Nepal’s Communication and Information Technology Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has announced plans to modernize and expand government media services to ensure better access and relevance in the digital age. Speaking at a program hosted by Radio Nepal’s Public Service Broadcast in Pokhara, Minister Gurung emphasized that state-owned media outlets would be upgraded to meet the demands of modern technology.
Minister Gurung highlighted that both Radio Nepal and Nepal Television (NTV) would be made more accessible to every Nepali citizen by the end of this year. “We will make Radio Nepal easy to listen to in every home, and Nepal Television will be available for everyone to watch,” he stated. Additionally, he mentioned that NTV World would begin operations this year as part of efforts to promote and recognize Nepal’s tourism on a global scale.
The minister also underlined the importance of restructuring and enhancing the competitiveness of two other state-owned media organizations: Gorkhapatra and Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS). He emphasized that mass media in Nepal should focus on inclusivity and diversity in both content and delivery. Currently, Radio Nepal broadcasts news and programs in 24 different national languages, with plans to expand further.
Minister Gurung noted that the restructuring and re-management of all four state-owned media organizations had already begun. He reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing outdated communication laws within a year and to introducing new legislation aimed at regulating social media and online platforms.
In addition, the minister stressed the importance of qualitative improvements in government organizations such as Nepal Telecom and Nepal Postal Service. He called for increased collaboration among the three tiers of government to enhance the quality of communications and public broadcasting services in Nepal.
