The role of news media in government policy formation and decision making in Nepal

Abstract

This paper examines how news media content influences decision-makers, using decision framing and mediatization theories. The media play a crucial role in influencing government policy formation and decision-making by shaping public opinion and acting as a bridge between the state and its citizens. The framing of news content, the selection of issues, and the framing policy significantly affect how common people respond to government actions. The emergence and rapid growth of media have intensified individuals to participate actively in public discourse. It facilitates real-time discussions, increases public engagement, and amplifies diverse opinions to accelerate the formation of collective sentiment. In such a way, Nepali media plays a pivotal role in holding power to account, strengthening transparency, and fostering civic engagement. The need for media literacy among the population remains critical to ensure that the media contributes constructively to national policy discourse and democratic consolidation. For this, the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches is the procedure of data collection and the primary channel of communication; information about government policy and how the mass media plays a role in shaping the policy is significant. Decision-makers are interviewed, and thematic analysis is done to interpret the data. Findings reveal that the media affect decision-makers at the policymaking level. The media holds the power to inform, educate, and mobilize the government around policy issues. It significantly shapes decision-making in Nepal, influences public perception, policy debates, and governance.