Frequently Asked Questions

NepalNews is Nepal’s first online news portal. Originally registered in 1998 and launched in 1999, it was re-launched in 2018 after a few years of hiatus, with a renewed focus on delivering real-time news in Nepali. NepalNews is an independent, privately owned digital news platform that covers a wide range of topics, from local to global news, as well as views, analysis, and opinions. After several years of pause,
the English version of the portal was re-launched in January 2021. It is now managed by a professional team of advisors, editors, and journalists. NepalNews is committed to providing authentic, verified news and updates, delivering content without bias, favor, or fear. The platform strives to keep its visitors informed about both national and international events, ensuring they stay updated at all times.

After beginning its operations in 1999, NepalNews quickly became a vital source of information during some of the most tumultuous periods in Nepal’s history. Its coverage of critical events, such as the Maoist insurgency, the royal massacre, political instability, frequent changes in government, states of emergency, mass uprisings, the Constituent Assembly elections, and the abolition of the monarchy, helped establish NepalNews as a trusted platform for news. Through its comprehensive reporting on these significant developments, NepalNews reached a wide audience both locally and internationally, providing a crucial window into the country’s evolving political landscape. From 1999 to 2015, NepalNews was Nepal’s number one news portal and a trusted source of digital information. However, following a series of challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and management transitions, its influence began to decline. After a change in ownership and new management, the focus shifted to a renewed mission: to restore its reputation for reliable reporting and insightful analysis. The goal is to reclaim NepalNews’ position as Nepal’s premier news portal.

NepalNews was once regarded as one of the most reliable and frequently cited media outlets in Nepal, especially by international news organizations. It earned recognition from prominent global media brands such as BBC, CNN, and others, who often referenced its coverage during pivotal moments in Nepal’s history. During times of political instability or national crises, when domestic news was scarce or difficult to access, NepalNews became a primary source of information, both within Nepal and internationally.

NepalNews has proudly embraced several mottos throughout its history. Initially, in 1999, the foundation motto was “News from Nepal as it Happens.” In 2017, it was updated to “Nepal’s First Online News Portal.” After a change in management in 2018, the motto evolved again to “Vision of Nepal.” The current motto is “Nepal’s First, Fast, and Factual/Favourite,” reflecting its commitment to providing timely and reliable news.

Nepal News follows a strict advertising policy, publishing only ads that are safe, responsible, and aligned with our commitment to integrity. Our Advertising team is dedicated to maintaining the values of truth and transparency, ensuring that all advertisements uphold the company’s standards. We strive to reflect these principles across all our platforms and sections. For more detailed organizational guidelines, please refer to our complete [Advertising Policy].

Yes, Nepal News is proud to dedicate a portion of its profits toward social initiatives as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy. We also collaborate with partners to amplify our social impact. Through this commitment, Nepal News actively supports social issues such as healthcare, gender and racial equity, sustainability, and privacy. Our goal is to contribute positively to society by aligning our efforts with causes that make a meaningful difference. Some of our CSR efforts also support public service announcements (PSAs), educational videos, and other awareness content.

Nepal News may update its policies as needed to meet the evolving needs of our audience, newsroom, and the media landscape. As our guidelines adapt, we are committed to ensuring that Nepal News remains deserving of our audience’s trust, maintaining transparency and accountability. Various supplemental guidelines are also in place to support the unique requirements of each Nepal News team, website, and product.

Yes, but in a limited capacity. Nepal News continues to explore the use of generative AI tools for certain content-generation tasks, always with full editorial oversight. Our guiding principle is to use new technologies, including generative AI, with honesty and transparency. Nepal News believes that generative AI  presents opportunities to enhance media workflows, but it should never replace the human creativity, initial drafts by writers, voice, and judgment that make our content worthy of our audience’s time and trust. We apply AI tools thoughtfully, weighing the pros and cons of each use case each time. Each section within Nepal News may develop its own standards and guidelines for AI use.

NepalNews does not accept gifts or incentives from anyone as a condition or encouragement to write favorable or unfavorable reviews, news, or stories. The management team, staff, journalists, and support staff may accept gifts as gestures of goodwill and friendly intention, provided these are of minor valueand do not compromise our organizational standards or editorial guidelines. Accepting such gifts does not guarantee any editorial coverage of the event, product, or service.

