The state of media in Nepal

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
– History of media goes parallel with the political history of any country. We can also witness similar situation in Nepalese context. The history of Nepali media has been immensely influenced by the Nepalese political history.
– The political history of Nepali journalism can be divided into seven phases.

· Traditional communication system
· Rana period
· Period after the establishment of democracy
· Panchayat period
· Period after the restoration of democracy
· Period during king’s regime ­
· Period following the success of People’s Movement-2063 BS onwards

Traditional Communication System
During the period, there were no any aids of print and audio-visual media. This period of traditional communication system is non-recorded history of Nepali Media.
Bengal Gazette, as the first newspaper of the South Asia, was published from Calcutta, India in 1837 BS (1780AD). However, it did not have any effect to the development of Nepali journalism. Nepal was passing through the unification era at the moment during which no educational or extra activities took momentum. Owing to the political, educational, transportation among many other causes, no influential move took place regarding the publishing of newspapers in Nepal. ‘Katuwal Karaune’, ‘Jhyali Pitne’, ‘Sankha Phukne’, ‘Damaha Thataune’, ‘Karnal Phukne’ etc. were in practice for public information and mass communication during this period .
Those practices were in use for a long time and are still in existence in some rural parts of Nepal. Katuwal played an important role in the history of mass communication of Nepal; village panchayat used to appoint them as peons. Due to the geographical difficulties, illiteracy, backward communities and other difficulties in the country, Katuwals were more effective than other modern media including newspapers to disseminate information.

Rana period − 19o3 to 2007
This period is considered as the initial phase or beginning of the development of journalism of Nepal.
In 1908 BS, then Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana (JBR) imported a hand press instruments in Nepal from Europe in course of his visit there.
Although it was used for publication purpose only after 58 years of its entry into Nepal, It was said to be the first press machine here..
It was kept at JBR’s then Palace at Thapathali, Kathmandu. Due to the trademark of an eagle pasted in the machine, it was often called ‘Giddhe Press’. But its official name was Type Printing Press ‘.
GORKHA BHARAT JEEVAN
This was the Nepali magazine brought out from Banaras, India. This is first media outlet in Nepali language. Ram Krishna Barma served as the founder editor of this magazine brought out on the prime initiative of great scholar Moti Ram Bhatta. Gorkha Bharat Jeevan was a monthly magazine based on literature. It was Printed at Bharat Jeevan Press, Banaras which was owned by Editor himself. There was no uniformity regarding the date of its publication, however, different dates are found in the history of journalism.

1943 BS – according to the Press Commission Report- 2015
1945 BS. – According to the historian of Nepali language and literature Harsha Nath Sharma
Bs. 1950 -according to a book entitled ‘Patrakarita’ authored by Ram Raj Poudyal
An advertisement was published at the cover page of a book entitled ‘Gorkha Hasya Mangari’ in 1952 BS which was published from the same Bharat Jeeban Press, Banars. ” G]fkfnL efiffdf afa’ /fds[i0f jdf{ ;Dkfbs ”uf]vf{ ef/t hLjgn] cg]s t/xsf xf;L lbNnuL cf} rt’–ofO{sf s’/f ;+ux u/L cfkm\gf lghL oGqfnodf 5fkL ksfz u/] .
Whether it was brought to Nepal or not has not been mentioned and the number of copies published is still unknown. Kamal Mani Dixit has mentioned in his book ‘Kalo Akchhar’ that some copies of ‘Gorkha Bhatat Jeevan’ were in Kashi Vidyapeeth.

Anyway the magazine played two major roles in the history of Nepali journalism that are as follows.
A) Preserved existence of Gorkha ( Nepali) language among other languages of Indian sub- continent.
B) Boosted up confidence and inspiration among Nepalese youth and scholars for the publishing of magazine in their mother language.
SUDHA SAGAR
Sudhasagar was a monthly literary magazine published as the first print media outlet from Nepal. This is the second publication in Nepali language.
It was published in Shrawan, 1955 BS and Pandit Naradev Pandey and Kapil Dev were the editors of the magazine. The magazine was printed at Pashupat Press, Thahiti of Kathmandu. Being inspired by Motiram Bhatta, the two youths took initiative to publish this magazine. But Bhatta did not witness the initiatives taken for the publication of magazine since he passed away at the delicate age of 30 in 1953 BS. Number of issues and copies published was also unknown Media historians Ram Raj Poudyal and Grishma Bahadur Devkota had not also trace it. Itihans Siromani Baburam Acharya noted that he had at least four copies of Sudha Sagar, but lost in the debris of 1990 ‘s earth quake. It was not clear whether the copies were same or different.
gnf]kfVofg a book published in 1956 BS under the aegis of Nardev and his friends in the same press Pashupat and his friends) mentioned some information about Sudha Sagar at the back page as following.

