KATHMANDU: Newly elected Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Bipul Pokharel, has vowed that new executive committee of FNJ would devote freedom of expression and respect to the rights of media workers and journalists.
Speaking at a reception organized by FNJ Radio Nepal chapter on the eve of New Year 2078 on Tuesday, Pokharel thanked all voters who elected him and his panel to the FNJ central leadership. “We have set the goal of free expression with safety of working journalists, and our activities would focus on creating favorable atmosphere to achieve the goal,’’ he reiterated.
Describing FNJ as an inclusive and umbrella organization of journalists/media professionals, he announced that the new leadership had already owned the agenda of its competitors. He urged the entire media fraternity to stand together with FNJ agenda. As he said, capacity enhancement of journalists and development of professionalism were key challenges and the FNJ would take a proactive role to develop a mechanism to address these issues.
Chairperson Pokharel expressed reservation over the proposed model of the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB), casting doubt it has incorporated related international principles and practices of PSB. PSB must not overlook the issues of working journalists. Broader discussions with all stakeholders could help reach conclusion, according to him.
“As the world is battling with the second wave of coronavirus and it has entered Nepal as well, journalists’ health should be prioritized. For it to happen, media houses should be aware of providing safe working atmosphere for journalists and flexibility on duty hours including work-from-home provision,” the Chairperson underscored.
Comment