Introduction

After the April 2006 Movement, the political scenario of Nepal has drastically changed. The country has now entered a new era of reconciliation, reconstruction and development. Also the people have high hopes that peace will prevail and economic development will gear up in the country. There is an enormous responsibility and opportunity for all Nepalese to make contributions from their part in building a peaceful Nepal for the generations to come.

Nepal will enter new political spectrum as she holds the Constituent Assembly Elections soon to write people's democratic Constitution once and for all. Remaining always in the frontline, the Nepalese media have played a vital role in the history of Nepalese democratic movement. The period of journalism in the country before 1990 was mission journalism. Professionalism started in this sector only after the successful democratic movement of 1990 with the constitutional provisions guaranteeing press freedom and freedom of expression. The Nepalese media still have to remain concerned about media freedom and pluralism by enhancing professionalism and ethical standards within themselves. There are vast differences between local and city-centred media in quality, professionalism, resources and opportunities.

Now the time has come that the Nepali media are required to work creatively, professionally and cautiously in transforming current transition into lasting peace and consolidating participatory and inclusive democracy.

The other stark reality is that almost all resources and opportunities are centralized in the capital. Despite the fact that, local media are struggling hard to survive; they are also lacking professionalism and financial opportunities, trained local technical manpower and journalists. It is so hard to reveal that local media outlets are not even aware of the token facilities that the state provides. Out of total 2253 registered newspapers, only 1114 are registered in three districts of Kathmandu valley only whereas 1139 are registered outside the capital. The same number reflects in the FM radio registration also. Similarly there are 70 FM radio in operation and 105 are in ready to operate situation. Situation of district FM station is also similar to the print. Other means of local media like TV channels are far beyond the expectation in the districts. A newly released data suggests that 23 out of 75 districts possess no media outlets at all. Keeping in view of these facts, NMDC in coordination with local organizations, international development agencies and local governments, plans to facilitate to change the existing situation and explore and encourage local media professionals/journalists/publishers to establish new media outlets where no media exist at all. It will also help strengthen the existing media as well.