Date: April 2, 2026

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) expresses its serious concern over the circular issued by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to all federal ministries, commissions, secretariats, and provincial and local levels, directing that government information and advertisements be published and broadcast only through state-owned media.

The Federation expresses its grave disagreement and objection to the secretary-level decision to cut off government advertisements to private media outlets, which are already grappling with an economic crisis caused by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Gen-Z protests.

The Federation maintains that this decision, on one hand, creates a situation where private media outlets may be forced to shut down, stripping working journalists of their livelihoods. On the other hand, it creates an environment of press censorship, directly impacting independent journalism, which serves as the "voice of the voiceless."

The Federation strongly demands the government immediately withdraw this decision, which goes against the spirit of constitutionally guaranteed full press freedom, liberal economic policies, and federalism.

Furthermore, the Federation cautions that if this decision is not rescinded, it will be compelled to lead the entire media fraternity in a protest against the government’s attempt to control the free press and impose an information monopoly.

Ram Prasad Dahal

General Secretary