Bhanu Bhakta Acharya is a research scholar affiliated with the Department of Communication at the University of Ottawa. Currently, he is also working with the Freedom House, a global media freedom watchdog, as an Asia-Pacific analyst for press freedom. Serving as the human rights and communication officer at the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal for seven years, Mr. Acharya has made a significant contribution to connecting journalism and human rights in Nepal through advocacy and trainings across the country. An author of five books on journalism and mass communication, Mr. Acharya has also published nearly a dozen research articles in international journals, presented research papers in prominent international conferences in the U.S., U.K., Greece, Canada, Columbia and Malaysia, and contributed articles to various newspapers on press freedom and journalism ethics. His research interests include media ethics, press freedom, e-government, immigrants and ICTs, among others. Address: 216-2898 Baycrest Drive
Ottawa, Canada
Several countries have been advancing to develop and enrich e-government platforms to effectively... more Several countries have been advancing to develop and enrich e-government platforms to effectively deliver government services to the public. Since the 1970s, Nepal has realized the potentials of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for effective and efficient government service delivery. By introducing several ICT policies and programs, the Government of Nepal seeks to provide government services through e-government platforms and contribute to the national economy by 2030. This chapter assesses the current situation of e-government platforms with regard to their capability and readiness to deliver government services. Employing Layne and Lee's four-stage model of e-government development, this chapter observes the official websites of 22 federal ministries of Nepal, and finds that the digital divide seriously affects Nepal's efforts of government service delivery through digital platforms.
Scholars contend that media accountability to the public and professional stakeholders has been i... more Scholars contend that media accountability to the public and professional stakeholders has been improving in recent years because of the increased use of digital platforms. Since most studies related to online news media accountability have focused on developed countries, this research study examines the state of accountability in online news media in Nepal, where access to online media is very limited and audiences are barely aware of media's journalistic responsibilities. By employing case study research method with three data sources, this research study assesses the state of online media accountability in Nepal, key challenges for ensuring accountability in journalism created using digital platforms, and the role of audiences in making online news media accountable. The study finds that Internet accessibility, media literacy, and availability of resources are the primary challenges to making media accountable in Nepal. The study concludes by offering recommendations for futu...
Several studies demonstrate that immigrants use computers and the Internet more than non-immigran... more Several studies demonstrate that immigrants use computers and the Internet more than non-immigrants or earlier immigrants. What motivates immigrants to use information and communication technology (ICT)? What are the factors that influence immigrants' ICT behaviors? For this study, the author chose 20 peer-reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2015 to study immigrants' motivations for ICT adoption and use. The following article will discuss two motives for immigrants' ICT use, as well as identify seven factors influencing adoption, non-adoption, use, and non-use.
Athens Journal of Mass Media & Communications, 2019
Scholars argue that accountability of news media and journalists to the public stakeholders has b... more Scholars argue that accountability of news media and journalists to the public stakeholders has been improving in the 21st century because of the increased use of digital platforms, which are interactive, immediate, and universal. Since most studies related to online news media accountability have focused on developed countries, this research study examines the state of accountability in online news media in Nepal, where access to online media is very limited and audiences are barely aware of media’s journalistic responsibilities. By employing a case study research method with three data sources, and by interpreting the available data using Denis McQuail’s four stakeholders of media accountability as a theoretical framework, this research study finds that online media in Nepal, despite having unique features on digital platforms, are less accountable to professional and public stakeholders than their traditional counterparts, such as newspapers and television. The study also finds that Internet accessibility, media literacy, and resource availability are of primary concern in ensuring media accountability in Nepal.
