Dissertation DefenceBhanu Acharya, 6761131

University of Ottawa

The birth of Internet & the growth of online media have attracted the attention of scholars worldwide;

Scholars argue that media can be more accountable to the public stakeholders in digital platforms due to interactivity, transparency, global accessibility, immediacy features;

Most of the research studies were based on developed countries in North America and Europe;

What about the developing countries? Do the same findings apply to the developing country context where digital divide is significantly higher?

AIM OF THIS STUDY: To make a reasonable contribution to scholarly inquiry on online media accountability in Nepal

What is the state of online journalism in Nepal with regard to accountability?

◦What are the key challenges for ensuring accountability in journalism created using digital platforms?

◦What role do audiences play in ensuring online news media accountability?

Media accountability frameSOURCE: Krogh, 2012, p. 21

• Qualitative – Case study research method (Yin, 2009)

• Data sources: – Semi-structured interviews (10 online journalists) – Document review (25 news stories published in five most

viewed news portals in Nepal) – Archival records (5 news stories placed in online

archives, one each from the selected news portals)• Data analysis: Conventional content analysis

method (open coding, axial coding & selective coding (Strauss & Corbin, 1990; Yin, 2009))

• There is a wide gap between media accountability standards and the practical application of media accountability tools in Nepal;

• Media institutions are more loyal/accountable to financial stakeholders (advertisers and sponsors) than the general public;

• Small scale investment and limited market support have created tension surrounding the sustainability of online media;

• Audiences should perform a proactive role, which is possible through the reduction of the digital divide and an increase in media literacy programs;

• Traditional media monitoring bodies such as press councils are still relevant in Nepal to ensure media accountability.

Professional challenges of online news media are similar in Nepal as in developed countries;

Several basic requirements are necessary in Nepal to strengthen media accountability;

Online media and journalists are found more loyal to market (& political) stakeholders than to the public;

A slight modification to the media accountability framework is necessary;

• There exists a wide gap between accountability standards and practical applications in online media in Nepal;

• Adequate infra-structure, qualified human resources, effective monitoring mechanisms, and ethical practices are required to make Nepali online media accountable;

• Increased interactivity, or participation of audience can overcome accountability challenges of online media with regard to public and professional stakeholders.