FNJ launches protest against government’s advertising policy

KATHMANDU, April 22: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has announced a nationwide pressure campaign against the government’s controversial policy on the distribution of advertisements. The federation objects to a decision by the Prime Minister’s Office to restrict advertisements from all three tiers of government to state-run media only, calling it contrary to press freedom, open market competition, and the spirit of federalism.

According to the federation, it had submitted a memorandum to the government through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on April 5, 2026, but moved to phased protests after receiving no response. In a statement, the FNJ said the decision would systematically weaken private media, create imbalances in information dissemination, and directly undermine democratic values and norms.

As per the announced program, provincial committees will hold discussions with chief ministers on April 22 to express disagreement with the policy. On April 23, district branches across the country will submit memorandums to chief district officers, addressing their protest to the prime minister. A press conference will also be held the same day at the central office to formally outline the protest movement.

On April 24, media outlets nationwide have been urged to show editorial solidarity and raise a unified voice against the decision. Protest content will also be widely shared on social media from the same morning. Further, the federation plans discussions with national and international stakeholders on April 27, followed by an expansion of the campaign to the local level on April 28, including calls to defy the federal government’s decision.

FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal warned of stronger protests if demands are not addressed. “The government’s decision risks dividing the media sector, weakening fair competition, and curbing press freedom,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, several media-related organizations have also openly opposed the decision. Groups including Media Alliance Nepal, Media Society Nepal, and the Advertising Association of Nepal have issued separate statements demanding that the government withdraw the policy. They argue that attempts to create a monopoly over government advertising would seriously affect independent journalism, professional competition, and citizens’ right to information.

A legal challenge against the decision has already been filed at the Supreme Court. According to legal experts, the policy contradicts constitutional guarantees of press freedom, equal opportunity, and a competitive economic system and has been challenged for annulment.

Stakeholders note that after foreign employment, the media sector is one of Nepal’s most influential economic and social sectors. Concentrating a key revenue source like government advertising in a limited number of institutions, they warn, could weaken the media landscape in the long term and create serious imbalances in the flow of information.

The federation has called on journalists, media institutions, and civil society to support the movement, stating that the issue goes beyond advertising and is directly linked to safeguarding press freedom, equal opportunity, and democratic values.