KATHMANDU: Rekha Sharma, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering professional journalism and upholding the constitutional right to a free press.

Emphasizing the importance of media content that institutionalizes political achievements while discouraging undesirable and anarchic tendencies in society, Minister Sharma addressed the 74th anniversary celebrations of Radio Nepal today as the Government Spokesperson.

During the event, she expressed that the content of Radio Nepal should embody the fundamental principles of the federal democratic republic, which were attained through the sacrifices of Nepali citizens.

Minister Sharma emphasized the importance of Radio Nepal’s accessibility throughout the nation as a credible, reliable, impartial, independent, and effective medium of communication.

Minister Sharma commended Radio Nepal’s current coverage of 93% of the population and urged further efforts to achieve 100% coverage.

She also advised prioritizing extended broadcast hours for provincial transmission services in alignment with the spirit of the Constitution.

Highlighting Radio Nepal’s diversity in broadcasting news bulletins in 22 languages and programs in 21 languages, Minister Sharma remarked on how this diversity reflects the country’s multi-linguistic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural characteristics, representing a significant step towards implementing federalism.

She shared the government’s policy of establishing the Public Broadcasting Service by integrating Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, urging Radio Nepal to prepare for this transition.

Acknowledging Radio Nepal’s role as a witness to various political, social, economic, and cultural transformations since its establishment following the 2007 BS People’s Revolution, Minister Sharma stressed the necessity for Radio Nepal to produce and disseminate diverse content considering the nation’s geographical and cultural diversities.

Describing Radio as a primary source of information for citizens, especially in rural areas, Minister Sharma noted its role in ensuring access to information and entertainment for those without television and internet access.

She highlighted that Radio Nepal’s services are available online as well.

Minister Sharma advised Radio Nepal to focus on additional research and exploration of content related to art, literature, music, language, culture, knowledge, science, and information technology.

She emphasized the importance of producing and disseminating diverse content, bearing in mind the geographical and cultural diversities of the nation.

Regarding political transformations, Minister Sharma emphasized the significant achievements such as democracy, federalism, republicanism, secularism, inclusion, and proportional representation as results of the People’s War and people’s movement.

She stressed the importance of safeguarding these achievements and implementing changes in people’s lives based on the foundation of these political transformations.

Directing Radio Nepal to prioritize producing and broadcasting fair, trustworthy, factual, and reliable news, as well as more inclusive and people-oriented programs using new technology in this competitive era, Minister Sharma underlined the need for its content to be more public broadcasting-oriented considering the changing context, competition, and national responsibility.

Similarly, Ram Krishna Subedi, Secretary at the Ministry and Chairperson of Radio Broadcasting Service Development Committee, mentioned the government’s goal of developing Radio Nepal and Nepal Television as public service broadcasting organizations.

He urged Radio Nepal to prioritize educational, development, and public awareness-oriented programs to ensure the right to information and to advocate for good governance.

Likewise, Buddhi Bahadur KC, Executive Director of Radio Broadcasting Service Development Committee, shared that Radio Nepal has been broadcasting news in 22 different languages and programs in 21 languages round the clock through medium wave and FM broadcasting, as well as via online and digital platforms.

He explained that Radio Nepal has expanded its reach to 93% of the total population by establishing FM relay centers at 32 locations throughout the country.

During the occasion, Minister Sharma and Secretary Subedi jointly unveiled a souvenir published by Radio Nepal.

Minister Sharma presented the ‘Radio Nepal National Award’ to different personalities for their significant contributions to the promotion of radio broadcasting and the music sector.

Similarly, employees completing 25 years of service at Radio Nepal were awarded the Dirgha Sewa Medal (Long Service Medal), while this year’s best employee and best relay station were also honored.

RSS