Nepal News gathers content from a variety of reliable sources, including its own correspondents, news agencies, partner news organizations, events, press releases, and more. Some content may be published without bylines or source mentions when sources prefer anonymity. We grant anonymity only when sources are credible, trustworthy, and sharing information that otherwise might not be accessible. Nepal News makes every effort to verify information from anonymous sources and does notpublish any information that hasn’t been thoroughly vetted. We also have a strict policy against paying, coercing, or influencing sources in any way to provide information.

You should care about Nepal News because it is Nepal’s first and most credible digital news source, backed by a dedicated team ofjournalists and operated by a professional management team. With rigorous journalistic standards and policies, comprehensive coverage, and a commitment to factual accuracy, Nepal News provides in-depth reporting on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, culture, and more. It is dedicated to delivering well-researched, unbiased, and balanced content, ensuring that readers receive reliable information they can trust. Engaging with NepalNews means supporting a source that prioritizes truth, integrity, and transparency in journalism in Nepal.

In an era of misinformation and disinformation in the digital world, it’s crucial to rely on trusted, credible, and balanced news provided by professional journalism teams. Nepal News offers accurate, reliable, and well-researched content, adhering to high editorial standards and rigorous fact-checking procedures. NepalNews’ team of correspondents and partners ensures that news is cross checked and credible, delivering in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives on key issues. With editorial independence, transparency, and accountability, Nepal News presents news without bias or sensationalism. As Nepal’s first online news platform, we provide quality content, engagement, and transformative action, following media ethics and innovative practices to serve our audience with authentic and trustworthy information.

Yes, Nepal News has a small dedicated investigative bureau focused on in-depth reporting. This team is committed to uncovering and exposing important stories, ensuring transparency, and holding accountable those in power. Nepal News investigative journalists work diligently to bring to light critical issues that impact society while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

Yes, Nepal News is fully committed to protecting the source and methods of investigative reporting. We will never disclose our sources under any circumstances. If you are a source providing sensitive information, it is crucial to establish secure communication channels before reaching out to us or our journalists. We have specific guidelines in place to ensure that both Nepal News journalists and sources remain safe from unwanted threats.You can fully trust us to protect your identity and materials. We will immediately assign a code name to ensure your safety. Only our expert team will handle such sensitive matters. From our investigative bureau, you will receive instructions on the appropriate location to meet with our journalists in person to gather the necessary information securely.We advise against using official email, direct calls, cloud backups, or similar platforms for sharing confidential information. Instead, we recommend encrypted messaging services such as Signal or SecureDrop for secure communication.

Yes, Nepal News has established the first-ever dedicated climate desk in Nepali media history to address climate change andnatural disaster-related issues. The Nepal News Climate Desk  focuses on providing in-depth coverage, analysis, and solutions toenvironmental challenges faced by Nepal and the broader region. You can check our climate page to learn more about the desk’s initiatives and the important work it is doing (.. Links).

Nepal News was founded by Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd., which registered the domain in 1998 and began operations in 1999. During the early success of the internet in the United States, Mercantile began providing internet and news services inNepal. Prior to 1998, Mercantile operated the website www.south-asia.com, which featured a limited number of Nepali news publications that were not updated on a daily basis. At that time, Mercantile’s operations were managed by just two staff members, and the contracts with publications were vague.In the third quarter of 1999, Mercantile decided to dedicate more resources to professionalizing the site with frequent updates by its own editorial staff. The following steps were taken:
• A team of eight was assembled to manage the news site.
• A new website, www.nepalnews.com, was launched.
• Contracts were signed with major Nepali news
publications, enabling Mercantile to host these publications on NepalNews.com website with copyright.Nepal News provided frequent updates through its own correspondents and editors, as well as content from partner publications, making it a constantly updated site

From 1999 to 2015, Nepal News published content from its own correspondents as well as major publications. The platform hosted nearly all major Nepali daily newspapers, in both Nepali and English, including daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and bi-monthly publications. For this, Nepal News paid for the copyrights to host the content on Nepalnews.com.During this golden period, it was the most popular news and information portal in Nepal. In addition to news, Nepal News featured a variety of content, including polls, chats, horoscopes, weather updates, election portals, columns, lifestyle articles, community features, surveys, trending topics, discussion groups, sports updates, and coverage of other important issues. The site also offered translations and publications of key documents, among many other valuable features.

