Accountability in Online News Media: A Case Study of Nepal

Abstract

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.