Ill Effects of Journalism in Nepal

Journalism is one of the most crucial arbitrators in overall functioning of the country. It has influence from governance to development, environment to social & economic aspects. That why it is regarded one of the pillars of democracy. Journalism in Nepal has been flourished since long time but it has had a boom particularly after the democratic movement of 1993. Many mediums of Journalism- radio, television, internet, and newspaper have been sprung up in the country catering the various information demands of people.

Today in Nepal, except some big publication & houses, many newspapers have sprung up on the pretext of survival interests (run for bread). Many such small publishing houses publish the sensational news on political scandals, big corruption stories and crafted news just to make their sells soar. Such stories only makes the public curious, they don’t have the place to check the validity of the news. Nor the affair gets investigated so far and the public is informed. This has challenged the morality of journalism which has to confer truth to the public. This has, no way done well for our journalism. In developed countries Journalism provides true stories in dynamic fields, non-political structures, but in our country, journalism mostly focuses on the politics & day to day affairs.

Journalism has yet to become mature & professional in Nepal. Many journalists are quite young lacking adequate skill and performance with a very rustic temperament.

Yet in another aspect, we lack professionalism while dealing with the foreign dignitaries. For example, journalists often put queries with such visitors and diplomats in interviews or press conferences such as – how do you evaluate the relationship between the two political parties! What do you think will be the solution to our political problem? Or what will be your role to solve the crisis! And so on. Such kinds of questions unnecessarily undermine our capability and dignity while surrendering to foreigner's guidance in our own trivial issues. Journalists should speak the language of citizens shouldn’t make the people humiliated or undermine our dignity. This is how the dependent culture is all sought accepting the domination of foreigners.

Every day politicians are busy in media clubs for interviews, & conferences. They repeat their statements hundreds of times which at all are not fruitful. Party leaders blame each other and always make threatening & provocative statements about political situation. They don’t give breakthrough of the crisis but terrify the public with bad predictions. The platform becomes a place to blame, provocation instead of becoming a friendly interaction for a solution. The speeches of politicians are not good for anybody else. They don’t speak the truth but what benefits them and their parties. Medias also entertain them very highly give space to their statement which doesn’t carry any value. Media should now judge the relevance of such clubs & events and entertain only those which carry a high importance. Medias should demonstrate the professionalism presenting the truth which can make their esteem high and show the responsibility at the transitional time of the country.