MoIC publishes concept paper for National Communications Bill
KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Information and Communication (MoIC) has published a concept paper for a National Communications Bill that would merge existing mass media laws into a single statute.
The paper says the new law is intended to make the mass communication sector timely, integrated and accountable, and to ensure effective implementation of the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and expression, the right to communication and the right to information. The ministry aims to register the bill in parliament within the current fiscal year.
Officials said rapid advances in information technology, the expansion of digital and online media and the diversification of broadcasting require a unified legal framework rather than piecemeal amendments. The proposal would replace the Printing and Publication Act, 2048; the National Broadcasting Act, 2049; and the Act concerning Working Journalists, 2051 with a single umbrella law.
The concept paper sets out that the new act will seek to make the sector fair, independent, transparent, respectable and professional, while strengthening democratic governance. It also proposes legal measures for institutional development of media organisations, accountability, good governance and the protection of working journalists’ rights, interests and services.
The ministry said the draft bill will address issues highlighted during implementation of the Information and Communication Technology Policy and the National Mass Communication Policy, 2073. Topics to be brought under one legal framework include archiving of mass media, licensing, regulation, institutional development, production and distribution of television signals, permissions and renewals, and technical monitoring.
The paper listed expected outcomes as enhanced professionalism and credibility in the communications sector, protection of press freedom and expression, improved institutional development and governance of media organisations, more effective management and regulation of online media, organised television signal and cable distribution, and stronger safeguards for working journalists.
Key rationales for the proposed law included the need for clear regulation of digital publishing and broadcasting, a legal framework aligned with federal governance, strengthened transparency and accountability in media, and regulation of new services such as over‑the‑top platforms. The proposed bill would cover newspapers, online media, broadcasting and frequency management, general communication regulations, conditions and benefits for working journalists, offences, penalties and appeals, and the establishment of a journalists’ welfare fund.
The ministry said the concept was developed on the basis of the Information and Communication Technology Policy and the National Mass Communication Policy, 2073, prepared using rational and mixed methods. The paper recommended implementing the law through the existing Department of Information and Broadcasting and said the ministry will seek opinions, suggestions and consultations from relevant ministries, government agencies, organisations and individuals during drafting.
