The Federation has urged journalists to work with high morale at their workplaces despite security challenges and play their role in ensuring the successful completion of the general elections.
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The Federation of Nepali Journalists has urged journalists and media houses to exercise restraint and responsibility while reporting on the upcoming general elections to be held on Falgun 21. The Federation's president, Nirmala Sharma, issued an appeal on Sunday, calling for the exercise of press freedom and adherence to professional dignity amid the country's current constitutional complexities.
The Federation has stated that the role of the media will be decisive in dispelling the misleading information (fake news) spread on social media during the election. 'Publishing and broadcasting truthful and unbiased content to dispel the confusion prevalent in the society is the professional duty of journalists and media houses,' the appeal signed by Chairman Sharma states.
The Federation has alerted the stakeholders to ensure the physical safety and professional rights of journalists deployed in the election. It has also urged the state to establish a 'Media Safety Desk' for the safety and emergency rescue of journalists deployed in remote areas for reporting and to make arrangements for air rescue if necessary.
In addition, it has urged journalists not to obstruct any way in collecting, writing and broadcasting news during the election and has drawn the attention of the concerned bodies to create an environment for unhindered movement of vehicles on the basis of press passes.
The Federation has expressed concern over the continued existence of undeclared censorship, recalling the physical damage suffered by media houses and journalists during past protests and the situation of 'self-censorship'. The Federation has instructed its members to fully comply with the election code of conduct by utilizing the full freedom of the press and expression guaranteed by the constitution.
'Press freedom exists only as long as the constitution exists,' the appeal states, 'in this sensitive situation of the country, it is the need of the day to reaffirm high professionalism with professional integrity.'
The Federation has urged journalists to work at their workplaces with high morale despite security challenges and play their role in successfully conducting the general elections.
