Birgunj (Parsa), 18 February: Madhesh Province Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives Janardan Singh Chhetri has said that the journalism sector, which is the fourth organ of the state, should disseminate reliable and impartial news. Speaking at a program on ‘Responsible Journalism and the Role of RSS’ organized by the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) Birgunj Office Parsa here today on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of the RSS, he said that the role of the RSS is important in disseminating official and reliable news.
“Journalists should also abide by the code of conduct. It is also necessary for professional associations/organizations to hold a debate on the issue of whether journalists and the journalism sector should be transparent,” Minister Chhetri said. “Sometimes, journalists or any other person may make mistakes, but they must show readiness to correct them. Journalists can set an example in this.”
He requested that RSS continue to disseminate pro-people news content, as it has been a medium of hope and trust of the people in recent times. Stating that RSS believes in disseminating any news without official confirmation, Minister Chhetri opined that it is necessary for other media outlets to publish/broadcast news in a credible manner.
He urged people to be aware that even a small piece of news that conveys the wrong message can disrupt the social tolerance and harmony that has existed in society for centuries, and emphasized the need for responsible journalism that puts the people and the nation at the center.
Acting Chief District Officer of the District Administration Office, Nishan Raj Gautam, said that the RSS should conduct journalism effectively, keeping in mind the challenges and opportunities. “With the development of information technology, a major challenge of ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ has emerged in society in recent times. The RSS needs to produce news content in a way that cuts through such false information and messages,” he said. “Even as a news agency, it is necessary for the RSS to communicate news content effectively by collaborating with the private sector.”
Ashok Tiwari, central secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, praised the RSS for its efforts to reflect diversity in news content in recent years. He urged the government to move forward by correcting some of the provisions of the social media-related bills recently introduced by the government as they were not media-friendly.
Parsa Police Chief Gautam Mishra said that RSS is an old and reliable media and suggested that it continue to disseminate official and impartial news in the coming days. Hari Gautam, Senior Vice President of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the RSS should support the establishment of the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor as the economic capital through news.
On behalf of RSS service recipients, Bikash Sharma, publisher and editor of Pratik Dainik, published from Birgunj, said that RSS has been raising various issues, including climate change, environmental protection, industrial sector, agriculture, health, and other news and opinion materials are suitable for use. He said that now it is necessary to pay attention to pictures and language style along with news. Nepal Insurance Authority Madhesh Provincial Office Chief Priti Dev requested to disseminate news in a way that dispels rumors and false news spread through social media. Social activist Dilip Raj Karki urged to publish news materials that increase public awareness about the recent youth being addicted to drugs and other addictions.
RSS Birgunj Office Chief Himal Lamsal said that RSS has been providing news content reflecting diversity and pluralism in its ‘media content’ as well. He mentioned that RSS has been providing news services 24 hours a day continuously through its various services.
The program was attended by heads and representatives of various government offices, security agencies, and professional organizations of journalists. Journalist Suryanarayan Bishwakarma conducted the program.
