International press freedom groups have hailed verdict of the Nepali Surpeme Court not to take action against a private FM radio station fro broadcasting news.
In a statement, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global Organisation representing over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries, welcomed the apex court’s interim order in the Nepal FM license cancellation case.
On August 3, the Nepalese government alleged that independent radio Station Nepal FM had breached a ban on airing any kind of news on FM radio.
The government granted the radio station seven days to explain why it should not be permanently shut down.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court instructed the government to Stop the license cancellation procedure until the court delivers its final verdict on the case, adding that the ban would have a serious impact upon people’s right to information.
“This is an extremely significant decision in the context of the fight for journalists’ rights in Nepal,” said IFJ President Christopher Warren. “Although the case has not yet been won, recognition of journalists’
rights and the public’s right to access information shows that we are making
some progress in the fight for press freedom in Nepal,” said the IFJ President. There is a history of the Nepal Supreme Court making decisions in favour of journalists, with the court preventing the closure of a private radio programme production house, Communications Corner, in June 2005, and redefining press freedom to also include radio in a landmark case in 2001, the IFJ said.
IFJ is organizing a `Global Day of Action for Press Freedom in Nepal’ on August 30.
Similarly, a Paris-based press freedom watchdog, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has also hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend any legal or administrative procedures against Nepal FM 91.8.”This is a historic day in the fight against the censorship of radio news (imposed by the royal government),” Reporters Without Borders said, stressing that the judge’s ruling upheld the right of Nepal’s FM radio stations to broadcast news programmes.
Meanwhile, at least 15 FM radio stations across the country have started broadcasting news bulletins from Thursday. Other radio stations in Kathmandu and Pokhara are also preparing to air news based programmes shortly, reports said. There are over 50 private and community-run FM radio in the country.