Draft Media Council Bill Proposes Tiered Penalties Up to Press Pass Suspension
The government has released a draft law that classifies media violations into three tiers, with penalties ranging from mandatory apologies to suspension of press credentials and state advertising.
A draft media regulation bill has been published by the Ministry of Information and Communication, inviting feedback on a three-tier system for journalistic misconduct. The lowest tier treats simple mistakes—like incorrect dates or typographical errors—as ‘journalistic errors’ punishable by corrections or apologies. The middle tier, labeled ‘professional negligence,’ covers failures such as inadequate fact-checking or denial of a right of reply, and may impose public retractions and an official log of violations.
The highest tier addresses grave offenses, including exposing child victims, inciting communal hatred, or compromising national security, with possible suspension of state advertising, benefits and press credentials for up to a year. The draft also allows affected individuals to seek monetary compensation and appeal council decisions to the High Court. Media groups, including the Federation of Nepali Journalists, warn that the council’s composition—featuring government-nominated members and an ex-officio official—could keep it under political control and limit press freedom.
Why it matters
The proposal could reshape press freedom in Nepal by giving the state power to suspend journalists and advertising over content disputes.
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