यो बडो खुशीको बात भयाको छ की हाम्रा गोर्खा भाषामा पनि ५५ सालका श्रावण मैना देखीन सुधासागर भन्या मासीक पत्र निस्क्याको छ जस्मा अनेक तरहका बिध्न आनन्द दिन्या श्लोक- कथाहरु समेत हाली प्रकाश हुन्छ । यस्मा हाम्रो गोर्खाली षज्जन महाशयहरुले आफ्नो देश आफ्नो भाषाको उन्नतिका निमित्त अवश्य दया दृष्टि गर्नु हुन्ये छ । मदिसेहरुका हजारौ पत्र निस्कन्छन तापनि एक २ अखबार दस हजार बारहजार ग्राहक छन् भन्या हाम्रा गोर्खामा फगत एक मात्र छ झन यसमात सबै हाम्रा स्वदेसीय महाशयहरु सवैले जावेा कमपनि १॥ रुपैया मात्र देशोन्नती भाषाको उन्नती गर्नाका निमित्त ग्राहक श्रेणीमा अवस्य नाम लेखाउनु पर्छ किन भन्या यो मासिक पत्र तपाइहरुबाट मदद्त नगर्दिनाले कथंकदाचित बन्द भयो गा्रहक कम भया भन्या मेरो मात्र नोक्सान पान्र्या हावौन की तपाइहरुलाई पनि केही सरम हुन जाला । बिदेसी पनि यहि भन्नन की नेपालबाट एक मासिक पत्र निस्क्याको थियो सो पनि ग्राहक कम हुनाले वन्द भयो गोख्ार्ालीहरु ब्ार्ष दिनको जावो १॥रु दिनलाई पनि गाहारो मान्या रह्या छन् तस्मात हे स्वदेसीय बुद्धिवन्त महाशयहरु यो कुरा सवै विचार गर्नु हवस यस फगत एकलो अनाथ सुधासागरका उपर दयाराखी आफ्ना देश भाषाको उन्नति गर्नु हवस् ु ”

We can understand various aspects including financial situation of the Sudha Sagar with this advertisement. There was big lack of financial along with other resources for the publishing of Sudha Sagar and Gorkha Bharat Jeevan as well. Then Rana regime did not provide any support to these magazines. It shows there might be big research about these two publications.
GORKHAPATRA
Gorkhapatra started to get published after two years and ten months of the publication of the Sudha Sagar. It was first printed in Baisakh 24, Monday of 1958, (May 6 1901). With the publishing of Gorkhapatra, Nepal has entered into the newspaper development era in the history of Nepali journalism. Gorkhapatra is the first Nepali newspaper, second press publication and third press publication in Nepali language .
Gorkhapatra was published in the period of the Rana regime where civil rights and democracy was no more in Nepal. Prime Minister Dev Shumsher JBR was more liberal and reformist in comparison to other Rana Rulers. Therefore, the publication of Gorkhapatra was made possible with his liberal thoughts. It was also one of the reformative initiative among others brought out during his rule in Nepal. He handed over the Giddhe Press and Litho Press to Nardev and authorized him to publish Gorkhapatra under the supervision of Lt. Conl.Dilli Samsher Thapa. But, Dev Shumsher JBR was subjected to victim by his brother Chandra Shumsher .JBR’s conspiracy and overthrown from Prime Minister’s post. Chandra Shumsher JBR ruled for 31 years as he was a hardliner ruler. In his period there was no chance to have other newspaper published.
He even did not allow to have published 200 copies of each issue of Gorkhapatra during his rule. Media activities were almost limited to zero during Rana Period. Deficit financial situation, lack of educated human resource and curtailment of civil rights attributed to the limitation of the development of journalism. Later during the period of Juddha Shumsher JBR, Sharada Monthly got published in Falgun, 1991 BS on the leadership of Riddhi Bahadur Malla. It was the third press publication brought out with some financial support from Rana government .It was a new publication in Nepal after a long gap of 33 years.
– In Bharda, 1992 BS, editor Surya Bhakta Joshi started Udhyog Fortnightly as an industrial information journal. But it converted into monthly literary magazine after two years. In Asoj, 2000, Gorkhapatra started publishing twice a week after 42 years of its beginning and thrice a week later.

