Impartial journalism is foundation of democracy: President Paudel

KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has praised the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) for its significant contributions to the social and economic transformation of the country as both a journalism organization and a civil society entity.

In his address during a reception organized for the newly-elected office bearers of the FNJ at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas here today, the Head of State lauded the role of the journalists’ umbrella organization in strengthening the democratic movement and contributing to socio-economic changes.

“Our Constitution guarantees the complete freedom of the press, the right to freedom of expression and opinions, and the right to information with the realization that free, impartial, and professional journalism, along with the Right to Information (RTI), form the foundation of our democracy. Therefore, I believe the main goal of journalists should be the strengthening and sustainability of journalism,” he remarked.

He also highlighted that citizens’ need and desire for access to accurate information and news have been addressed with the advancements in information technology. However, he cautioned media houses about the potential risks of spreading fake information, urging them to be mindful of this issue in the competitive rush to disseminate news quickly.

The President stressed the need for the media, which is known as the fourth organ of the State, to disseminate factual and truth-based information by overcoming the present challenges in seeking and dissemination of truth, remaining under professional values such as impartiality, independence and objectivity, with maximum use of the latest information technology available.

President Paudel expressed the belief that the FNJ would work more effectively in the coming days for the rights of working journalists, freedom of press and expression, and for professional journalism.