To equip working journalists with techniques to critically evaluate the content and avoid manipulated information, the Lumbini Province committee of the Federation of Nepali Journalists organised training on ‘Media and Information Literacy for Journalists.’

A two-day session concluded on Tuesday amid a function organised in Bhalubang.

Speaking at the programme, Basanta Giri, chair of the Lumbini Province committee of FNJ highlighted the need to encourage journalists to develop foundational skills in media literacy to fight the challenges of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

The training on media and information literacy skills for journalists is expected to empower journalists to critically evaluate media content in the age of the rise of false news, he said.

“Empowered and informed journalists can work to enhance the credibility of media by encountering mistrust.”

Siromani Dhungana, lead trainer of the session and secretary general at the International Press Institute (IPI) Nepal chapter, emphasised the need to equip journalists with the required knowledge and skills in media and information literacy to make them empowered in verifying information, facts, and disseminate evidence-based information.

Highlighting the influencing role of media in the social learning process, he stressed the need to enable journalists to fact-checking skills to combat the growing challenge of misinformation.

Informed journalists can make informed decisions while disseminating the message, he said.

“Flow of fact-based information not only enhances the prospect of quality journalism but also helps consolidate democratic values and practices.”

Bikram Khadka, general secretary of the FNJ province committee vowed to continue trainings on media and information literacy to other parts of the province. A total of 25 participants from the province participated in the program.

The programme was organized with the support from the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Lumbini Province, according to the FNJ.