Nepal, April 3 -- Various stakeholders have voiced serious concern over a recent government decision that could significantly undermine privately operated media outlets.

The concerns follow a directive issued on Wednesday by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, instructing all subordinate bodies to publish and broadcast government information and advertisements exclusively through state-owned media. The move has drawn strong objections from concerned parties.

The directive has been circulated to all government agencies, secretariats, commissions, as well as provincial and local governments. Advertising agencies and private media organisations have expressed alarm, warning of far-reaching consequences. According to ...