Nepal News was the number one online destination in Nepal, dedicated to bringing news, events, polls, discussions, and forums about and from Nepal. Its primary purpose was to serve as a “window into Nepal,” offering impartial, timely, and independent news as it happened. Equally important was its goal of creating a web community for people worldwide who were interested in or needed information about Nepal.
Nepal News served as a vital source of news during the most turbulent periods in Nepali history, providing timely updates on events such as the Maoist insurgency, the royal massacre, states of emergency, royal coups, popular uprisings, the Constituent Assembly elections, the peace process, and transitional politics, among many other significant matters. Nepal News quickly delivered accurate information, offering direct access to Nepali news on both local and global scales, all free of charge, making information accessible to everyone.

Nepal News is made up of a well-qualified and diverse team fromvarious fields, especially from the editorial and management teams. The editorial team includes journalists, editors, experts, video producers, graphic designers, content managers, data analysts, and technical experts, among others.The management team plays a crucial role in supporting both editorial and operational functions.
Key positions include the Chief Executive Officer, Operating Officers, Human Resources (HR) Officers, PR & Marketing Officers, Accounts and Finance Officers, and Support Staff, who provide administrative and logistical assistance. Various teams and positions work together to ensure smooth daily operations and the overall success of Nepal News.

Nepal News is always on the lookout for enthusiastic, talented, and innovative professionals—journalists, tech experts, data scientists, and more—to join our team and help drive the organization forward. Based in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, we also hire freelancers across Nepal and internationally to cover issues affecting the Nepali diaspora.
Our organization offers a range of career paths beyond the newsroom, including roles in digital, technology, reporting, and sales. Interested candidates may contact us directly via email. While we review all inquiries, please note that we can only respond to applicants selected for further consideration.

The Nepal News team will contact candidates directly if they are shortlisted for an interview or further consideration. We encourage applicants to keep an eye on their emails and phones for updates.

Yes, you are welcome to apply for multiple positions or reapply if you were not selected previously, as long as you meet the criteriafor each position. It is important to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements listed for each role. The Nepal News recruitment team will carefully review all applications and select the most qualified candidates based on their skills, experience, knowledge, and the needs of the organization.

Nepal News ensures that all candidates go through an independent, fair, and thorough hiring process. The Nepal News team will inform candidates about the benefits and other relevant details upon selection. We are committed to providing clear communication and support throughout the hiring journey.

Yes, you can submit your story ideas or tips through the news pitch section or directly get in touch with our journalists.

Nepal News values concrete proposals or tips, including proper documentation or evidence, as these are essential to moving an issue forward. You need to articulate clear and understandable issues or areas of concern. We regularly review all messages and will respond to each as promptly as possible.

You can send news tips to us at [email protected]. If you are a part-time correspondent or freelancer interested in contributing content, please pitch your story ideas through our submission form for review by our editorial team.

Transparency is a fundamental pillar of Nepal News’ operations. We are committed to maintaining full openness by providing our audience with all the necessary information about what we do and how we operate.
Nepal News has provided readers with clear, accessible information about our editorial standards, revenue sources, ownership, mission, vision, partnerships, and more. While some business-related details are confidential, we ensure that most of our operations and decisions are open to public scrutiny. Our  “About” section gives readers a comprehensive view of our organization, reinforcing our dedication to trust, accountability, and openness in all our reporting and operations.

Yes, Nepal News collaborates and partners with various international news agencies, social media outlets, media monitoring organizations, think tanks, and other entities. These partnerships include content sharing, affiliations, co-hosting events, and joint reporting projects. Interested partners can contact us directly at [email address/contact details].

Nepal News’ headquarters is located at the Maitighar B&B Plaza, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The editorial team operates from a 3,200 square-foot rented corporate building, while the management staff works from Durbarmarg. Nepal News plans to build its own office and consolidate all operations and staff under one roof in the near future.

