Online Media In Nepal

By the time internet technology started settling its soles in Asian countries during the late 20th century, Nepal was one of the leading nations to adopt the facility. In fact, it was the first country in southern Asia to have a newspaper presence online. The Kathmandu Post made its online debut in 1996 and pioneered digital media development in the country.

There are 5 major types of media portals operational in the state- digital versions of newspapers, online outlets for television and radio, tech portals, independent news, and websites managed by Nepali individuals settled in foreign countries. The last one is rare and there aren't many countries with the presence of this network.

Radio

The government of Nepal has sole control over the radio since 1951, which is the most prominent form of mass communication in the state. However, FM channels could be leased out to private operators.

Television

Less than 15% of the Nepali population have access to television. The government owns NT and broadcasts 2 channels. There are in total 16 private broadcasters who offer different channels for news and content circulation. Television broadcasting in Nepal started in 1985 and the aim was to focus on the promotion of unity, national heritage, education, and religion.

E-Newspapers

Many domestic news agencies own online web portals for the circulation of periodicals and printed versions of newspapers. There are browsing and mobile apps to access these content. Main-stream editors have contributed to the proliferation of online media across the country and made the general mass access the news conveniently through free apps.

Traditional providers are still behind in the competitive media market as their content is considered influenced by political parties.

Social Media

To the majority of the population, the internet is equivalent to Facebook. A significant amount of news and content circulation takes place through social media platforms.

As much as 65 percent of Nepalis have access to the Internet and majority of them use mobile phones for online presence and connectivity. Social media has a great impact on the youth and they are the top tier users of Social Networking Sites as well.

Tech Portals

There are plenty of web portals for information related to gadgets and the latest technology. Techlekh, Techsathi, Gadget Concern, ICT Samachar are some of the most prominent tech portals in English and have a broad viewership across Nepal.

Government interference

Media outlets in the digital sector can voluntarily register with the Department Of Information and mark their existence. Such outlets are covered under media laws. RSS, NTV, and Radio Nepal are state-run media outlets that are ahead of other portals in terms of popularity and reliability.

Online content is under the watch of authorities and could be blocked if found indecent and misleading.

All in all, Nepali digital media is quite independent and well-supported for flourishment by the state. A considerable amount of scrutinizing power still lies in the hands of authorities when it comes to the quality of content circulated.

Conclusion

In spite of being an underdeveloped country, Nepal has spread its legs in the field of online media. The advanced internet facilities are no longer foreign to the mass.

However, the popularity of traditional content spreading modes like newspapers and periodicals among the Nepali society remains noteworthy.