|
Description:
The author argues that it is a difficult task to present the genesis, growth, and present function of the press in Nepal. The article gives an account on the history of the Nepali press and shows the 'sad plight' of the press. It focuses on the press in Nepal during the period of 1951-74. An overview of press history in Nepal discusses the first official paper, Gorkhapatra, which was started in 1858. The article includes the overthrow of the Rana regime and its relation with press, as well as the establishment of news agencies like Sagarmatha news agency, Nepal Sambad Samiti, and Rastriya Sambad Samiti. The article also examines the press in the post-take-over period during King Mahendra's reign, polarization of papers, and the political orientation of the press. The article concludes that the history of the press in Nepal actually begins with the revolution of 1950. 1950-60 was the period of "rising aspirations", when institutions were created, papers published, and there was enthusiasm from the people belonging to various walks of life. It is interesting to note that Kathmandu-based political, bureaucratic, and other elites may spend sleepless nights when they fail to read foreign papers, but nobody seems to give serious consideration to improving the lot of the press in Nepal. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2007-01-03)
|
