Shrish Shumshere JB Rana (File Photo)

Shrish Shumshere JB Rana (File Photo)
Minister of State for Information and Communication Shrish Shumshere JB Rana has said that the government is committed to the professional development of media and is mulling to bring the National Broadcasting Authority (NBA) ordinance to regulate the media sector of the country, not to control it.

Speaking at an interaction organized to discuss the proposed NBA ordinance, State Minister Rana urged for factual comments on the government’s deeds.

He informed that the government is introducing NBA as per the recommendation given by a task force some four years back for the professional development of broadcasting media of the country.

“The government is cautious that attempts to control media will not contribute to the professional development of it, so it is mulling to introduce laws to protect professionalism in this sector,” he explained.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the objection of some politicians about the dissolution of Press Council Nepal and formation of Media Council, saying, “The government is mulling over forming the media council as per the recommendation of the Press Council Nepal and professionals, so I don’t know why some leaders are protesting against it.”

He urged journalists not to be influenced by some politicians or from some vested interest, adding “Journalists have two options; either we should be professional or mere followers of politicians.”

He informed that the government is introducing Conditional Access System (CAS) to check irregularities in the cable TV system and urged the entrepreneurs to cooperate with the government’s new policy to create healthy environment in this sector.

He urged all entrepreneurs and media organizations to come up with policies that will help to develop professionalism in the sector.

He also charged some media houses for working for cheap popularity neglecting the greater interest of the country and people.

He assured that the government would bring the new ordinance with sufficient discussion with the stakeholders.

Speaking at the same occasion, senior journalist Durga Nath Sharma said that the concept of NBA will be helpful for the professional development of media, but pointed out the need of making such authority independent and fair.

Bhaskar Raj Karnikar of Advertising Agencies Association charged the government for bringing chaos in the media sector by issuing licenses to broadcasting media haphazardly.

Stating that the advertising market is decreasing every year, he urged the government to allow advertisement of soft drinks in the broadcasting media, which will contribute largely to the advertising industry.

Sudhir Parajuli of Nepal Cable TV Association charged the government for trying to impose CAS system without proper homework.

He informed that implementation of CAS is not feasible at present as cable operators have to invest large amount for this system and the customers also need to pay additional money to buy the CAS box to receive signals.

He urged the government to recognize cable TV industry as an industry in the proposed ordinance.