Nepal's Historic Media Merger: Forging a Robust Public Service Broadcaster

In a landmark move, Nepal's House of Representatives has passed the Public Service Broadcasting Bill, paving the way for the merger of the country's two national broadcasters, Radio Nepal and Nepal Television. This long-awaited legislation aims to establish a more efficient and powerful public service media entity, drawing inspiration from global models like the BBC and NHK.

Revolutionizing Nepal's Media Landscape

Consolidating National Broadcasters

The passage of the Public Service Broadcasting Bill marks a significant milestone in Nepal's media development. The legislation, two decades in the making, has been designed to bring together Radio Nepal and Nepal Television under a single, publicly-funded umbrella – the National Public Service Broadcasting Agency. This strategic merger is expected to create a more robust, efficient, and influential public media entity that can better serve the diverse needs of the Nepalese population.

Governance and Structure

The new National Public Service Broadcasting Agency will be governed by a council led by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. This council will be responsible for providing policy guidance and formulating the agency's operational policies. The agency's leadership will comprise a three-member board, including a chairperson appointed by the government, a first-class officer from the ministry, and at least one woman representative.

Appointment of the Executive Chairperson

One month after the bill's authentication, a public call for applications will be made for the position of Executive Chairperson. The selection process will involve the submission of an action plan and an interview, with the successful candidate serving a four-year term. This appointment process aims to ensure the agency's leadership is chosen based on merit and a clear vision for the organization's future.

Merging Existing Positions

The legislation also mandates the merging of existing positions at Radio Nepal and Nepal Television, streamlining the organizational structure and creating a more cohesive public service media entity. This integration of personnel and resources is expected to enhance the agency's operational efficiency and enable it to better fulfill its public service mandate.

Financial Autonomy and Funding

The National Public Service Broadcasting Agency will have a dedicated fund to manage the grants it receives and its own generated income. This financial autonomy is crucial for the agency's ability to operate independently and make strategic decisions aligned with its public service objectives, without undue external influence.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Perspectives

The passage of the Public Service Broadcasting Bill has been widely welcomed by media advocates and stakeholders. Taranath Dahal, the Chief Executive of Freedom Forum, an organization that has been advocating for this bill since 2007, hailed it as a "milestone on media development and lawmaking in this sector." While acknowledging that some provisions may still require standardization, Dahal emphasized the significant progress made by the Nepalese parliament in this regard.

Towards a Stronger Public Media Ecosystem

The merger of Radio Nepal and Nepal Television into the National Public Service Broadcasting Agency represents a transformative moment for Nepal's media landscape. By drawing inspiration from global best practices and prioritizing public service values, this legislation aims to create a more robust, efficient, and influential public media entity that can better serve the information and entertainment needs of the Nepalese people. As the agency takes shape, it will be crucial to monitor its implementation and ensure it maintains the necessary autonomy and resources to fulfill its vital role in Nepal's democratic discourse.