Newspaper publication during Rana Period
1 Sudha Sagar
2 Gorkhapatra
3 Sharada: Monthly newspaper started publishing in 1991 Falgun, Editor: Rhiddi Bahadur Malla,
4 Udhyog: Fortnightly magazine published first in 1992 BS, Editor : Suryabhakta Joshi .
Juddha S. JBR was positive to develop media industry in the country. So, this newspaper was published as a journal to impart industrial information. But it was converted to the literary magazine after two years .It got published having various poems of great poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota.
5 Sahitya Shrot: Baisakh, 2004 BS, Monthly Literary Magazine, Editor: Hridayachandra Singh Pradhan;
6 Gharelu Ilam Patrika: Jestha, 2004 BS, Fortnightly, Editor: Bhimnidhi Tiwari. It was published by Gharelu Ilam Prachar Adda (government office)
7. Shikshya: Jestha, 2004 BS, Fortnightly, Editor: Bhimnidhi Tiwari .
8 Kathmandu Municipal Patrika : Manghsir, 2004 BS, Fortnightly, published on the initiative of Kathmandu municipality .
9 Nepal Shikshya: Asoj, 2005 BS, Monthly, A team of five editors headed by Trailokyanath Upreti published the magazine.
10 Ankha: Asoj, 2005 BS, Monthly, Editor: Devi Prasad Rimal
11 Purusartha: Poush, 2006 BS, Monthly literary magazine , Editor : Budhisagar Seshraj Sharma.
12 Jagaran Weekly: Falgun, 2007 BS, Editor: Hridayachandrasingh Pradhan. It was the first weekly newspaper published from the private sector and first anti–Rana newspaper.
Various newspapers were published from some cities of India in Nepali language.

Radio Broadcasting
Indian and other foreign radio programs were likely to listen in Nepal during the rule of Judda S. Rana There were only few sets of radio with well-off families of Nepal and they brought the sets from India. But all radio sets were seized by Juddha S. JBR during the Second World War due to German propaganda. Prime Minister Padma S. JBR returned those radio sets to respective owners in 2003 BS. First test broadcasting was carried out from Bijuli Adda, Kathmandu in 2003 Magh 14 from 1 to 1.3o PM. Electrical Engineer Kashi Raj Pandey was the main person to carry out this test broadcasting. It was not exactly the radio frequency but the only radio sounds. Ramayan and other religious hymns were played in during the occasion of religious days through loud speakers in and around Tundikhel.
Nepali radio came to introduction through revolution. Narad Muni Thulung, Jayandra Bdr.Thapalia and their friends made efforts to broadcast radio programme from Bhojpur. It was the practice of mobilizing people against Rana oligarchy in Nepal. In Mangshir, 2007, they started the radio frequency for the first time in the history of Nepalese radio. Later on, under the leadership of Tarini Prasad Koirala ‘Prajatantra Radio’ broadcasting was initiated in 2007 from the premises of Raghupati Jute Mills, Biratnagar. It was also a part of anti-Rana revolution. After establishment of democracy, the same transmitter was brought to Kathmandu and started Nepal Radio as a state run broadcasting service from 2007 Chaitra 20th , again under the leadership of Mr. T.P. Koirala. In this way, a few but important steps were taken in the establishment of radio in Nepal after toppling down of 104 year-Rana regime.

AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF DEMOCRACY − 2007 to 2017
This period is taken as the initial stage of the Nepalese journalism. Various sectors such as education, economics, politics, journalism etc were immoderately benefited following the establishment of democracy. Political parties enjoyed open environment and democratic institutions were established and strengthened. Within 24 hours of the proclamation of democracy, ‘Awaj’ the first daily news paper of Nepal was published in Falgun 8, 2007 from Kathmandu. Siddhi Charan Shrestha was the Editor of the newspaper. It presented a Banner headline news on royal proclamation of democracy establishment, along with photograph of King Tribhuvan in its first issue. Unfortunately, Awaj sustained just for two years.
In Bhadra 24, 2011 BS, ‘Samaj’, the second daily newspaper was brought out from Kathmandu, Editor of the newspaper was Pashupati Dev Pandey; later Mani Raj Upadhyaya gave editorial leadership to the newspaper. Many weeklies, half weeklies and dailies got published during the period. Women also took initiatives to publish the newspaper . In 2008 Jestha ‘Mahila’ a monthly magazine was published having Editors namely Sadhana Pradhan and Kamakchha Devi (first female journalist of Nepal). Journalism was started in various languages like English, Newari, Hindi in Nepal.
‘Nepal Guardian’ is the first English monthly magazine which was published from Kathmandu in 2010 BS (1948 AD). The magazine was printed in Calcutta, Editor- Barun Samsher JBR.
‘The Commoner’, the first English daily newspaper of Nepal, published from Kathmandu in 2012 (1956 July 15),
Editor- Gopal Das Shrestha.
Other newspapers published in English language include, Daily Mirror, Everest News, The Motherland etc.
In Kartik, 2009, ‘Pasa ‘, a fortnightly newspaper was published in Newari language. Editor of the newspaper was Asharam Shakya. ‘Nepal Bhasa Patrika’, the first Newari daily newspaper was published from Kathmandu in 2012 Asoj 16. Fatte Bdr. Singh was the Editor of the newspaper.
‘Tarang Weekly’, the first Hindi newspaper, got published from Kathmandu in 2008 Shrawan, Editor- Bhoj Bahadur Singh.
‘Jai Nepal’, the first Hindi Daily, was published in 2012, Shrawan from Kathmandu. Editor was Indra Chandra Jain. The publication took place out of Kathmandu valley. ‘Sewa’ was the first monthly newspaper published from out of Kathmandu valley (Birgunj) in 2008, Shrawan. It was printed in Banaras of which Editor was Shyam Prasad Sharma. The regular broadcasting of Radio Nepal started under the leadership of Tarini Prasad Koirala in 2007, Caitra 20 from Singha Durbar, using the same transmitter of Prajatantra Radio. News Agency- Nepal Sambad Samiti, the first news agency of Nepal established in 2016, Paush 1 from private sector. Sagarmatha Sambad Samiti (second news agency) was incepted in 2017, Baisakh 30.
During this period, around 170 newspapers brought out in Nepal.
Mainly political parties were enthusiastic to publish the newspaper as a means of political awareness at the moment. Around 35 political publications took place during the period. Some main political party publications were Nepal Pukar and Nawa Nepal published by Nepali Congress, Nepal Sandesh and Jana Bani by Rastriya Praja Parishad, Nawa Yug by Communist Party of Nepal, Mashal, Naya Bato by Nepali Rastriya Congress, Samyukta Prayas by Samyukta Prajatantra Party, Karmabir by Karmabir Mahamandal etc. Most of them were weeklies.
– Parliamentary reporting (2016 / 2017) was also started at that time. Bhogya Prasad Shah and Prakash Man Singh were first parliamentary reporters. They were associated to Radio Nepal and used to provide news to the parliamentary secretariat.
Publications of this period can be divided into 5 categories;
– a) News oriented – dailies b) Views oriented- weeklies, half weeklies and fortnightlies c) Language and literature oriented – monthlies, bimonthlies d) House journals – publications of parties and other institutions e) Government publications
-Journalism of this period can be named as ‘initial stage of modern journalism in Nepal’.

PANCHAYAT PERIOD − 2017 to 2046 BS
Panchayat period is taken as the period marking the beginning of mission journalism. For the first time in the history of Nepal, the mission journalism was introduced during the period. Journalism during the period was divided into two missions: pro-panchayat and anti panchayat
Main objective of the pro-panchayat newspaper was to justify the necessity of the panchayat system whereas anti-panchayat newspaper came to front to advocate for democracy. Press freedom was not more in practice and many actions took place against press. There were two phases of journalism: Before Referendum (2017 to 2036 BS) and After Referendum (2036 to 2046BS).
Views oriented weekly newspapers were more popular at that time. Although there was no guarantee of civil rights and press freedom during the period, development of infrastructure was sped up in various sectors of press. Ministry of Communication was given autonomy. Earlier, other Ministries looked after the portfolio related to information and communication. News Agency was established as a government media and at the same time Press Council was founded on the initiative of government. The Tribhuvan University began teaching journalism education and press publication and media development took a professional turn. Nepal entered into the television era and radio was expanded outside Kathmandu.

