Proposed media law sets penalties from apologies to press pass suspension
Summary
The government has proposed a draft media law that divides journalistic violations into three tiers and introduces penalties ranging from apologies and retractions to suspension of press credentials. Critics say the bill still leaves the Media Council vulnerable to political control through its appointment structure.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Information and Communication has published a draft bill to amend laws relating to the Media Council and is seeking public feedback.
- The draft classifies media violations into journalistic errors, professional negligence, and severe violations, with penalties ranging from apologies to suspension of press credentials for up to one year.
- Critics argue the proposed appointment structure gives the executive too much influence over the Media Council despite its claim of autonomy.
- Federation of Nepali Journalists leaders and Tribhuvan University officials have called for a smaller, more transparent and independent regulatory body.
