Intermingling and interdependence of the media and democracy is inevitable. The proposition by default or otherwise envisages a meaningful role for the media in a democratic society. So little wonder that the media is regarded as the nerve of the polity in democracies.
Since democracy and a free press cannot meaningfully thrive in the absence of the other, the spurt of mass media in Nepal in the post-1990 era seems only but natural. In spite of the inherent failings and shortcomings of the fledgling democracy, the openness that it ushered in did have its implications. Irrespective of the glitches and hitches, the Nepali media did take a leap forward. Media development, thereafter, doesn't seem to have looked backwards.
The evolutionary growth that came about vis-à-vis the 1990 changes saw the media grow both in terms of quantity and quality. The trend that picked up with the print has now spread across audio and audio-visual mediums. Alongside newspapers, magazines, radio and television networks of various hues and shades, the growth has encompassed the online medium as well. The internet-based sources, which cut across geographical boundaries and time zones, are also gaining ground at their own momentum and pace. Community-based initiatives are other telltale examples of the progress.
The government has time and again made its position and views on the media loud and clear. The policy of the Maoist party towards the media is liberal based on the universal principles of democracy and freedom, which have been made clear in its documents including the election manifesto released prior to the Constituent Assembly election. The Maoist party has expressed its commitment to the protection of the rights of the media and journalists. Even after coming to power following the Constituent Assembly election, the Maoist-led government has been making efforts to translate its commitment into action. It has already initiated some measures to ensure that the freedom of expression is not curtailed and journalists are not deprived of their rights and freedom. The media is an important sector in a democracy. A free press and democracy are almost synonymous with each other, as one cannot exist without the other. Press freedom is the hallmark of democracy, and a free press is not possible in the absence of democracy. In the same manner, democracy cannot be vibrant if there is no democracy and open society. The present government seems to have realised this. Minister for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who is also the spokesperson of the government, has highlighted some of the measures that the government has taken for the development of the media in the country and protection of the rights and security of journalists. Addressing an interaction organised by the Revolutionary Journalists Association in Dang, Maoist leader and Minister Mahara said that the government has made all preparations to implement the Working Journalists Act, which was enacted a long ago. Similarly, as stated by the minister, the law on the Right to Information would also be implemented very soon. The parliament had passed the Right to Information Act long ago following the demand and pressure from the journalists and media persons. Although it was passed by Parliament, the law was never implemented. Similarly, the same thing happened to the Working Journalists’ Act. But the situation has now changed, and the government seems to be committed to implementing all the laws already passed and translate its commitment made in the past on the issues of the media. It is, thus, expected that things will be better in the future for the media and journalists.
With a new constitution in the making, Nepal stands at the crossroads of history. Unfortunate though, a spate of uncertainties now transcends the socio-political realm. Amid the uncertainties, one thing is sure and certain anyway. There is an unprecedented people's desire for a just and equitable society. The transformation, however, won't see the light of day sans a free press and liberal values in place.
