Written by David Brewer

A media foundation has been set up in Nepal which aims to assess the impact and quality of journalism in the country. Those behind it say the country is currently going through a difficult political transition with journalism continuing to play its 'watchdog' role. However they say it's now time to assess the part the media is playing on that change and to examine how it should develop in terms of Nepal's emerging democracy.

Independent non-profit organisation

The Media Foundation, which has been set up by a group of communications professionals and academics, says it is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organisation "devoted to education and policy research."

According to those behind the initiative, the foundation will examine the media's impact on Nepal's public policy and its formulation.

The secretary of the new foundation, Dr Dharma Nanda Adhikari, says that in recent years, Nepal has seen massive growth in the media, especially in the broadcast and the electronic sector.

Dr Adhikari says this growth and the expansion of media markets, both local and foreign (mainly Indian, Anglo-American), are redefining Nepali society, culture and politics in a fundamental way.

Assessing the impact of media

"The country is now in a difficult political transition and journalists are playing their 'watchdog' role as actively as possible," he said.

"Yet, there is much to be done in assessing the impact and quality of journalism and communication in the country.

"As an independent center for media studies, the Foundation hopes to fill that void by focusing on the public role and functions of media in the emerging democracy."

The foundation plans to provide regular media analysis for Nepal and create a media archive for the country. It also plans to run training courses for media professionals.

Funding and founders

The foundation will be funded by membership fees, donations and grants both from within Nepal and from abroad.

The founding members include Bharat Dutta Koirala (chair), Jan Sharma (vice-chair), Dharma Nanda Adhikari (secretary), Punita Rimal (treasurer), with Gopal Chitrakar, Jagadish Pokhrel and Dr Arun Gupto as executive members.