Gorkhapatra became daily from 2017 Falgun 7 (after 59 years of its publication).
Gopal Pd. Bhattarai was first editor of daily Gorkhapatra. The Rising Nepal national daily published in 2022 Paush 1, Editor Barun S. JBR
Other dailies; Hamro Desh, Naya Nepal, Nabin Khabar, Naya Samaj, Nirman (Biratnagar), Jana Jeevan (Birgunj), Dainik Nirnaya (Pokhara / Bhairahawa).

Some Leading weeklies : Samikchha, Matribhumi, Naya Sandesh, Saptahik Manch, Jana Sambad, Yug Sambad, Jana Jyoti, Jan Jagriti, Deshantar, Dristi, Punarjagaran, Saptahik Manch, Saptahik Bimarsha, Rastra Pukar, Chalphal, Pratibadha, Gatibidhi, Tarka, Arati, Arpan, Panchayat Bato, Anchal Sandesh (Janakpur), Lumbini Sandesh, Bheri Sandesh, Gandaki Sandesh, Himalayan Guardian, Nepal Review, The Nepalese Perspective etc.

Rastriya Sambad Samiti, RSS (later called Rastriya Samachar Samiti established in 2018 Falgun 7th after merge of two private news agency SSS and NSS .
Radio broadcasting development committee was started in 2041 and its capacity was expanded to the various region of the country as the transmission stations in Dhankuta, Dharan, Kathmandu, Bardibas, Pokhara etc. Few TV sets entered into Nepal in the decade of 30s, and possible to see only foreign channels. Nepal Television (NTV) project initiated in 2041 Magh 17 under the leadership of Nir Shah. First test transmission was done in 2042, Srawan 29 to cover youth mass communication workshop. Visual news transmitted in 2042 Bhadra 16 to 21 to cover Their Majesties’ State visit to Australia. NTV project converted into NTC corporation in 2042 Paush 12. Regular transmission from 2042 Paush 14 (on the occasion of king Birendra’s birthday) Active role in third SAARC summit held in Kathmandu 2044.

Nepali media was allowed to the parliamentary reporting (Rastriya Panchayat) and got open environment after the referendum. They became more free and critical in comparison to the previous time. It was the impact of referendum.

Fatal attack to journalist Padam Thakurathi took place in 2043 Bhadra. It was a major incident in the history of Nepalese media that occurred Panchayat period. Fortunately Thakurathi survived and united Nepali media professionals to condemn the panchayat system.
Press and student unions played the role of opposition in Panchyat regime, press used to give high priority to student’s activities. High commands of Panchayat politics like Gaun Pharka Rastriya Abhiyan, Panchyat Neetee Tatha Jhanchbujh Samiti and Zonal Chiefs (Anchaladhis) etc. misused media. Interviews and columns became more popular. Namita, Sumita murder case (Pratidhoni weekly), Bomb scandal 2042 (Matribhumi), 84 boxes Soviet arms (Nepal Post), B.P. Koirala’s policy of returned back to homeland, death of B.P. Koirala, Sikkim issue, Chernovil milk scandal, earthquake 2045, media war with India during 15 month of border blockade in 2045 ( an unique feeling of national unity), corruption scandals like carpet, dollar, hashish etc., session of Rastriya Panchyat were the major issues covered by Nepalese media during Panchayat system.

Nepali media played great role in people’s Movement 2046 started with Chaksibari meeting at the leader Ganeshman Singh’s residence on 2045, Magh 5 . Nepali congress and left political parties joined hands for movement to dethrone Panchayat system. Active role played by private and foreign media to support the movement. Government media were compelled to support Panchayat system till last minute but the journalists extend their moral support to the movement. After struggle of 50 days, party less system was declared end at late night in 2046 Chaitra 24th.

AFTER RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY − 2047 to 2061 Magh
This period is regarded as the phase of modern and professional journalism in the history of Nepali journalism. After the success of people’s movement, new constitution (Nepal’s constitution 2047) has guaranteed the press freedom and right to information to people. It was widely praised. Wide impact of this provision has been seen to the media sector. Political and other sectors have also been benefited by this freedom. This provision encouraged the media sector luring huge investment in media. Media became professional and it was accepted as the industry of the country. Political parties became free and Political activities sped up.
Before this, man can not imagine television run by private sector. Television and Radio in private sector started and are going on. Off set press came into use and due to the accessibility of computer media became too advanced. So there was a favorable environment to develop professional journalism in Nepal.
The door has been opened for huge investment and from private sector Kantipur Publications established with ambitious investment of more than Rs.30 million ( 3 crore).

Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post, the first broad sheet national dailies from private sector were published in 2049 Falgun 7th. Due to the popularity in the short time many other broadsheet dailies came out. Some of them sustained and some went out from the sight. During this period online journalism also came out and because of the computer it was possible to read the newspaper and to hear the radio in computer.

Shree Sagarmatha, Everest Herald (English daily), Lokpatra, Space Time, Space Today, Shree Deurali, Naya Sadak stopped their publication not because of government but by their own problem.

Simultaneous publication also started to get published. Nepal Samacharpatra started to publish from Biratnagar since 2058, Baisakh . Kantipur started since 2061 Ashar from Bharatpur. Newspaper publications were also stared from outside the country. For example Nepal Samacharpatra initiated its publishing from Doha, Qatar since 2062 Ashead, although it could not sustain for a long time. Now Kantipur and Rajdhani dailies have their weekly publication from Doha but not simultaneous. Newspaper publication in different languages was started and going on. Significant changes have occurred in radio broadcasting after 2047 and radio Nepal has started to broadcast the news service in 20 different languages. New wave of FM broadcasting from non government and private sector has become significant initiative in South Asia. Private channels in television came into the light. Channel Nepal, Kantipur TV, Image started their service. New debate on foreign investment in media and multi media ownership is on. The FM’s expansion is significant in this period and it is going on in a new height. There seemed the very gloomy picture in Nepalese media during the Maoist Conflict, State of Emergency and during the period of direct rule by the king Gynendra. Some 18 innocent media persons killed, more than 100 put behind the bars, several cases of arrested, kidnapped and tortured from both sides i.e. state and Maoist insurgents . Nepal was characterized as ‘ the world’s biggest prison for the journalists.
(you can add more based on your own observation)

PERIOD DURING KING’S REGIME

Militarization over the news and media was started at the king’s regime. Presence of military officials in media houses and even news rooms was normal. Confiscation of radio equipments from FM studios and unfair distribution of government advertisements was in use. The radios of country played the vital role against the king’s regime and to establish democracy.

AFTER SUCCESS OF THE PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT -2 ( 2063 Baishak Onwards)

Nepali press played an important role against king’s regime. It fought for the freedom of press and democracy. Due to its contribution to the democracy Nepali press is admired among the society and government itself also created the favorable atmosphere to exercise press freedom. No any restriction or pressure from the state and rebels after the democracy.
Government took initiative for overall development of media .Some important achievements of this time are as follows:
1 High Level Commission for Media Recommendation.
2 High Level Taskforce to recommend restructuring the government media.
3 Right to Information Act, 2064
4 First Amendment in working journalist Act
5 Minimum wages recommendation commission of the working journalist
6 Clear provision about press freedom in interim constitution (even in preamble)
7 State run media are also enjoying more press freedom
8 No any journalists in jail
9 various television channels and newspapers are coming out with huge investment .
(you can add more based on your own observation)

Unpleasant part is also noticed in the journalism;
Journalist are killed and threatened,
Terai movement
Everyday news about anti-press incident has come to notice.

(you can add more based on your own observation)

oooooooooo

GORKHAPATRA: A LIVING HISTORY OF ONE CENTURY
Pre – History :
Crown Prince of England Edward VII had a hobby of collecting newspapers of all over the world- while not having any newspaper of Nepal, he enquired about it- Field Marshal Lord Robert visited Kathmandu in 1948 bs – he also explained about Crown Prince’s hobby – PM Bir S.JBR managed to publish few copies of Gorkhapatra (gp) in hurry and put it on breakfast table for the special guest Lord Robert – although it is just a saying – no any strong evidence – no one has the copy of those gp – historians of Nepalese journalism late Grishma bdr. Devkota and Ram Raj Poudyal have mentioned it as a story, not as a history.

