Media Action Nepal demands PCN respect free speech and stay within its mandate
KATHMANDU/November 16: Media Action Nepal has urged the Press Council Nepal (PCN) to halt its harassment of independent voices and focus exclusively on fulfilling its designated mandate of promoting ethical journalism and supporting media development. Overreaching into areas outside its jurisdiction undermines public trust and risks eroding the foundations of a free and independent press in Nepal, said Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal.
In a concerning outwit of its jurisdiction, Press Council Nepal (PCN) has taken actions that threaten independent media and constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. On November 12, amid growing criticism from civil society organizations and experts regarding its role, PCN issued an appeal urging mass media and social media platforms, including YouTube channels and Facebook pages, to ensure their content is factual and reliable.
While accountability and factual reporting are essential, PCN’s actions go far beyond its legitimate mandate. According to its statement, the Council has conducted “special monitoring” of social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, regardless of their association with traditional media. Furthermore, PCN has submitted lists of social media accounts allegedly involved in malpractice to the Nepal Police, effectively initiating punitive actions against these accounts. .
“These actions by PCN represent a clear overstep of its authority and pose a direct threat to press freedom and free speech, which are fundamental rights enshrined in Nepal’s constitution,” said Laxman Datt Pant, Chairperson of Media Action Nepal.
According to a statement issued by PCN co-spokesperson and information officer Ram Sharan Bohra, the PCN is implementing a new procedure to facilitate and organize the use of social media pages such as YouTube and online. “If there is a complaint about the content communicated by social media (YouTube channel and Facebook page) or if it is discovered through self-monitoring, action will be taken in accordance with the provisions of the journalist code of conduct regarding such content, and other social media will spread rumors, exacerbate conflict, transmit obscene content, and promote superstition. If it is discovered that indecent/unrestricted content has been transmitted, correspondence will be sent to the Nepal Police (Cyber Bureau) for investigation and action,” the PCN statement reads.
The statement also includes a quote from PCN chair Balkrishna Basnet, who says that authoritative and reliable information flow is essential for strong and effective journalism. If social networks can be used for the same purpose, some of the current confusions will be resolved on their own. Although Basnet’s statement appears to be appropriate for ethical journalism, it could be extremely dangerous for social media and content creators who are independent and have the freedom to create and disseminate content through trusted platforms without interference and surveillance in the name of regulations from institutions such as the PCN.
The Press Council Nepal (PCN) has seven key duties, responsibilities, and powers, including: reviewing journalism policies periodically in consultation with relevant stakeholders and recommending changes to the Government of Nepal; preparing and enforcing a journalist code of ethics to foster healthy journalism; recommending measures for the development and distribution of journalism; maintaining up-to-date records; addressing complaints regarding published news through appropriate actions; conducting annual evaluations of newspapers’ activities and status, with reports submitted to the government; and investigating anti-social or objectionable materials published in newspapers. However, the PCN’s recent statement blatantly contradicts its mandated duties and powers, undermining the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.
Media Action Nepal expresses grave concern over this harmful stance and strongly urges the PCN to realign its actions with its mandate and uphold its commitment to press freedom and ethical journalism.
