3 years ago
Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has drawn the attention of newly appointed Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel about the impact and problems in the media sector due to corona infection.
A team led by Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) president Govinda Acharya handed over a 13-point letter on Thursday urging for a solution to the problem.
In the letter of attention submitted by federation, it has requested to formulate a short-term and long-term plan to address the problems arising from the impact on the media personnel and media establishments who are taking the responsibility in the forefront in times of crisis.
Similarly, Ministry has been called upon to take necessary initiatives to provide service facilities as per the Journalists Act and Rules, citing problems such as expulsion of journalists in some media houses and keeping them on forced paid leave.
FNCCI President Govinda Acharya said that any facility provided by the government to media houses that do not implement the provisions in the Journalists Act and Rules has urged not to provide concessions and advertisements.
FNCCI President Acharya said that federation was ready to assist the government and urged for effective implementation of their demands.
Understanding the letter, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel said that he would take the suggestions given by the federation regarding the media problems in a positive manner.
Finance Minister Poudel said that the state was committed to move ahead in a manner of encouragement, cooperation, collaboration and coordination rather than controlling and regulating the media.
Finance Minister Poudel said that they are ready to hold a comprehensive discussion on the demand of federation.
Among the suggestions and problems submitted by federation, Nepali media should be recognized as a service industry, journalists who have lost their jobs and have been forced to take long paid leave should be given relief through alternative programs, health insurance and life insurance should be provided by expanding journalist accident insurance, emergency relief for journalists, conflict victims.
Relief should be provided, proportional advertisement distribution system should be implemented in all media immediately as per the provisions of Advertising Act, clean feed policy should be implemented more effectively.