Non-attribution to the source is an act of plagiarism, which violates ethical codes of profession... more Non-attribution to the source is an act of plagiarism, which violates ethical codes of professional organizations and academic institutions. Plagiarism occurs when a person copies someone’s creative work without permission, falsely claims others’ creativity as his/her own, and presents others’ ideas without due recognition of the original creators. This article gives a brief overview on the conceptual understanding of plagiarism in academia and the potential consequences. (Published in Samhita, PCN Quarterly Journal, 2073(2)
This article is about Nepali journalism with regard to its economic dependency to Government agen... more This article is about Nepali journalism with regard to its economic dependency to Government agencies. This article argues that such dependency may blunt the critical capabilities of Nepali press to watchdog government activities in objective manner, and may eventually switch the concept of the fourth estate to journalism ministry.
Several countries have been advancing to develop and enrich e-government platforms to effectively... more Several countries have been advancing to develop and enrich e-government platforms to effectively deliver government services to the public. Since the 1970s, Nepal has realized the potentials of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for effective and efficient government service delivery. By introducing several ICT policies and programs, the Government of Nepal seeks to provide government services through e-government platforms and contribute to the national economy by 2030. This chapter assesses the current situation of e-government platforms with regard to their capability and readiness to deliver government services. Employing Layne and Lee's four-stage model of e-government development, this chapter observes the official websites of 22 federal ministries of Nepal, and finds that the digital divide seriously affects Nepal's efforts of government service delivery through digital platforms.
Scholars contend that media accountability to the public and professional stakeholders has been i... more Scholars contend that media accountability to the public and professional stakeholders has been improving in recent years because of the increased use of digital platforms. Since most studies related to online news media accountability have focused on developed countries, this research study examines the state of accountability in online news media in Nepal, where access to online media is very limited and audiences are barely aware of media's journalistic responsibilities. By employing case study research method with three data sources, this research study assesses the state of online media accountability in Nepal, key challenges for ensuring accountability in journalism created using digital platforms, and the role of audiences in making online news media accountable. The study finds that Internet accessibility, media literacy, and availability of resources are the primary challenges to making media accountable in Nepal. The study concludes by offering recommendations for futu...
Several studies demonstrate that immigrants use computers and the Internet more than non-immigran... more Several studies demonstrate that immigrants use computers and the Internet more than non-immigrants or earlier immigrants. What motivates immigrants to use information and communication technology (ICT)? What are the factors that influence immigrants' ICT behaviors? For this study, the author chose 20 peer-reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2015 to study immigrants' motivations for ICT adoption and use. The following article will discuss two motives for immigrants' ICT use, as well as identify seven factors influencing adoption, non-adoption, use, and non-use.
Athens Journal of Mass Media & Communications, 2019
Scholars argue that accountability of news media and journalists to the public stakeholders has b... more Scholars argue that accountability of news media and journalists to the public stakeholders has been improving in the 21st century because of the increased use of digital platforms, which are interactive, immediate, and universal. Since most studies related to online news media accountability have focused on developed countries, this research study examines the state of accountability in online news media in Nepal, where access to online media is very limited and audiences are barely aware of media’s journalistic responsibilities. By employing a case study research method with three data sources, and by interpreting the available data using Denis McQuail’s four stakeholders of media accountability as a theoretical framework, this research study finds that online media in Nepal, despite having unique features on digital platforms, are less accountable to professional and public stakeholders than their traditional counterparts, such as newspapers and television. The study also finds that Internet accessibility, media literacy, and resource availability are of primary concern in ensuring media accountability in Nepal.
Non-attribution to the source is an act of plagiarism, which violates ethical codes of profession... more Non-attribution to the source is an act of plagiarism, which violates ethical codes of professional organizations and academic institutions. Plagiarism occurs when a person copies someone’s creative work without permission, falsely claims others’ creativity as his/her own, and presents others’ ideas without due recognition of the original creators. This article gives a brief overview on the conceptual understanding of plagiarism in academia and the potential consequences. (Published in Samhita, PCN Quarterly Journal, 2073(2)
This article is about Nepali journalism with regard to its economic dependency to Government agen... more This article is about Nepali journalism with regard to its economic dependency to Government agencies. This article argues that such dependency may blunt the critical capabilities of Nepali press to watchdog government activities in objective manner, and may eventually switch the concept of the fourth estate to journalism ministry.
