FNJ urges Gandaki State govt. to withdraw ‘Mass Media Bill’

KATHMANDU: SEPT. 17 – The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has asked the Gandaki State government to withdraw the ‘bill designed to manage mass media’, which is recently tabled at the State Assembly.

Saying the proposed bill is against the press freedom, freedom of expression and the spirit of the constitution, the FNJ urged the Gandaki State government not to forward the bill immediately.

The FNJ drew the attention of the bodies concerned to rewrite the bill making it in line with professional journalism and press freedom-friendly with the participation of FNJ and other stakeholders by withdrawing the bill immediately from the State Assembly.

A press release issued by the FNJ today reads, “The FNJ has been putting forth its dissatisfaction towards the bill saying some of the provisions in the bill are against press freedom. It is unfortunate to table the bill in the province assembly by neglecting the FNJ’s concern. Such a move has clearly shown that the state government is trying to control the press.”

“The bill tabled by Gandaki State government has anti-press provisions like controlling the press, curtailing the press freedom and jail sentence to journalists. So, the FNJ determines that the bill is against the sentiments of the constitution,” reads the statement.