Nepal’s information landscape is somewhat vibrant: VIBE Study Report

KATHMANDU, JUNE 27: The USAID Civil Society and Media (CSM) Program launched the Vibrant Information Barometer (VIBE) study report, which rates Nepal’s information ecosystem somewhat vibrant. Nepal scored 23 out of 40, which is an average from the score it received under four principles: information quality, channels, consumption and engagement, and transformative action.

According to the report, Lumbini Province scored 24, indicating a slightly more dynamic information landscape than the national average, while Madhesh Province obtained 22, showing a moderately vibrant information environment.

The report was jointly unveiled by Chief Commissioner of National Information Commission (NIC) Mahendra Man Gurung and The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) Nepal’s Country Representative Meghan Nalbo at a program held yesterday in the capital. 

The diverse and inclusive expert panel evaluated the vibrancy of Nepal’s media ecosystem based on 20 indicators with 167 sub-indicators.

The study engaged over 30 expert panellists from the national level and two provinces, encompassing editors, media managers, civil society members, reporters, educators, and activists.

The panellists were asked to assign scores to specific indicators within designated ranges: zero to 10 for indicators categorized as ‘Non-Vibrant’, 11 to 20 for ‘Slightly Vibrant’, 21 to 30 for ‘Somewhat Vibrant’, and 31 to 40 for ‘Highly Vibrant.

The VIBE study was conducted by IREX as a part of the USAID CSM Program implemented by The Asia Foundation in Nepal in partnership with Pact.

Chief Commissioner of National Information Commission (NIC) Mahendra Man Gurung addressing the event said that the NIC would draw on the findings and recommendations of the VIBE study report to prepareplans and plans relevant to the effective implementation of Right to Information (RTI).

The report identifies strengths and challenges and provides recommendations for enhancing Nepal’s information ecosystem. 

The Asia Foundation Country Representative Meghan Nalbo, addressing the event said, “The Asia Foundation Nepal is committed to further enhancing Nepal's information ecosystem. As we’ve heard this morning the media industry in Nepal has been facing a severe crisis recently.

"The VIBE report is an important, reliable evidence base on Nepal’s information ecosystem; it provides us the opportunity to reflect, and listen to the accessed gaps for Nepal to meet its own resilient information needs, and work towards strengthening the information landscape, which I believe will help the media support the country’s vision for its own thriving development.”

 

The USAID Civil Society and Media program, funded by USAID/Nepal is implemented by The Asia Foundation to support independent civil society and media led by and for targeted women, youth, and marginalized communities to advance public interest, fundamental freedoms, and accountability.