A handbook that focuses on the sensitivity of human rights in journalistic reporting and editing.... more A handbook that focuses on the sensitivity of human rights in journalistic reporting and editing. It synthesizes human rights approach and journalistic practices in all phases of journalism. It covers the theoretical as well as practical aspects of journalism that needs a very careful treatment.
"Mass communication and journalism studies" is a comprehensive book (Neapli language, 550 pages) ... more "Mass communication and journalism studies" is a comprehensive book (Neapli language, 550 pages) on journalism and communication with a special focus to Nepali journalism practices and global theories. In its eleven chapters, it covers communication, mass communication, mass media (global and Nepalese scenario) journalism (including photojournalism and broadcast journalism), concept of news, reporting, editing, media ethics, and press freedom as human rights. Fourth edition of the book has been published in February 2012, and has been widely used as a reference book for the undergrad and grad studies in various academes in Nepal.
The "Glossary of Journalism and Mass Communication" is the first comprehensive and conceptual dic... more The "Glossary of Journalism and Mass Communication" is the first comprehensive and conceptual dictionary on journalism and communication in Nepalese context. The bilingual nature of this glossary contributes to enrich the literature of Nepalese journalism and help every journalism enthusiast to understand the key concepts. This glossary includes approximately 3,000 headwords representing various domains and having multiple meanings up to five layers. In addition, globally practiced various neologism and dozens of journalistic terms practicing in Nepalese context have been cataloged and defined in a succinct way. Hence, it serves as a ready reference for students, practitioners and educators for uplifting objective journalism in Nepal.
Several studies demonstrate that immigrants use computers and the Internet more than non-immigran... more Several studies demonstrate that immigrants use computers and the Internet more than non-immigrants or earlier immigrants. What motivates immigrants to use information and communication technology (ICT)? What are the factors that influence immigrants' ICT behaviors? For this study, the author chose 20 peer-reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2015 to study immigrants' motivations for ICT adoption and use. The following article will discuss two motives for immigrants' ICT use, as well as identify seven factors influencing adoption, non-adoption, use, and non-use.
The constitution of Nepal 2015 is one of the youngest in the world. Following its promulgation on... more The constitution of Nepal 2015 is one of the youngest in the world. Following its promulgation on September 20, 2015, there was not adequate time to critically evaluate its provisions because of crises created by the Madhes agitation and a border blockade. As a result, media and communication stakeholders in Nepal have not yet substantially discussed the content of the constitution with regard to press freedom. This article looks at whether Nepal’s new constitution is progressive in comparison with its previous two constitutions: Interim Constitution-2007, and the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990.
This article is a critique on the relevance of National Journalism Day on May 6 (Baisakh 24) of N... more This article is a critique on the relevance of National Journalism Day on May 6 (Baisakh 24) of Nepal.
This article is a response to the draft of the code of ethics for Nepali journalists. To understa... more This article is a response to the draft of the code of ethics for Nepali journalists. To understand this article, one needs to know about the draft of the code (which you can find on the website of Press Council Nepal) currently under discussion, available in this link http://www.presscouncilnepal.org/files/2072/CoC-PCN-Draft-%20Dec.pdf
An open letter to late Daya Ram Pariyar, who was killed by police March 28, 2006 in Janakpur, Nep... more An open letter to late Daya Ram Pariyar, who was killed by police March 28, 2006 in Janakpur, Nepal. He was an employee at the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal. This letter was published in the Kantipur national daily a week later of his demise.
This article examines everyday practices of majority of journalists in Nepal, who are busy with c... more This article examines everyday practices of majority of journalists in Nepal, who are busy with collecting and dumping information in news hole for their survival regardless of ethical concerns and professional standards. With a compromise on ethical integrity, this article argues, a professional becomes either a business writer or merely a messenger, not a journalist.
This article, published on The Kathmandu Post on September 4, 2015, discusses about the current t... more This article, published on The Kathmandu Post on September 4, 2015, discusses about the current trend of inflammatory remarks on social media by various users based on people's origin, language, religion and political orientation. This article also explains the needs of social media regulations to maintain peace and uphold social harmony.
This article assesses recent political upheavals in Nepal that resulted in hate speeches from a n... more This article assesses recent political upheavals in Nepal that resulted in hate speeches from a number of political and social leaders. Referring to a couple of international incidents of hate speech through media that resulted into very tragic consequences in society, this article appeals to all the news media in Nepal to filter and demote hate speeches made by whosoever.
This article, written in Nepali language, is a commentary on the provisions of right to religion ... more This article, written in Nepali language, is a commentary on the provisions of right to religion in the recent draft of the Constitution of Nepal-2072 BS by the Constituent Assembly. Despite having more than 80 percent Hindu population, Nepali political leaders are intensely pressured by the European diplomats, who are creating pressure on political leaders that the new constitution should enshrine the right of religious conversion as a human rights. This article appeals to all politicians and policy makers that the liberal approach and tolerance of Nepali Hindu populace should be respected. The article also warns that while ensuring the right to religious freedom, the historic traditions of Nepali culture should not be jeopardized, which otherwise might result into negative consequences.
This article, written in Nepali language, reviews media coverage of Nepal and abroad during the a... more This article, written in Nepali language, reviews media coverage of Nepal and abroad during the aftermath of earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015, and briefly describes about the #GoHomeIndianMedia campaign, fake news reported by Western media, and some over emotional coverage of Nepali media.
This article entitled "Je Suis Charlie" was published January 14, 2015 on Republica English Daily... more This article entitled "Je Suis Charlie" was published January 14, 2015 on Republica English Daily, from Nepal. This is about the terrorist attacks on Charlie Hebdo newspaper in Paris and its lessons to Nepal.
This article "What People Want", published on The Kathmandu Post on February 25, 2015, analyzes t... more This article "What People Want", published on The Kathmandu Post on February 25, 2015, analyzes the gap between people's needs and political offering. The key arguement of this article is that political agendas espoused by the parties do not necessarily reflect the people’s priorities.
This article entitled "Justice delayed, justice denied" is about the political injustice committe... more This article entitled "Justice delayed, justice denied" is about the political injustice committed against Nanda Prasad Adhikari of Gorkha, whose body is stranded in Teaching Hospital's morgue for six months. Late Adhikari died after 329 days long hunger strike, demanding justice for his son Krishna Adhikari, killed a decade earlier in Chitawan district of Nepal.
My article on "Coordination and Co-work with Bhutanese Nepalis in Canada, published in July 2015 ... more My article on "Coordination and Co-work with Bhutanese Nepalis in Canada, published in July 2015 issue on the "Nepali Paper" from Edmonton, Canada.
Scholars contend that media accountability to the public and professional stakeholders has been i... more Scholars contend that media accountability to the public and professional stakeholders has been improving in recent years because of the increased use of digital platforms. Since most studies related to online news media accountability have focused on developed countries, this research study examines the state of accountability in online news media in Nepal, where access to online media is very limited and audiences are barely aware of media's journalistic responsibilities. By employing a case study research method approach with three data sources, and by interpreting the available data using McQuail's four stakeholders of media accountability as a theoretical framework, this research study finds that online media in Nepal, despite having unique features on digital platforms, are less accountable to professional and public stakeholders than their traditional counterparts, such as newspapers and television. The study also finds that Internet accessibility, media literacy, and resource availability are of primary concern in ensuring media in areas of Nepal.
This is not an article or research paper, but a list of content of my newly published book, hopin... more This is not an article or research paper, but a list of content of my newly published book, hoping that it will be easy for readers to find out what content does this book cover exactly.
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