Nepal News does offer a platform for citizen journalism on important public issues. Contributions are welcome but are limited to topics that are relevant and necessary. Citizen journalists can submit news, photos, audios, videos, and other relevant documents, provided the content meets our editorial standards. All submissions will be reviewed and verified before publication.
While there is currently no formal system for compensating citizen journalists, we do value quality contributions. Exceptionalsubmissions may receive a small token of appreciation, an appreciation letter, and, based on the organization’s needs, potential future opportunities.

The Nepal News Brand Ambassador Program is designed to enlist influential individuals from various fields, including journalism, academia, professional sectors, sports, cinema, and other important areas, to promote Nepal News and its mission. These ambassadors play a key role in representing the Nepal News brand, advocating for its causes, and helping to expand its reach and impact across different communities.

Yes, Nepal News maintains an extensive archive dating back to 1999, available to readers free of charge. The archive is organized into five-year segments: 2024-2019, 2019-2014, 2014-2009, 2009-2004, and 2004-1999. Currently, only the most recent five years are accessible to the public, as we are still in the process of digitizing and standardizing older formats. Nepal News is actively working to make the complete archive fully accessible in the near future.

Yes, Nepal News occasionally provides special offers to our loyal readers, including discounts, promotional codes, event invitations, and more! To stay updated on our latest promotions, subscribe to our newsletter or visit the ‘About’ section on our website.

Nepal News content may not be used without prior permission, except by partner news organizations with signed content exchange agreements. However, Nepal News may grant usage permissions to non-profit and academic institutions for select content, provided proper attribution is given. To request permission, please email [email protected]. Note that Nepal News reserves the right to decline permission at its discretion.

NepalNews currently employs more than 50 journalists, staff members, technicians, and content creators across its Nepali andEnglish platforms. As part of our ongoing commitment to growth,we plan to expand our team by adding up to 200 more staff members in line with our financial development. This expansion will strengthen our workforce and support the continued success and growth of NepalNews as Nepal’s leading media outlet.

NepalNews has several divisions and departments. To ensure your inquiry is directed to the right team, please contact the relevant section based on your needs:

• For general inquiries, partnerships, or management-related matters, please contact [email protected].
• To submit news or updates, email [email protected].
• For advertising inquiries, reach out to [email protected].
• For inquiries related to specific departments, please refer to the appropriate division or team.

NepalNews welcomes all questions, comments, feedback, and suggestions directly.

Yes, freelance correspondents and journalists are encouraged to submit their stories directly to NepalNews. You can reach out to our editorial team via email or submit your story ideas through our Story Pitch Form.

All submissions must follow our editorial guidelines and processes. We welcome fresh ideas from freelancers, and our editorial team will provide feedback and guidance on the next steps.

Yes, we welcome well-researched and thoughtful opinion pieces, analyses, and write-ups. NepalNews invites contributions on a wide range of topics, from local and South Asian issues to global affairs. Our editorial team carefully reviews all submissions.

If you are using AI tools in your writing, we ask that you be transparent about the tools used and how they were applied. Oureditors may make revisions to align the content with NepalNews’
style and tone, including adjustments to text, graphics, copy, and images.
To contribute an opinion piece, please follow our Opinion Submission Guidelines and submit your article to our editorial team for consideration.

NepalNews recognizes three types of contributors:

• Regular Contributor: Individuals who commit to publishing consistently, typically at least one article per week.
• Guest Contributor: Those who prefer to submit original articles on an occasional basis, without a regular publishing commitment.
• Special Contributor: Experts in specific fields who are interested in contributing specialized content on particular topics.

For detailed submission guidelines, please refer to our Nepal News Contributor Guidelines. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the relevant department or email us at [email protected]

By submitting an article to NepalNews, the author acknowledges and agrees to the following terms and conditions:

1. Copyright transfer
   1. The corresponding author hereby transfers the copyright and assigns all rights to the submitted article (including anyrevisions or versions) to NepalNews. This transfer grants NepalNews the exclusive right to print, publish, distribute, and sell the article in all languages and media formats, bothdomestically and internationally. The copyright transfer becomes effective upon acceptance of the article for publication.
2. Originality & Non-Infringement
   1. The corresponding author certifies that the article is original and has not been previously published. The author guarantees that the publication of the article in NepalNews will not infringe upon any existing copyrights or intellectual property rights.
3. Accuracy & Privacy
   1. The author warrants that the article does not violate the privacy rights of any individual or entity, and that it contains no defamatory content. All factual statements mustbe truthful and based on accurate research.
4. Editorial Independence
   1. The author acknowledges that the views expressed in the article are their own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance or position of NepalNews.
5. Declaration of Agreement
   1. By submitting an article to NepalNews, the corresponding author affirms that the information provided is accurate and complete, and agrees to the terms and conditions outlined above.

