Media fellows set to advance independent and inclusive journalism
KATHMANDU | August 21: A two-day residential Training of Trainers (ToT) for seven young journalists concluded successfully in Kathmandu on August 20. The ToT, organized by Media Action Nepal (MAN) under the Countering Disinformation and Promoting Inclusive Newsroom initiative with support from the Czech Republic, aimed to build a new generation of media trainers who can strengthen independent, inclusive, and ethical journalism in Nepal.
Led by globally renowned media rights advocate and journalism trainer Laxman Datt Pant, the ToT combined expert-led sessions with highly engaging exercises designed to enhance both technical knowledge and facilitation skills. National-level media experts including Chhatra Karki, Umesh Pokharel, Kalpana Acharya, Priyanka Jha and Mim Bahadur Pariyar joined as co-trainers, delivering thematic sessions that reflected some of the most pressing challenges facing Nepali journalism today.
Safety, Gender Sensitivity, and Ethical Reporting [Day 1]
The opening session on August 19 on Media Freedom, Freedom of Expression, and Journalist Safety in the Digital Age was led by Laxman Datt Pant, the Founding Chairperson of Media Action Nepal, who highlighted surveillance, self-censorship in corruption reporting, hate speech, caste and gender-based trolling, and risks faced by journalists covering protests, elections, and disasters. The session included an interactive Threat Mapping Wall exercise, helping fellows identify and analyze real-world risks to press freedom.
This was followed by a session on Gender-Sensitive Reporting facilitated by Umesh Pokharel, Media Researcher, which examined portrayals of women, use of gendered language, representation of LGBTQI+ communities, and intersectional challenges faced by Dalit, Janajati, and geographically marginalized groups. Fellows participated in the Headline Gender Flip exercise, reworking headlines to eliminate stereotypes and bias.
In the afternoon, Kalpana Acharya, Chief Editor of Health TV Online and the Asia-Pacific Chairperson of the Global AMR Media Alliance conducted a session on Ethical and Inclusive Reporting on SRHR and Women’s Health, focusing on maternal health coverage, adolescent health, early marriage, and ethical interviewing practices. The session featured an Interview without Harm role-play, where fellows practiced sensitive questioning without re-traumatizing survivors.
Day 1 concluded with trainee reflections, where each fellow shared key takeaways and personal commitments to integrate inclusive practices into their future training and reporting.
Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Justice [Day 2]
Day 2 opened with a recap by fellows Kanchan Kumari Yadav and Uma Bhandari, before moving into Conflict-Sensitive Journalism. Facilitated by Priyanka Jha and Mim Bahadur Pariyar, Chair and Vice-Chair of Media Action Nepal, the session unpacked challenges in post-conflict reporting, caste-based violence, identity movements, and fact-checking politicized narratives. Fellows engaged in the Trigger Words vs. Bridge Words game, learning how to avoid divisive us vs. them framing.
The next session, led by Chhatra Karki, Vice Chairperson of the World Federation of Science Journalists explored Media’s Role in Climate Justice for Marginalized Communities. Participants built a Climate Justice Story Map, linking underreported local adaptation knowledge with broader climate policy issues.
Closing Session: Fellows Take the Lead
The final session of the ToT, lasting over two hours, saw all seven media fellows present their own training modules, demonstrating readiness to lead future workshops for 70 additional young journalists across Nepal.
- Sajira Shrestha highlighted the safety of women journalists in the digital age.
- Mimamsha Dhungel presented on inclusive reporting on women’s health.
- Rajendra Bhatta explored the emerging role of AI in Nepali newsrooms.
- Uma Bhandari and Kanchan Kumari Yadav both focused on gender-sensitive reporting.
- Kamal BK delivered a session on media freedom in the digital age.
- Karishma Chaudhari presented on media’s role in preventing child marriage.
Fellow-participants actively engaged with the presentations, raising questions that were thoughtfully and effectively addressed by all the presenters. This session not only showcased the fellows’ growth but also underlined their potential to serve as trainers
This Training of Trainers (ToT) is more than just capacity building, it is about building a multiplier effect, where young journalists have not only learned but are prepared to lead, said Laxman Datt Pant, the Lead Trainer during the closing session.
This Training of Trainers (ToT) is more than just capacity building, it is about building a multiplier effect, where young journalists have not only learned but are prepared to lead, said Laxman Datt Pant, the Lead Trainer during the closing session.
As the next step, these media fellows will soon train 70 additional young journalists, publish impactful news stories, and engage in ongoing and future media development initiatives of Media Action Nepal.