Media Action Nepal is training young journalists to report accurately and include diverse voices in their stories.

 KATHMANDU, JULY 27 – Media Action Nepal has helped young journalists strengthen their skills in tackling misinformation and promoting inclusive and ethical journalism through a three-day residential training workshop held from July 23 to 25 in Godawari. The training was part of a project supported by the Czech Republic titled “Strengthening Young Journalists to Counter Misinformation and Promote Inclusive Media in Nepal.”

Twenty early-career journalists from across the country, including 12 women, took part in the interactive training. The sessions focused on fighting disinformation, media ethics, gender-sensitive reporting, and conflict-sensitive journalism.

The training was led by Laxman Datt Pant, a global media rights expert and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal. He was joined by senior journalists Rajan Pokhrel (Editor, The Himalayan Times), Namrata Sharma (activist and senior journalist), and Shalik Subedi (Editor, Nepal Television).

The workshop began with an overview of misinformation and the journalist’s role in protecting freedom of speech while ensuring information accuracy. Participants took part in a debate on how media shapes public opinion, specifically about youth migration, to show how journalism influences national conversations.

Namrata Sharma led a session on gender-sensitive journalism, encouraging participants to explore how the media often reinforces gender stereotypes and excludes marginalized voices. They discussed ethical challenges, especially in reporting sensitive issues like sexual violence.

Rajan Pokhrel guided the participants in writing fact-based and ethical stories, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, clear structure, and reliable sources. He helped them create article outlines and gave detailed feedback on improving their language, tone, and fact-checking.

Pant also conducted an advanced session on conflict-sensitive journalism, where participants learned how to report on conflicts without worsening tensions. They worked on a fictional case study involving youth violence and disinformation, developing ethical reporting strategies.

Shalik Subedi’s session focused on media literacy. He trained participants to identify fake news, verify information, and promote responsible news consumption. The session included hands-on exercises in source verification and inclusive storytelling.

In the final session, Pant helped the participants craft strong and ethical story pitches on topics such as hate speech, gender equality, and freedom of expression. The trainees practiced pitching their ideas clearly and with social impact in mind.

On the last day, participants reflected on their personal growth. Mimamsha Dhungel and Kanchan Kumari Yadav co-led a discussion on lessons learned. Several participants shared takeaways—like becoming more aware of gender bias, the need for structured fact-checking, and the importance of neutrality and peace-focused reporting.

The program ended with a closing session led by participant Kusum Rimal. Chairperson Priyanka Jha applauded the group’s commitment and reaffirmed Media Action Nepal’s support for young, especially female and gender minority, journalists. Laxman Datt Pant shared final remarks and plans for future mentoring. Certificates were awarded, marking the participants’ readiness to uphold ethical, inclusive, and independent journalism in Nepal.