Kathmandu. During the meeting, Naan submitted an attention letter to Minister Timilsina and demanded the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's order to cancel the previous 'controversial' decision to give government advertisements only to government media. 

Noting that the Supreme Court on June 30, 2083 annulled the said decision of the government as contrary to the right of press freedom and equality, the union drew the attention of the ministry to treat all government and private media equally and manage advertisements transparently through advertising agencies.

Agency role and future security

In the letter submitted by the association, it has been mentioned that advertising agencies are an important bridge between the government, media and advertisers, and it has been requested not to 'bypass' the agency in the era of Artificial Intelligence 9B. In a letter signed by Bimal Khadka, General Secretary of the Association, it has been demanded to protect the scope and role of the agency prescribed by the Advertising Regulation Act 2076 and provide policy guarantees.

Communications Minister's commitment

In response, Minister Timilsina said that the recently released National Advertising Policy will be effectively implemented and the advertising sector will be organized. He said, "The government has taken seriously the financial irregularities seen in the distribution of government advertisements in the past. In the future, all parties connected with the advertising cycle should work in a transparent and professional manner."

Minister Timilsina urged the private sector to adapt to the changes in advertising style along with the development of digital media. He emphasized that the development of the advertising sector will strengthen the financial base of the media and create thousands of jobs, so there should be cooperation between the government and the private sector to make it worthwhile.

In the meeting, the representatives of NAN expected positive initiatives from the ministry to revive the advertising business which has become stagnant after the Covid-19 and to protect the agencies.