Kantipur Publications

Kantipur Publications, (Pvt.) Ltd. is a media firm based in Kathmandu, Nepal. The company operates five widely circulated print publications, a national television network, and a radio station. It is the first media organization in Nepal to gain membership to the World Association of Newspapers. Its chairman is Hemraj Gyawali.

History

In February 1993, exactly two years after Nepal’s constitution was amended to permit a free press, "Kantipur" and "The Kathmandu Post" were launched. They became the first private newspapers in Nepal's history. The two publications quickly found a large audience with the public - as well as contentious relationship with the ruling regime. [http://www.rsf.org/rsf/uk/html/asie/cplp01/lp01/070601.html]

The massacre of the royal family in June 2001 prompted the first crisis between Kantipur Publications and the government of King Gyanendra. Three directors of "Kantipur" were arrested and charged with "sedition" after publishing comments by a Maoist leader about the death of King Birendra. [http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=1455]

Gyanendra's proclamation of a state of emergency on November 26, 2001 suspended the press freedom guaranteed by the country’s Constitution a decade earlier. Police began a wave of repression: more than fifty journalists were arrested, many publications were banned outright.
Following a February 1, 2005 royal proclamation banning all criticism of the king, Kantipur Publications operated under tighter restrictions. Journalists throughout Nepal were subject to imprisonment and beatings by the Royal Nepal Army. Nevertheless, Kantipur Publications continued to criticize the regime despite the royal proclamation and the ongoing civil war.
In March 2005, Narayan Wagle, editor in chief of "Kantipur", was held for questioning by police on suspicion of criticizing the king in print. [http://www.wan-press.org/article7200.html?var_recherche=kantipur]
During the 2006 uprising, Kantipur Publications continued operations despite increased crackdowns by the monarchy on private media. [http://www.wan-press.org/article10089.html?var_recherche=kantipur] Press freedom has been restored since the restoration of democracy in Nepal in May 2006, allowing Kantipur Publications to operate without fear of reprisal by the state.

Trouble with Maoists

In 2007, Kantipur Publications faced pressure from Maoist-aligned organizations such as Young Communist League, Nepal [ [http://www.blog.com.np/united-we-blog/2007/06/21/newspaper-closure-maoist-madness/ Newspaper Closure: Maoist Madness] , by Dinesh Wagle] and the All Nepal Trade Union Federation [ [http://www.blog.com.np/united-we-blog/2007/10/02/free-press-vs-maoists-in-nepal-updates-on-kantipur-struggle/ Free Press Vs Maoists: Updates on Kantipur Struggle] , by Dinesh Wagle] . However, an agreement was reached between Kantipur and the Federation [ [http://www.blog.com.np/united-we-blog/2007/10/04/kantipur-and-maoist-agreement/ Kantipur and Maoist Agreement] , by Dinesh Wagle] .

Properties

Newspapers and Magazines

*"Kantipur" - Daily newspaper, circulation 210,000 - the most widely read newspaper in Nepal.
*"The Kathmandu Post" - An English language daily newspaper, circulation 40,000
*"Saptahik" - A weekly entertainment tabloid, circulation 80,000
*"Nepal Weekly" - Magazine focusing on politics and society, circulation 35,000
*"Nari" - Women’s magazine, monthly circulation 32,000

Broadcasting

*"Kantipur Television Network" - Popularly known as “KTV”, provides news and original entertainment. It is an affiliate channel to CNN.

*"KantipurFM" - Provides news and original entertainment throughout the Kathmandu Valley on channel 96.1. The first privately owned and operated FM radio station in Nepal. Established in 1998.

References

External links

* [http://www.eKantipur.com eKantipur.com] Official site of Kantipur Publications.
* [http://www.phalano.com Phalano.com] A "photoblog" of work by Kantipur photojournalists.
* [http://www.rajeshkc.com RajeshKC.com] Kantipur journalist, photographer and political cartoonist.
* [http://www.toddkrainin.com Todd Krainin] Kathmandu Post photojournalist.