Visiting president of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), Steve Buckley, has said independent media in Nepal is part of the solution, not problem.

Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters

Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (File photo)
A membership-based organisation, AMARC represents over 5,000 community radio broadcasters in 116 countries around the world.

Addressing a press meet in Kathmandu Monday morning, Steve said AMARC remained gravely concerned at the pressure under which independent radio stations operate in Nepal. “There can be no hope of a return to democracy without a strong and independent media,” he said.

Saying that Nepal was a signatory to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights and freedom of expression was guaranteed in clear terms by Nepal’s constitution, Steve called upon the Nepali government to respect these rights and cease what he called all interference in the affairs of independent broadcasters.

“(Nepal) government’s appeals to national security are not a legitimate basis for a ban on the broadcasting of news and information content. It is for the broadcasters themselves to determine the news and information they do or do not carry. In all other parts of the world, where independent and community and radio broadcasters exist, it is normal for them to carry news and information as a vital part of their service,” he added.

Steve said AMARC insisted on respect for the November 2005 Supreme Court ruling that confirms the right of independent broadcasters to carry news and information. We also call for the repeal of the October 2005 Ordinance and the suspension of further proposals for broadcasting law reform in the absence of full parliamentary scrutiny and democratic oversight, he said.

“We condemn all forms of indirect censorship and intimidation. In particular, we call for an end to the harassment and intimidation of journalists and other broadcasting staff and volunteers, a lifting of the ban on import of broadcasting equipment and removal of the restrictions on advertising by government departments and local government bodies,” he added.

AMARC also called upon on the international community to insist that Nepal respect its international commitments to human rights including the right to freedom of expression. “We urge the international community to monitor closely the state of freedom of expression in Nepal and to be prepared to take immediate action in the case of further violations,” a statement issued by AMARC said.

Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (second from left) in a press conference Monday, Jan 30 06. nepalnews.com/rh
“Community radio in Nepal has provided a voice for poor and marginalized communities, contributing to improved livelihoods and better access to information, while private broadcasting has further added to the range of choice available to listeners,” said Steve.

Responding to a query by Nepalnews, Steve said media situation in Nepal remained very uncertain now compared to his last visit here in July 2005. “The fact that news broadcasts are still there (over the FM radio stations) is a positive element. But the situation remains fragile and uncertain. We are deeply concerned about continuing violation of press freedom and freedom of expression in Nepal. We will go beyond just issuing statements and will do whatever we can to help media colleagues, free expression activists and media organisations here,” he added.

Addressing the press meet, president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Bishnu Nisthuri, alleged that the royal government was targeting private and community-based radios simply because they were empowering people making them aware. “Independent radio stations are the gift of democracy and we can’t tolerate attack on radio as well as on press freedom,” he added.

Former president of the FNJ, Taranath Dahal, said given the level of literacy and economic condition of Nepali people, radio was the most powerful medium of information in Nepal. He said little could be hoped from the Supreme Court that it will defend people’s right to information. “Hence, a strong and unified peaceful movement is the only way to defend the right to press freedom and freedom of expression guaranteed by the country’s constitution,” he added.

Coordinator of the Save Independent Radio Movement (SIRM), Raghu Mainali, said it was nothing but ridiculous to close down radio stations by the authorities chanting slogans of so-called ‘nationalism.’ Freedom of expression is not a political issue, it is our fundamental right, he added.

The speakers also flayed what they called government’s attempts to establish a new ‘Broadcasting Authority’ saying that it aimed at gagging independent radio and TV stations in the country. The authorities have not said anything publicly regarding why they needed such an Authority at a time when there is no elected legislature.