– Regular publication of gp started only in bs 1958 and made a glorious history of one century.
– P.M. Dev S.JBR authorized to Pandit Nardev by a ‘sanad’ (authorisation paper) to publish gp in 1988 Baisakh badi 11.
– Terms of reference explained in the ‘sanad ‘ were as follows-:
a) permission to use Type Chapakhana ( giddhe press) and Lithograph Chapakhana to print gp.
b) Permission to use manpower of both press.
c) Authority to publish gp 1000 copies per week. ( yearly subscription rate moharu. 3-)
d) Pay scale of the press staff and budget ( annual moharu 3904-)
e) Policies on what to publish and what not to publish in gp.
f) Instruction to finalized by Lt. Coln. Dilli Samsher Thapa.
g) Instruction to maintain sales account.

What to publish ; ( छाप्ने
दुनियाँलाई हुन्या इस्तीहार नटाँसिने कुरा नयाँ ऐन कलकत्ता र यहाँको दरभाउ जंगी निजामतिले गरेका राम्रा काम श्री ३ र मुख्तियारले दिएको भाषण अनौठा कुरा आकाशमा उडेर जाने समुद्र मुनी जाहाज अदालतमा अन्याय भएको फोहर गरेको भ्रष्टाचार पक्का गरी छाप्ने काम जान्नेले नोकरी चाहेको धाउ फलाम खानी पाएको कसुर भइ हाकिमको अदली बदली भएको खेतीपाती इलम उन्नतिको कुरा उल्था गरी छाप्ने श्री ५को ठुलो उत्सवका कुरा स्वर्गवासी श्री ३ को तारिफ छाप्नु हुन्छ बाबुले कमाएको धन जुवारण्डीबाजी बदनीयत गरी खर्च गर्नेहरु बारे शिकारका बहादुरी खुकुरीले चिपुवाभालु मारेको ग्याजेट प्रोग्राम बैंकटेश्वर बंगबासी छापाका असल कुरा उल्था गरी छाप्ने दुनियाँको बद्चलन र फतुरा खर्चबाट दिल हटाउने राय डाक्टरले निको पारेको ।

What not to publish – नछाप्ने
श्री ५ र श्री ३ महाराजका दरवार भित्रका स्वास्नीमानिसका बिषय फौज र हातहतियार राजकाज बिषय सरकारका आम्दानी खर्च भोट नेपाल सीमानाको बिकट बाटोको बयान सुन खानी पाएको र हाम्रा तारीफका कुरा नछाप्नु ।

-According to the Sanad, the first issue of gp appeared in bs 1958 Jestha badi 3 (Baisakh 24).
– 8 pages weekly publication
– One copy of first issue is preserved only in Madan Library, Patan Dhoka.

Merits of gp ; ( according to the list published in first issue )
1) Information of public grievances and expectation of response.
2) Motivation to progress and mutual faith between the king and people.
3) Information of military achievements
4) Performance reports of central and local authorities
5) News and information to local bodies
6) Information exchange between Nepalese people inside and outside the homeland
7) Benefit to business community by publication of pricelist
8) Transfer of skill and technology
9) Legal information
10 ) Motivation for education
11) Inspiration for women upliftment
12)Reference materials to teachers
13)Benefit to farmers by agro- information
14) Benefit to Brahamins to performed their traditional job

– The editorial (Pl86sf]{ /fo ) of the first issue explained about the importance and objective of gp publication.

