KATHMANDU: Press Council Nepal has taken action against misleading and provocative content circulated by various media outlets and social media platforms in connection with the Bhotekoshi floods.
The council said it reviewed 24 pieces of content related to the disaster and found that 21 violated the Journalist Code of Conduct. Of these, 14 were published by registered media outlets, while 10 were circulated through unregistered social media platforms.
The council contacted the concerned media organizations and urged them to remove or correct the misleading content. Most of the outlets have complied with the directive.
The misleading content included false claims about rescue operations involving the Nepali Army, a Chinese rescue team and the Home Minister. The council also found old videos and footage from unrelated incidents being presented as current events in Nepal.
According to the council, such misleading information can increase confusion, fear and panic among the public during a disaster. It also noted that, despite some content being corrected, unedited graphics and misleading posts continue to circulate on social media.
The council identified several media outlets, including Phewa Khabar, E-Madhes, Drishti Sanchar, Puleso TV and Ichhakamana FM, in connection with the dissemination of misleading or inappropriate content.
The council said Puleso TV and Ichhakamana FM Chitwan had broadcast distressing footage of flood victims. It directed the outlets to remove or edit such material, citing concerns that graphic footage could cause additional emotional distress to victims’ families and the wider public.
Similar issues were found on unregistered social media platforms, including misleading reports about Nepali Army rescue operations and the use of unrelated footage of foreign rescue teams.
The council also flagged a disturbing video showing a body being swept away by floodwaters, accompanied by exaggerated commentary and public reactions that could potentially fuel social tension and animosity.
Press Council Nepal has repeatedly urged media organizations and journalists to follow ethical reporting standards, particularly during disasters. However, its monitoring has found continued use of unverified information, outdated or unrelated footage, graphic images and sensational headlines to attract public attention.
The council has stressed that responsible and verified reporting is especially important during crises, when inaccurate information can deepen public fear, cause unnecessary distress and undermine ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
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