Federation: Nearly 5,000 Online Media in Limbo After New CDO Registration Rule

Kathmandu: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has stated that nearly 5,000 online media outlets are in confusion as the government makes new arrangements for registration and renewal. The FNJ understands that the new system requiring online media outlets to register and renew through the Chief District Officer has created confusion.

The FNJ has opposed this provision, saying that it is against the constitution. Issuing a statement on Thursday, the FNJ has held that the system of registration, operation and renewal of online media outlets at the Chief District Officer's office, which is not envisaged by the constitution, is against the provisions of the constitution and the federal system of governance.

"This provision can be considered as a continuation of the autocratic Panchayat-era provision of registering newspapers and magazines at the Chief District Officer's office. The new provision, brought in collusion with the government and the federal parliament, contrary to the democratic culture and norms of formulating policies through extensive discussions and consultations with stakeholders, is objectionable, unclear and impractical," the FNJ statement said.

According to the Federation, the new system has thrown the situation of about 5,000 online media outlets registered and operating into uncertainty. “Amidst the uncertainty over where and how to renew online media outlets, the sudden suspension of the registration and renewal of online media outlets by the Department of Information and Broadcasting on the direct order of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has created further doubts,” the Federation said.

In the current digital era, the practice of some countries not even registering newspapers and magazines and the provision of registering all media outlets with municipalities mentioned in the draft of the umbrella act on mass media, the latest step taken by the government has been interpreted as an attempt to go in the opposite direction.

Stating that the indifference shown by the Ministry of Communications on this issue is objectionable, the Federation has urged the government to reach a conclusion through further discussions. Otherwise, the Federation has also warned of launching a protest. The department had issued a notice on Tuesday informing that the registration and renewal of online media outlets would be suspended.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन २३, २०८२ १२:०

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