FNJ President Dr Mahendra Bista took strong exception to this announcement by the government in its policy and program unveiled on Wednesday. "Journalists code of conduct is a restriction imposed by journalists themselves.Issued jointly by the Federation of Nepali Journalists and Press Council Nepal, homework to review the existing journalists' code of conduct is being jointly carried out. It is unthinkable of in a democratic system to use Journalists' Code of Ethics as a policy to be incorporated in the government's policy and program," said a statement issued by FNJ President Dr Bista.
Dr Bista maintained that online media is something to be managed by press laws. "It is mysterious and suspicious to think about separate laws to deal with online media," he said. Dr Bista has also regretted over the failure of the government to address the problem of earthquake-affected journalists working in different parts of the country.
The FNJ has also expressed disappointment for the failure of the government to expedite establishment process of Mass Communication Training Academy, introduce insurance scheme to journalists and implement scheme of Journalists Welfare Fund in the government's policy and program.
However, FNJ has welcomed the government's announcement to transform Radio Nepal and Nepal Television into public broadcasting organizations, formulate mass media policy, provide broadband internet service, conduct feasibility study to set up satellite and make an arrangement to issue renewal license to up to 100watt FM Radio stations from district itself.
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