The Federation has concluded that this government move will undermine the privately run media and control the independent press.
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The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has objected to the government's decision to publish and broadcast government information and advertisements only in government media.
The FNJ issued a statement on Thursday, drawing attention to the circular sent by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to all federal, provincial and local levels.
The FNJ has concluded that this government move will cripple the media run by the private sector and control the free press. The statement signed by General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal states that it is unfair to ban government advertisements on private media outlets, which are facing financial crisis due to the Corona pandemic and the recent Gen-G movement. The FNJ has termed it 'press censorship', saying that the secretary-level decision is an attempt to impose a monopoly on government advertisements.
'This decision has created a situation where private media outlets are closed and working journalists are deprived of their livelihood,' the statement said. 'On the other hand, the FNJ believes that this will directly affect independent journalism, which is becoming the voice of the voiceless, and will lead to a situation of press censorship.'
The Federation has claimed that this decision of the government is against the full freedom of the press, liberal economic policy and the essence of federalism as provided for in the Constitution. The Federation has also demanded that the government immediately withdraw the controversial circular.
If the government delays in correcting the decision, the Federation has also warned that it will be forced to lead the entire media world in protest and agitation to protect the free press.
