Only half of Nepal’s licensed radios are regularly on air

The Nepalese government has issued broadcasting permission to 405 FM radio stations until mid January. However, only 242 of them are regularly on air according to the Nepalese website myrepublica.com.

Similar pattern is observed with regard to TV licenses. Although, the number of licensed television channels has reached 34, only 16 of them are in operation.

The number of channels receiving licenses for satellite distribution system direct- to-home (DTH) has reached nine while the number of channels acquiring downlink license has reached 101. The number of cable operators has reached 275.

In a parallel development, the Finance Ministry has agreed in principle to implement the concept paper related to accidental insurance of journalists. The amendments in the relevant laws, Right to Information Regulations and Film Production, Release and Distribution Regulations,  have been sent to the Council of Ministers for approval.