The summit was organized in Itahari by Nayan Advertising Media Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with the Federation of Nepali Journalists Koshi Province and coordinated by the Federation Sunsari.
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The Koshi Media Summit has concluded with the issuance of a 14-point 'Koshi Declaration' covering various aspects of journalism, advertising market and the media industry.
The summit was organized in Itahari by Nayan Advertising Media Pvt. Ltd. and in collaboration with the Federation of Nepali Journalists Koshi Province and in coordination with the Federation Sunsari. The issued declaration emphasizes the need to strengthen the role of the federal, provincial and local levels under the Government of Nepal in the effective implementation of freedom of the press and expression guaranteed by the constitution. It also demands the government to guarantee the safety of journalists by taking strict action against those involved in attacks and threats against journalists.
The declaration points out the need to facilitate the distribution of press passes by the Department of Information, prevent misuse and ensure editorial independence. It also emphasizes the need to make the role of the Press Council Nepal more effective for the development of decent journalism.
In the context of increasing 'misinformation' and 'disinformation', it has been concluded that journalists need to be responsible and trustworthy, and that full compliance with the code of conduct and timely revisions are necessary. The summit has also pointed out that a new debate is needed on this issue as the nature of journalism is changing with the rapid development of information technology.
Similarly, it has been emphasized that a media literacy campaign should be launched to clarify the difference between social media, content creators and journalists. There has been a demand to make government advertisement distribution proportional and inclusive, and to provide grants and concessional loans to media houses in crisis.
The manifesto includes tax exemption on public welfare advertisements, effective implementation of the Working Journalists Act, and linking media houses to the Social Security Fund. It has also expressed a commitment to empower professional organizations to protect democracy, human rights and press freedom.
The summit has also expressed a commitment to make the Koshi Tourism Year 2082 a success and to support the overall development and prosperity of the province through journalism. Amar Khadka was the coordinator of the manifesto committee, while Himal Dahal and Shishir Bhattarai were the members.
Press Council Chairman Kumar Sharma Acharya, National News Committee Chairman Dharmendra Jha, Gorkhapatra Corporation Chairman Akhand Bhandari, Advertisement Board Chairman Laxman Humagain and Federation General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal, among others, expressed their views in the program.
Similarly, Federation Koshi Province Chairman Bharat Khadka presented a working paper, while Federation Sunsari Chairman Santosh Kafle highlighted the program.
