Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-29-2010

Abstract

Land locked Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal was known for relative isolation and state controlled media access and exposure until late twentieth century. The limited print and electronic media produced and distributed within the kingdom was fairly restrictive though news papers and magazines, radio and television signals were received without much restrictions from the neighboring countries particularly from India. Other countries like China also broadcast Nepal focused information and news. On the turn of the twenty first century, Nepals cultural and political scene have taken revolutionary path in which kingship has been replaced by democratic order. The aim of the paper is to discuss and analyzed the contribution of media in achieving transfer of power to people. The paper is based on the first hand interaction with Nepal media persons and available secondary data on the growth and development of media in Nepal and political events. Radio broadcast in Nepal started in April 1951. At that time, radio coverage was small and limited to Kathmandu-the capital and surrounding valley. Radio Nepal since then has grown both in terms of infrastructure and broadcasting time. Added to it has been expansion of 'community radio' often used for political campaigns. Television arrived in mid eighties in Kathmandu and rapidly expended its coverage. In spite of several political upheavals and turmoil gradually private entrepreneurs took over media within Nepal. Youth within Nepal and emigrants to other parts of Asia provided continuous information that contributed to influence the struggle for democratic power to people.'

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS