active· Governance

Supporting Democracy through Investigative Journalism in Nepal 2016-2018

The emergence of mass-readership digital portals in the past two years have shown that Nepalis now have an alternative source of information than just the traditional mainstream press. This has provided an alternative outlet for publication and syndication of investigative stories that would otherwise have been sensitive for the corporate media. However many journalists still lack the technical skills to fully use digital platforms. The immediate objective of this project is to impart digital investigative journalism skills to the journalists.The broader objective of the project is to encourage investigative reporting on issues of vital public interest and continue CIJ?s effort to support investigative reporters logistically as well as in terms of building t heir capacity.Democratic ownership of development is a crucial element in development policy based on human rights. Citizens need independent critical information produced by investigative journalism if they are to know their rights and act for them. Reduc ing inequality and increasing equality are central to the project. Despite the federal democracy declared in 2007 Nepal is still experiencing political and administrative turmoil and a new constitution is pending. The devastating earthquakes of 25 April an d 12 May this year are posing new challenges to the nation at large.