Online Registration and Renewal of Digital Media through Department of Information and Broadcasting Begins
Kathmandu – The Government of Nepal has officially begun the process of registering and renewing online media directly through the Department of Information and Broadcasting. This decision follows the approval of the Second Amendment to the Printing and Publication Regulation, which was endorsed during a recent Cabinet meeting and published in the Nepal Gazette.
With this new provision, the government has resumed the long-delayed registration and renewal of online news portals through a centralized digital system under the Department. The General Director of the Department, Udaya Bahadur Ranamagar, confirmed that following the publication of the amended regulation, the department has officially started accepting applications for registration and renewal of online media from today.
Earlier, applications for online media had to be submitted through the Chief District Officer. The revised regulation now authorizes the Director General of the Department as the responsible authority for processing such applications, simplifying administrative procedures.
According to the new system, media organizations can now log in to the department’s Information Management System to apply for registration or renewal of online platforms. However, media houses must visit the department in person if they need to collect physical certificates.
To register a new online media outlet, applicants must submit a fee of Rs 5,000 along with required documents as per Schedule 8 and Article 7(b) of the Act. For renewal, media owners must apply before the certificate expires, paying a fee of Rs 2,500 with supporting documents.
The government has also outlined eligibility requirements for online media operations. Each online news organization must appoint at least three staff members, including an editor. Additionally, no individual is allowed to serve as editor for more than one online media outlet at the same time.
The department has uploaded the complete list of required documents and the revised regulation on its official website. These include copies of organizational registration certificates, the constitution or bylaws of the institution, and details of the online news portal or e-magazine to be operated.
The new regulation also states:
- Previously registered and operating online media will not be required to re-register under this provision.
- The operational certificate for online media will remain valid for one fiscal year.
- Online media must ensure the safety of published content and protect the privacy of users’ data by publishing a clear privacy policy.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, played a key role in facilitating this reform. He further stated that discussions are underway to reconsider and potentially reduce the existing registration and renewal fees.
With this initiative, the government aims to make the digital media landscape more organized, transparent, and accountable while easing bureaucratic challenges faced by online journalists and media entrepreneurs.
