A delegation of Federation of Nepalese Journalists led by its president Bishnu Nisthuri met with Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Information and Communication Minister and spokesperson of the government, on Tuesday.

The FNJ delegation discussed about the safety and security of journalists, pressure and hindrances on media organisations, and the obstacles faced by journalists while collecting news.

According to a press release by FNJ, they demanded that the government media be freed from government’s control.

The also demanded a policy to make local advertisements easily available to local media; and make arrangements so that a certain amount collected from publication of advertisements will be deposited in journalist’s welfare fund.

The FNJ asked the Minister to implement recommendations made by the High Level Media Commission.

The journalists also sought legal action against those who repress press and wanted the government to guarantee a free and safe environment to collect the news of the election.

The press release adds that minister Mahara assured them of cooperation. “He assured that he will take decisions and take initiative to improve the situation according to the demands and will implement working journalist’s act and act related to information rights as soon as possible.”

The press release says that Mahara also assured that he will take measures to guarantee safety of journalists and will gradually implement the suggestions of the report submitted by media commission. “He informed that a policy to guarantee local advertisements to local media will be introduced in the coming budget. Saying that the government media cannot be freed from government’s control immediately, he said, the government wants to discuss on the ways to make it self-reliant,” the release said.