ABU-Facilitated Study Visit of Nepali Delegation to Prasar Bharati (Akashvani and Doordarshan)

The ABU Secretariat facilitated a meeting in New Delhi between Prasar Bharati (PB) and a visiting delegation from Nepal last month. The meeting formed part of a study tour facilitated by BBC Media Action Nepal, aimed at promoting knowledge exchange on disaster coverage among public service broadcasters.

The Nepali delegation comprised media representatives from Public Service Broadcasting Nepal (PSBN), the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal (ACORAB), BBC Media Action, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The delegation was led by Dr. Janardan Bista, Deputy Director, PSBN and Radio Nepal.

The delegation's first stop was Akashvani (radio service of PB), where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Prakash Veer, Additional Director General (Global Outreach), Prasar Bharati. Mr. Veer facilitated a meeting with key Akashvani officials, including the news and programme teams led by Dr. Dhiraj Kakadiya, Additional Director General (News).

The discussion centred on how Akashvani manages disaster coverage across its radio stations and digital platforms. Dr. Kakadiya explained that Akashvani has designated beat reporters specifically assigned to disaster events. These reporters are responsible for live coverage, ensuring the dissemination of accurate and timely information to the public. He emphasized that Akashvani prioritizes the credibility and authenticity of disaster-related news, relying exclusively on reliable sources such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Indian disaster management agencies, and other government entities.

Representing the Nepali delegation, Dr. Bista shared Radio Nepal's experience in covering the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a dedicated emergency broadcasting team comprising reporters, editors, presenters, and logistical support staff that can be swiftly mobilized during disasters. This approach was well received by the Akashvani officials, who acknowledged its potential to enhance disaster coverage.

Following the discussion, the Nepali delegation toured Akashvani's broadcasting studios and facilities. A notable highlight was the Bapu Studio, where, as mentioned by Dr. Kakadiya, Mahatma Gandhi addressed the nation in 1947 for the first and only time in his lifetime.

The delegation then visited Doordarshan News at its Mandi House headquarters in New Delhi. They observed DD News operations and engaged in discussions with Ms. Mamta Verma, Director General of DD News, along with other senior staff members. Ms. Verma emphasized that Doordarshan News aims to save lives during disasters by providing accurate and timely information. She noted that DD News produces a wide range of broadcast content covering all phases of disaster management, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Doordarshan News team further stressed the importance of verifying all disaster-related information through authentic government sources before broadcast, noting that this is critical to addressing the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation in today's media landscape.