The inception of providing professional leadership to Nepalese media persons was initiated in 29 March, 1956 through the establishment of Nepal Journalists Association (NJA) which gave opportunity to the journalists of Nepal to be organized under one umbrella. The Association was established by noted journalist cum freedom fighter Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, who later became the country’s Prime Minister after the restoration of democracy in 1990. The Nepal Journalists Association (NJA) formally converted into present day Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) on 25 June 1995. The first amendment of its statute on 2064 has changed its name to Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).

Federation of Nepali Journalists is a full member of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX). As the umbrella organization of the Nepali Journalists, FNJ seeks to promote and protect freedom of the press and expression, professional and physical security of the journalists and envisions a well informed Nepali society, where freedom of press and speech are exercised in an unhindered manner.