The recent Gen Z protests, which have already claimed more than 72 lives and inflicted heavy damage on state institutions, have also caused huge loss in Nepal’s media sector, with journalists wounded and multiple news outlets attacked.

Reporters covering the demonstrations outside Parliament in Baneshwar came under fire.

Journalist Shambhu Dangal was struck in the leg by a metal bullet allegedly fired by police from inside the Parliament building.

Photojournalist Dipendra Dhungana sustained shrapnel wounds near his ear, while videographer Shyam Shrestha of Kantipur Media Group was grazed on the arm.

Umesh Karki of Nepal Press was hit by shrapnel in the arm, and Deshsanchar’s Barsha Shah was injured by stones hurled during the clashes.

Several major media houses also suffered arson and vandalism. Kantipur Publications in Thapathali; Kantipur Television and Annapurna Post in Tinkune; and the offices of Nepal Television and Radio Nepal within Singha Durbar were all attacked.

Kantipur TV’s operations were halted temporarily, while websites of eKantipur and The Kathmandu Post went offline for a few days.

In Chitwan, Kalika FM, Saphal Khabar, and Chure Sandesh were targeted, alongside damage to Ilam-based Nepalvani FM and Ilam Express Daily, Radio Jagaran in Butwal, and Radio Lokdarpan in Darchula.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists reported at least 13 cases of physical assault and harassment. In Sarlahi, Meroshan TV reporter Rajiv Sah was beaten and forced to delete footage.

In Bhaktapur, journalists Tulsi Kumar Twaena and Krishna KC were attacked, while others including Niraj Nischal in Banke and Dipendra Bhatt in Kailali had their cameras or vehicles set ablaze.

Despite the destruction, many newsrooms continued broadcasting and publishing under difficult circumstances. Media rights groups have condemned the violence, calling it a direct attack on press freedom and democratic values.