– P.M. Dev S.JBR over threw by Chandra S.JBR after two month of gp. publication , it was a big set back to the country and gp.
– But gp did not published that big news, only after some time its editorial supported the step taken by Chandra S.JBR.
– The name of Editor -in -chief of gp was not clear. From 1958 bs to 1990 bs name of the chief editor was not published.
– Only from the issue of 1991Jestha 5th name of the Editor ( Prem Raj) mentioned in gp.
– Pandit Nardev was sacked after two years when Chandra S.JBR became PM.
– After Nardev, Raja Jaya Prithavi Bahadur Singh took over the charge of gp.
– He published the gp with the help of three Pandits ( jetha pandit Uday Dev Pande, mahila pandit Chiranjeebi Poudel and kancha pandit Narendra Keshari Aryal)
– Mahila pandit Chiranjeebi was very talented in prose writings, his editorials were more strong and impressive, therefore PM Chandra and other hardliner Ranas were not pleased with Chiranjeebi, so editorial was stopped in gp for some times
– Chiranjeebi had explained in his auto – biography ‘ Atma Charitra’, about his hard days in gp.
– During the entire ruling period ( 31 years) of PM Chandra gp could not grew up.
– He was ready to close down gp, but due to the letter by foreign reader Silvan Levi ( renowned French intellectual) he could not closed it
– Gp had access to UK, France, USA, Russia, China too. Many old libraries in foreign countries had collection of old issues of gp.King Mahendra BBS Dev observed its old issues in the Library of Congress during his state visit to US in 1960 ad.
– From 1983 Chitra 29 gp printed in ‘Gorkhapatra electric machin press’, Naxal, Kath.
– From 1983 Jestha 4th ‘uf]vf{kq’ became ‘uf]/vfkq’
– First photo in gp was published in 1984 Baisakh 13 at 3 page, the photo was of Suryamati Shrestha, a 12 years old girl of Brgunj who was spinning the Shree Chandra Kamdhenu Charkha.
– From the beginning gp was used to published on every Monday but from 1991Baisakh 15th it published on every Friday
– Gp published twice a week from 2000 Asoj 29th , thrice a week from 2003 Paush 8th , daily from 2017 Falgun 7th , evening issue from 2019 Kartik 2nd to 2022 Asoj 12th , Saturday supplement from 2019 Ashad.
– Post offices, other government offices and Indian newspapers were the main sources of news for gp, no provision of own correspondents at its early days.
– Some city reporters were appointed for Kathmandu valley in 2000bs.

– Major contribution of gp – a) information exchange between the state and people b) social history of one century c) foundation of newspaper tradition in Nepal d) an intellectual exercise in closed and conservative society e) strong medium for development of Nepali language and literature f) source of information about Nepal in foreign countries g) an important position in Asian journalism due to its long continuation.

NATIONAL COMMUNICATION PLAN – 2028 (NCP)

– ‘Communication for development’ main slogan
– main objective was to mobilized communication sector to promote Panchayat system.
– Before NCP, no independent ministry for communication affairs
– NCP designed independent Ministry of Communication (moc) with complete organogram
– Five organs under moc – Department of Information, Department of Broadcasting (Radio Nepal), Dept.of Postal Service, HMG Press , Press Council Nepal.
– Six corporations under moc – Nepal Telecommunication corp.,
Royal Nepal Film Corp., Gorkhapatra Corp.,RSS, Cultural Corp., Shree Ratna Recording Corp.
– NCP gave a new dimension and laid foundation for communication development.

LONG TERM PLAN FOR THE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
SECTOR – 2059
– based on – constitution 2047- open, liberal and competitive economic policies – ninth plan – communication access to rural level – communication service as a tool to alleviate poverty and social backwardness.
– 16 points main long term plan and other sectoral plans

MEDIA EDUCATION IN NEPAL

– history of journalism in Nepal more than 100 years
-history of journalism education in Nepal 25 years
– tradition to entry in journalism without background of journalism education
– previously no opportunity to gain journalism education inside the country
– now two types of opportunities – academic course and training course
– in academic course at present journalism is available from class IX to Masters and Ph.D. level
– first initiation by TU in Ratna Rajya Campus- 2033bs.- certificate level
– diploma level in Patan campus in 2036, shifted to RR campus in 2038
– out of valley in Prithivi Narayan campus,Pokhara, certificate level – 2041
– Peoples campus (private) certificate level- 2043
– Functional paper in Diploma level in various campuses – 2055
– Masters level by TU in RR campus and by Purbanchal U. in Kantipur City College and College of Journalism and Mass Communication – all in 2058
– Bachelor level in various private colleges- 2059
– four year bachelor level course in KU- 2062
– In various higher secondary schools (10 +2)

Training Courses

– Nepal Press Institute – 2041 ( ten month proficiency course)
– One year diploma course from 2058
– Three months and other short term courses by NPI Regional Media Center in Biratnagar, Butwal and Nepalgunj
– Media Point -2053 (ten month proficiency course)
– Center for Women Development – 6 month course only for girls (not running now)
– Short term course by various institutions like Global media center, Smarika, Communication Corner, Media House, AAVAS, Jamaleshor Institute, Sambad, Kathmandu communication training center etc.
– Short term courses by various professional organizations and NGOs like FNJ, Sancharika Samuha, WOJAN, Nepal Press Union, Press Chautari, Nepal Institute of Mass Communication, Photo journalists associations, Reiyukai etc.
– Journalism training available for one day to one year.