International Alert recently launched a briefing paper titled 'Journalism in Transition: Media, Information flows and conflict in Nepal' produced as a part of the EU-funded project Initiative for Peacebuilding - Early Warning (IFP-EW). The report, which seeks to understand the role of media in preventing, managing or provoking conflict, was officially launched by Nepal’s State Minister for Information and Communications Ms. Surita Kumari Saha. A similar briefing paper titled 'Sustaining the Conversation: Media, Information Flows and Conflict in Liberia' was launched by Alert in Liberia in March.
The EU Ambassador to Nepal Dr. Alexander Spachis, Chief Commissioner of National Information Commission Vinaya Kasaju, senior Nepali journalists, working journalists, representatives of national and international organisations, Nepal Police and others attended the function. Two Liberian journalists on a week-long learning exchange visit to Nepal, facilitated by Alert, also participated in the programme.
Shiva Gaule, the President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) presented the paper, highlighting lack of professional standards, politicisation and impunity as major challenges faced by Nepali journalists. Gaule pointed out that enhancing the professionalism of the media through skill enhancing opportunities and strengthening of the rule of law are basic prerequisites for developing independent, free, empowered and safe media in Nepal. State Minister Saha acknowledged Nepal’s ineffective and outdated policy environment as one of the causes of the journalists’ challenges and called upon the media sector for dialogue and collaboration with the government to determine necessary amendments. The visiting Liberian journalists Nyahn Flomo and Winnie Saywah briefed attendees on the challenges faced by Liberian media and how these relate to conflict.
Both IfP-EW papers seek to understand the role of media and other information channels in influencing public understanding of the dynamics of violence and developing perceptions of security in post-conflict states. They analyse the role that media can play, positive or negative, in influencing people’s perceptions of insecurity and the dynamics of violence. They also address the obstacles or challenges which media face in playing a positive role within particular contexts.
Media in Nepal have played both positive and negative roles in managing peace and security. Media's role in restoring democracy, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, improving information flows between citizens and state, and empowering people to make more informed decisions have been lauded in the report. But there has also been criticism of lack of professional media practices, politicisation, and lack of representation of women and marginalised communities. Journalism in Transition concludes with recommendations to the EU and other donors to:
- Strengthen the professionalism and conflict-sensitive reporting capacity of media personnel.
- Strengthen understanding and awareness of legal frameworks to uphold media freedoms and ethical practice, amongst both journalists and the public, including where to go for redress when laws are broken.
- Strengthen the capacity of the government and media institutions to more effectively address the security challenges faced by journalists.
- Work with government and media stakeholders to create and strengthen a conducive environment for responsible, independent and safe media.
With the support of the European Union over the next two years, Alert Nepal will work with the Federation of Nepali Journalists and other media institutions to empower and strengthen media capacity as well as advocate for an improved policy environment for enabling free, independent and safe media.