Kathmandu: Journalist and author Kamal Dev Bhattarai has released his new book, Media and Democracy, which has recently hit newsstands across Nepal. The book is a compilation of Bhattarai’s media-related articles previously published in national newspapers, online platforms, and academic journals.
This is Bhattarai’s second book. His first book, ‘Transition’ (2015), focused on Nepal’s post-conflict peace process and the constitution-drafting journey following the end of the decade-long armed conflict. That work was widely noted for its in-depth analysis of political negotiations during a critical phase of Nepal’s democratic transition.
Bhattarai currently serves as the Editor of The Annapurna Express daily. Over the years, he has established himself as a prominent voice in Nepali journalism, with a career spanning reporting, editing, media research, and political commentary. His writings frequently engage with issues of democratic governance, press freedom, and Nepal’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of regional geopolitics.
‘Media and Democracy’ offers a comprehensive overview of Nepal’s evolving media environment, which has been rapidly reshaped by technological advancements, the rise of digital platforms, and changing patterns of news consumption. The book examines the role of the media in strengthening democratic practices, holding power to account, and shaping public discourse in a federal democratic republic.
Through his collected essays, Bhattarai critically assesses these challenges and opportunities, arguing that a free, responsible, and professional media remains essential for the consolidation of democracy in Nepal. The book is expected to be of interest to journalists, researchers, policymakers, and readers seeking to better understand the intersection of media, technology, and democratic governance in Nepal.
