Government's directive on advertisement publication against principles of Free Press

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has directed all the ministries and government agencies, including local levels to publish and broadcast advertisements, official notices and information exclusively through state-owned media outlets.

The directive, issued on April 1 and signed by Section Officer Binod Regmi states that this decision made at the Secretary level aims to ensure uniformity and transparency in the publication and broadcast of advertisements and information, reduce public expenditure and promote state-owned media.

Freedom Forum expresses serious concern over the decision made by the newly elected government. This move appears unusual and surprising. All the media outlets- state-owned and private- should have equal and competitive access to government advertisements.

FF's Executive Chief Taranath Dahal noted that non-discrimination in the allocation of government advertisements is also one of the fundamental standards of press freedom. Although the government claims that this move is intended to curb corruption and promote transparency in Nepali media, it restricts press freedom and will have an impact on media sustainability.

Therefore, FF urges the government to withdraw this directive and initiate dialogue with relevant stakeholders to develop appropriate legal and institutional frameworks for advertisement management. The newly elected government is also urged to ensure a fair advertising market where all types of media ownership can compete and flourish under a non-discriminatory policy.


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