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Nepal: Radio Journalists Accuse Government of Broadcasting Clampdown

Posted on: Monday, 16 January 2006, 06:00 CST

Text of report by Nepalese radio Kantipur FM on 15 January

Independent radio broadcasters in the country are alleging that the government is not satisfied with its current clamp down on the media and are claiming that the government is in the process of introducing the broadcasting authority ordinance to further clamp down on radio broadcasters. At a meeting of radio broadcasters today [15 January], they objected to the government's plan to introduce the broadcasting authority to further clamp down on the media. In a statement issued today, the broadcasters have said that looking at the previsions, it appears that the government has decided to increase the licence renewal fees as well as charges for setting up new radio stations. This, they say, is aimed at discouraging broadcasters and is intentionally aimed at closing down independent radio stations.

The broadcasters also say that the government is trying to incorporate provisions of media ordinance, which could not be brought into practice through the broadcasting authority. And they have accused the government of trying to limit the people's right to information and self-expression through the broadcasting authority. They have also said that the authority, which will be a department within the Ministry of Information and Communication, cannot be an independent body, because they say, it is beyond doubt that the broadcasting authority is aimed at curbing the freedom of radio broadcasters.

The radio broadcasters have also appealed for unity and to protest against the government and also called on all to be cautious of the government's attempt to bring divisions in the broadcasting industry. The broadcasters in their press statement have also decided to call on the United Nations Secretary General to send a "Freedom of Expression Special Rapporteur" to Nepal. They have also decided to call on the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN media mission to protest against the broadcast authority, which is to be brought into practice through an ordinance.

Source: BBC Monitoring Media

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