NepalNews utilizes a diverse range of financial models and business strategies to maintain its independence and ensure its sustainability as a news organization. We continually explore various revenue streams to support the long-term viability of our operations.

Our primary sources of income include:

Advertising: Revenue from corporate groups, businesses, private companies, and consumer brands in Nepal.

Social Media Monetization: Income generated through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and others, where we engage audiences and monetize content.

Events: NepalNews organizes debates, panel discussions, workshops, conferences, and media conclaves on topics such as economics, diplomacy, and trending issues. These events attract sponsorships from financial institutions, donor agencies, and industry leaders, generating revenue while offering valuable insights and content.

Grants and Donations:We accept grants and donations to support investigative journalism, research initiatives, and specialized desks (e.g., our climate desk). We welcome funding from international organizations, NGOs, and media foundations focused on issues like press freedom, democracy, environmental awareness, and climate change. However, we do not accept funding from entities whose agendas could undermine national or international interests or exert geopolitical influence.

Subscription Model: To further diversify revenue, NepalNews is exploring the introduction of a subscription-based model. This would offer different tiers of access, including ad-free browsing and special editions. The model will help us attract a wider audience while generating revenue through partnerships with telecom companies.

Pramod Raj Sedhain is the owner of Nepal News, which operatesas a sole proprietorship under the company name Nepal News Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Sedhain’s career in journalism began at a young age in Nepal. After completing his +2, he gained experience across radio, television, and digital platforms, working with both Nepali and international media outlets. He started his career in field reporting and writing, eventually moving into top management roles, before becoming an entrepreneur in the media sector.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sedhain has covered some of the most significant global events, reporting from dozens of countries. Many of his field stories were the first-ever reports in Nepali media history. He is deeply committed to introducing innovative management practices within Nepal’s media industry, and his core business remains in media, where he continues to push boundaries.

For more details, please visit the Ownership section via our link.

At Nepal News, we believe that direct communication with our audience, including through comments, is a vital part of our operation. Comments provide readers the opportunity to engage with our content and foster a community of informed discussion.

Comment Guidelines:

• Civility: Critique ideas, not individuals. We encourage respectful debate, and the use of profanity is discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
• Relevance: Comments should be directly related to the article. Off-topic comments will be removed.
• Brevity: While we welcome well-thought-out opinions, please keep your comments concise to respect other readers’ time.
  
• Real Names: We encourage using your real name when commenting. If you haven’t set one yet, please update it in your user dashboard. Pseudonyms are allowed, but impersonating others will result in a ban.
  

These guidelines are intended to maintain a constructive and respectful environment for all readers.

Reporting and Removal:

If you feel a comment violates these guidelines, please email us with the reasons for your concern. Our moderators will review the comment and remove any that are deemed inappropriate. Users whose comments are flagged more than five times may be permanently banned from commenting. If you wish to contest a comment ban, please contact us at [email protected]

Commercial promotion and spam:

We will remove any comments that promote businesses, products, services, or external links that are unrelated to the article. While URLs are permitted, they should not be used for advertising or linking to off-topic content.

Additional guidelines:

Harmful or abusive comments: Comments that are abusive, discriminatory, or personally insulting will result ina ban. Please use common sense and remain respectful.

Strong opinions: Feel free to express your opinions, but always focus on ideas, not individuals.

Politeness: Treat others with respect and kindness

No name-calling: Avoid using derogatory terms (e.g., “troll”), as this only escalates tensions.

Discrimination and hate speech: Any form of discrimination or hate speech will result in an immediate ban.

Read other comments: Before commenting, read through other posts to ensure your contribution adds value and avoids redundancy.

Be yourself: Do not impersonate others.

Be a decent human being: Respect your fellow readers and contributors.

Thank you for helping to create a respectful and engaging community on Nepal News!