Kathmandu, 12 December 2024 – In an era marked by rapid digital transformation, 13 journalists and 13 content creators gathered at the National Symposium for Journalists and Content Creators in Kathmandu to tackle the critical challenges of ethical storytelling and content moderation. Organized by Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) in collaboration with UNESCO Nepal, the event aimed to promote authenticity, accountability, and transparency in Nepal’s dynamic media landscape.
The symposium featured a blend of interactive sessions, expert panels, and workshops, equipping participants with practical tools to create impactful and ethical content. Speaking at the event, Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative to Nepal, stressed the pivotal role of content creators in the digital age while warning of their vulnerability to misinformation. "Content creators play a key role in online information circulation, but without proper fact-checking, they risk contributing to misinformation and 'fake news,'" he said, referencing UNESCO’s recent global survey.
The event opened with a panel discussion titled "Responsible Narratives: Authenticity, Ethics, and Audience Engagement," featuring prominent figures such as Shree Pandey, anchor and producer at Kantipur TV HD; Babita Basnet, journalist and author; and Nirjana Sharma, Programme Officer at UNESCO Nepal. Moderated by Santosh Chhetri, Director of Youth Innovation Lab, the panel highlighted strategies for building trust and maintaining integrity in digital storytelling.
In another session, Bijay Kumar Timalsina, co-founder and CEO of Techpana Media, conducted a workshop on "Ethical Journalism and Content Creation." Participants delved into principles of combating misinformation, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, Rajneesh Bhandari, founder of Nepal Investigative Multimedia Journalism Network, led a session on "The Impact of Storytelling," where attendees explored techniques for crafting compelling, ethical narratives. A hands-on activity using the GooseChase app offered participants an opportunity to practice real-time ethical storytelling.
The symposium concluded with a thought-provoking discussion on "Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation," led by Rukamanee Maharjan, Assistant Professor at Nepal Law Campus. The session examined the delicate balance between creative freedom and ethical responsibility, offering insights into the future of media ethics in Nepal.
As Nepal’s digital ecosystem continues to grow, the symposium underscored the pressing need for ethical practices, collaboration, and transparency. By fostering these values, the event aimed to strengthen public trust in digital narratives and empower creators to navigate the evolving media landscape responsibly.
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