Worst and best experiences for Nepali media in 2006: Report

Nepali media faced both the 'worst' and 'best' experiences in the 2006 in its history, a newly released media report said.

According to the report prepared by South Asia Free Media Association and South Asia Press Commission, Nepali media faced cultures of threats and harassments at the beginning of the year with all rights suspended and strict control on press. Media persons faced beating, detention and threat from security forces, said the report released in the capital Tuesday.

The Maoists unleashed threats and harassment to journalists and seized press equipment of international media, said the report entitled "South Asia Media Monitor 2006".

After the restoration of democracy, Nepal granted immense press freedom to struggling journalists. "Celebrating people's victory, the new government scrapped six ordinances, including the Media Ordinance promulgated after the royal coup," the report states. Furthermore, several Supreme Court verdicts in favour of media freedom including permission to FM stations to air news and current affairs programs helped regain press freedom. The report terms this to be a 'remarkable victory of the Nepali press'.

The 181-page long report incorporates media situation of seven South Asian countries -- Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Maldives. nepalnews.com ia Feb 21 07