KATHMANDU: We are proud to announce the return of Nepal News—Nepal’s first online news portal—now relaunched under new ownership. At a time when the media industry is facing financial hardship and increasing uncertainty, this is both a bold and risky step. Yet we have chosen to embrace the challenge, committing ourselves to a new kind of journalism—one that places us firmly under the scrutiny and judgment of our readers.

It is only natural to ask: Why relaunch Nepal News amid Nepal’s already crowded landscape of online portals? The answer lies in today’s context. On one hand, our nation is mired in partisanship, polarized politics, corruption, rapid technological change, and a predatory economy. On the other hand, social media’s reach and influence increasingly overshadow genuine journalism.

With growing internet penetration, digitalization, the misuse of artificial intelligence, misinformation, and sensational headlines, viral stories often outpace verified facts. In the absence of media literacy and awareness, a confused generation is taking shape. Clickbait based on falsehoods has overtaken truth. We have all witnessed—and endured—deliberate attempts to mobilize crowds to spread rumors and disinformation, undermining the very idea of truth.

At this critical moment, when the media itself is shaken by doubt, the pressing question is: how do we protect true journalism and restore its trustworthiness in the public mind? Debates can be long, but the conclusion is simple—despite challenges and pressures, delivering reliable content remains the most powerful weapon.

Journalism is not merely about reporting events; it is also about uncovering causes, consequences, and contexts. This requires time, resources, and above all, professional integrity. As I begin my duty as Publisher of Nepal News, I pledge to take every measure necessary to meet the profound challenge of upholding the highest standards of integrity while embracing innovation and practicing independent, courageous, and trustworthy journalism in Nepal. Fierce independence has always guided our media values, and it will continue to shape our work in today’s rapidly shifting media landscape.

We are embarking on the long, costly, and demanding mission of building a culture of investigative and magazine-format original content—reporting that seeks out truth and serves the public interest. The media faces challenges unlike any in its history: technological disruption, economic pressures, and the erosion of public trust. Yet it is precisely in such times that journalism’s responsibility to truth becomes most urgent.

If we step back and look at the bigger picture, the need for—and responsibility to—fact-based, investigative journalism in Nepal has never been greater. Never before have we faced so many challenges at once. The revival of Nepal News is an attempt to turn adversity into opportunity. Our aim is not just financial growth but to establish ourselves as a platform for the free exchange of ideas, a watchdog that holds power accountable, a voice that does not bow to authority, and a portal that strengthens democracy.

For this, we are experimenting with fresh approaches—both in journalism and in the marketplace—confident that our valued readers will be the ultimate judges.

It is a fitting coincidence that Nepal News’s relaunch falls on the birth anniversary of poet Motiram Bhatta—the very man who introduced Bhanubhakta Acharya and published Nepal’s first monthly magazine, Gorkha Bharat Jeevan. Though Nepal News was the country’s first online news portal, the new management’s real test, commitment, and journey begin only today.

We sincerely hope that you—our readers, advertisers, and well-wishers—will join us on this new path.

Pramod Raj Sedhain
Executive Chairman, Nepal News