Press Council Nepal's Website: A Rollercoaster Ride of Clicks and Confusion

Introduction

In an age where information is paramount, the press serves as the guardian of public knowledge, with journalists shaping societal discourse as instrument of truth and advocates for accountability. In Nepal, the Press Council stands as a stronghold of journalistic ethics, charged with upholding integrity and transparency. However, despite its noble mandate, the Council's digital infrastructure falls short, hindering access to essential information due to outdated design and a convoluted layout, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Navigating through its virtual corridors feels like a frustrating journey without a clear destination, highlighting the irony of struggling to access vital information on a platform dedicated to promoting transparency and engagement.

Main Digest

Current Situation of Press Information in Nepal

In Nepal, the Press Council is esteemed as the guardian of all news platforms, tasked with formulating and implementing press-related policies. Aligned with the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, particularly Article 19 and 27, which uphold the "Right to Communication" and "Right to Information," respectively, the Council plays a pivotal role in upholding these fundamental rights. However, it is disheartening to note that despite its crucial role, the Press Council falls significantly short in the domains of accessibility and inclusivity. Nepal ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2009, underscoring in Article 21 the essential principles of "Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information." Additionally, Nepal boasts a pivotal provision for persons with disabilities, the Act Relating to Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ARPD 2074/2017), wherein Article 17 explicitly states the "Right to information" for persons with disabilities.

Despite the existence of robust legal provisions aimed at enhancing inclusivity, the Press Council's website in Nepal notably lacks tangible digital accessibility features, falling short of the progressive mandates outlined in the Constitution, CRPD, and ARPD. This glaring disparity between legal mandates and the operational reality of the Council's online platform highlights a concerning negligence in adhering to accessibility standards. Such neglect has widened the gap between persons with and without disabilities, particularly in the media sector, exacerbating inequalities and hindering equitable access to vital information for all citizens.

Accessibility Analysis of Press Council Nepal's Website

In light of this consideration, Prayatna Nepal, an organization committed to advancing digital accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with visual impairments, undertook a research initiative in April 2022 to evaluate the accessibility of commonly used websites and mobile applications in Nepal. Titled "Prioritizing Digital Accessibility for Inclusive Development: Position Paper on Digital Accessibility in Nepal," the study uncovers alarming discoveries that have hindered the path toward inclusivity. Within this study, particular attention was directed towards the Press Council Nepal's website, revealing deficiencies that obstruct persons with disabilities from accessing vital legal information. The research findings include:

• As soon as the website is opened, a popup dialogue appears, depriving screen reader users of perceiving the information. Screen reader users can't read the content in the popup dialogue.
• Some of the links mentioned in the header and footer sections don't have discernible text, creating confusion among many users.
• The website has many sub-headings under different heading levels, which are not put in logical order. Thus, screen reader users face difficulties in understanding the logical structures of the headings and sub-headings.
• Some of the interactive elements can't interact through a keyboard. This limits screen reader users' ability to engage with these elements.
• Important landmarks, including main, navigation, and content info landmarks, are not semantically defined, resulting in difficulties for screen reader users to navigate the website effectively.
• The download links given for downloading results don't have any names, making them inaccessible to screen reader users.
• Some links don't have meaningful names, and the same name is used for different links. Also, "सबै हेनु ोस (See All)" type of name is given for some links. It makes screen reader users hard to access and understand the information.
• Some contents have been put without giving any particular headings, creating more confusion for the users.
• The important notices, information, and other publications are uploaded in Preeti Font and in PDF/image versions. It deprives the screen reader users of accessing and understanding Nepali information in particular.
• Aria labels are not used correctly, hindering screen reader users' ability to interpret and navigate interactive elements accurately.

Ways Forward

Press Council Nepal is urged to prioritize accessibility measures on its website, ensuring equitable access to press resources for individuals with disabilities. Collaborating with organizations of persons with disabilities can aid in the formulation of inclusive policies aligned with international conventions. Conducting regular accessibility audits, guided by insights from accessibility experts and representatives from these organizations, is pivotal in promptly identifying and addressing digital accessibility gaps. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance with global standards but also promotes an environment where press content is accessible to all citizens.

Integrating assistive technologies on the Press Council's website, such as screen reader compatibility and adjustable font sizes, can greatly enhance the user experience for individuals with disabilities. Moreover, providing captions and transcripts for multimedia content ensures engagement for those with hearing impairments. These efforts underscore the Council's commitment to inclusivity, creating a media environment where every citizen can access and engage with content effectively.

Collaboration with journalism schools to embed media accessibility into the curriculum is essential. Equipping future journalists with knowledge and skills to produce inclusive content will have a lasting impact on the media landscape. Workshops and seminars on accessibility best practices, conducted in collaboration with accessibility experts, can raise awareness among aspiring journalists, cultivating a culture of inclusivity within the industry. Active involvement of students in discussions related to accessibility can instill a sense of responsibility and commitment to inclusivity among the next generation of media professionals.

Furthermore, offering tailored resources and guidelines to journalists and media professionals can provide practical assistance in implementing accessibility principles. These resources should cover aspects such as writing alt text for images and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies. By integrating media accessibility into journalism education and providing practical support to media professionals, Press Council Nepal can play a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive media landscape, where information is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their disability.

Hence, in advancing towards a more inclusive media ecosystem, Press Council Nepal must endeavor to close the accessibility divide for individuals with disabilities. By rectifying deficiencies on its website, nurturing partnerships with organizations representing persons with disabilities, conducting comprehensive accessibility audits, and ensuring the availability of accessible materials, the Council can uphold the core tenets of equality, fairness, and universal access to information. Thus, the time has come to ensure that media resources are universally accessible, eliminating any barriers to participation in the quest for an equitable and inclusive media landscape.

About the Author

Jalasa Sapkota is a writer, researcher and disability rights activist. Explore Jalasa's complete biography for comprehensive insights into her background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Cite This Page (APA): Jalasa Sapkota. (2024, February 20). Press Council Nepal's Website: A Rollercoaster Ride of Clicks and Confusion. Disabled World. Retrieved May 17, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/accessibility/websitedesign/press-council-nepal.php

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