Kathmandu [Nepal], August 7 – Ministry of Information and Communications has released a concept paper for a proposed National Communications Bill, paving the way for a unified legal framework to regulate the country’s rapidly evolving media and communications sector.
The ministry said it aims to register the bill in Parliament during the current fiscal year as part of efforts to modernize media governance and address technological changes driven by digital communication and online platforms.
According to the concept paper the proposed legislation will replace three existing laws – the Printing and Publication Act, the National Broadcasting Act and the Act Relating to Working Journalists with a single umbrella law. The ministry said amendments to the existing laws would be insufficient to meet the needs of a changing communications landscape.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression, the right to communication and the right to information while promoting a fair, independent, transparent and professional media sector.
The bill also proposes a unified legal framework covering media archiving, licensing, regulation, institutional development, television signal production and distribution, technical monitoring and permit renewals. It would also introduce provisions for regulating online media and emerging communication services including over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
The concept paper further proposes measures to enhance the rights, welfare and professional protection of working journalists including the establishment of a journalists’ welfare fund while strengthening accountability and good governance within media institutions.
The ministry said the new law would be implemented through the existing Department of Information and Broadcasting and that consultations with relevant ministries, government agencies, media organizations and stakeholders will be conducted before the bill is finalized and tabled in Parliament.
