PCN Chairperson highlighted the role of Press Council Nepal and the media scenario of Nepal. He provided the examples of current political status of Nepal. He also shared the problems of the devastative earthquake and political instability.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai of The Kathmandu informed about the political circumstances of Nepal. He also talked about the Madhesh based political parties and their demands concerning the amendment of constitution.
Senior Photo Journalist Chandra Shekahar Karki informed participants about the situation of Nepali Photo journalism and shared his experience of devastative earthquake. He also recommended them to visit the beautiful places nearby Kathmandu.
The senior correspondent of The Kathmandu Post John Narayan Parajuli explored the religious and cultural rites that are being practiced in Kathmandu valley which would be beneficial to American media students.
He also briefed about peace making process, Madhesi issues. Senior journalist Babita Basnet talked about Gender, Inclusion and women violence in Nepal. She gave the examples of Chupadi partha, Deuki partha and domestic violence on women. She also added that the constitution of Nepal is very progressive and mentioned 33% women reservation is guaranteed in Nepal’s constitution.
The chairperson of MAN Laxman Datt Pant talked about the overall media situation of Nepal. He said about more than 3000 newspapers, 600 fm stations and 82 televisions are providing services.
He said there are not clear provisions regarding foreign investment in media. He gave the examples of Doctors of Nepal: Every year Nepali medical colleges produce about 2500 doctors in Nepal. But hardly very few gets employment in Nepal.
Human Rights Activist Ghanesh Ghimire spoke about Human right scenario of Nepal. He shared his experience of reporting, and informed the participants about the right violence in Nepal.
Kalpana Acharya of the Avenues Television talked about current situation of health journalism in Nepal. She explained the role of health journalist to inform the viewers about different non communicable disease. She opined that in the context of Nepal it very difficult for a lay men to cure diseases like heart stroke and other critical diseases.
The Associate Professor of Nebrsaka University USA Bruce Thorson thanked MAN for the collaboration. He talked about the Media situation of America. He also compared and contrasted the media situation of both countries.
He highlighted the importance of media in overall development of the nation. He also informed the participants about their queries to select MAN and Nepal. He said he is with the group of professional journalists and media students of Nebrasaka for making news stories, documentaries and photography in Nepal.
The students of Nebraska University and American journalists said they love the cultural diversity of Nepal. They said they wanted to make documentary on Chaupadi Pertha, Raute community, prostitution, untouchability and other vulnerable issues.