Divided journalism weakening voice for rights of oppressed people
Journalists here have admitted that sheer split and differing views among themselves was weakening the voice for the rights of socially oppressed community.
"Although journalism is taken as the voice of voiceless, the situation is that journalists are not able to raise voice of the voiceless," regretted journalist Lokendra Sunar. He argued the issues of socially oppressed people- the grim reality of country- are not given priority for reporting.
According to him, divided journalism is one of the reasons behind it. "Discrimination, which is legally banned, is still prevalent. But, many cases, which are crimes indeed, get mediated, where journalists remained mute observers," he lamented.
He was sharing such view at the third district convention of Dalit Journalists’ Forum Baglung here on Tuesday. Dalit journalists associated to various organizations put forth their views.
Most of the speakers had the views similar to Sunar’s. The political division has obstructed the voice of those fighting for justice, he stressed.
Chairman of Federation of Nepali Journalists in district, Dil Shirish, said real change eluded after journalists coveted only organization. "The ill intention of journalists’ organizations hampered change which journalism could ensure. It is the point, we need to mull," he underscored.
He however said the organization with the members from any ethnicity or community should not limit itself to particular community but advocate for the welfare of entire society.
On the occasion, executive editor with Dhorpatan daily, Ramkrishna Bohara, said journalists can raise voice for change being based on societal reality.
Central discipline department member of Press Organization, Kopila Kandel, wondered whether journalism is carried out on the basis of reality.
The convention has reelected Anis Khati as its chairman, while Minu BK and Nawin BK are vice-chairmen, Nawaraj Pariyar secretary, Laxmi Sunar joint secretary and Devi Bohara treasurer.
