Impact, Opportunities and Challenge of Youtube on Nepali Journalism

Abstract:

This article analyzes the influence, opportunities, and difficulties posed by YouTube on Nepali journalism landscape. Employing key informant interviews (KIIs) with the industry experts and conducting trend analysis, this study assesses the impact of YouTube on the news coverage of Nepali media. The study reveals the changing dynamics in the ways that Nepali audiences consume news media, the emergence of independent news outlets, and the growing preference of Nepali audiences for YouTube as a news source. However, challenges persists while maintaining ethical standards through editorial oversight and avoiding misinformation through YouTube contents. This article highlights the importance of understanding evolving digital technologies, upholding ethical standards, advancing media education, and fostering collaboration between traditional news media as well as new media platforms like YouTube.

Keywords: Nepali journalism, YouTube, digital transformation, media education

Introduction

The emergence of multiple digital channels has resulted in a notable shift in Nepali media landscape. Nepal’s flourishing internet culture is shown by DataReportal’s Digital 2024 report, which offers insightful information on this change. Nepal has a stunning 49.6 percent internet penetration rate, demonstrating the technological prowess of its people, with 15.40 million internet users as of January 2024. Furthermore, the fact that 242 million people, or 75% of the population, utilize social media extensively highlights how widely digital channels are used in Nepali culture. In this digital environment, YouTube has become an essential journalism platform for Nepalis, providing a wealth of chances to interact with larger audiences and promote instantaneous communication. But in addition to its benefits, YouTube has certain disadvantages and difficulties.

The most important issue that Nepali journalists have to face is the verification of information, exposing misinformation, and navigating the hazy lines that separate content created by civilians and professionals alike. Understanding the complex effects of YouTube on Nepali journalism now has become more essential. We can promote responsible behavior, media literacy, and informed debate in this digital age by carefully examining its advantages, disadvantages, and moral implications. This essay delves into these subtleties to illuminate YouTube’s revolutionary impact on the future of Nepali journalism and equip journalists with the necessary resources to manage these changes with responsibility.

It has taken a while for traditional media sources in Nepal to acknowledge YouTube as a reliable platform for journalism. However, the fact remains that YouTube has grown to be a major media platform, especially considering the increasing tendency of Nepali consumers to get their news from internet sources. YouTube is the most popular website in Nepal, according to ahrefs.com. This change highlights how critical it is to understand YouTube’s impact, possibilities, and challenges for Nepali media. The goal of this study is to conduct a more in-depth analysis of YouTube’s influence on the Nepali media landscape in light of these developments, focusing on the implications for journalism techniques and audience engagement.

Overview of Top 15 YouTube Channels in Nepal

Source: Socialblade, April-2024

In the above table, a clear picture can be drawn about the impact of YouTube channels on Nepali viewers and offer a wide range of content categories, including news, vlogs, music, and entertainment. Interestingly, News24 Nepal is the only Television Channel in the top 15 that represents the Nepali media landscape; it ranks 15th in terms of both subscriber count and video views. Aayush & Abhay, Music Nepal, and Budha Subba Digital have accumulated substantial subscriber bases and high view counts on YouTube, demonstrating the diverse preferences of Nepali viewers. Entertainment and music-related channels, on the other hand, predominate. The fact that News24 Nepal is one of the most popular channels highlights the critical role that digital platforms play in the dissemination of news in Nepal. It also emphasizes how traditional media outlets must adopt digital channels such as YouTube in order to stay relevant and reach a wider audience in an increasingly digital landscape.

Methodology

This article primarily relies on the KIIs and trend analysis regarding the influence of YouTube on Nepali media landscape. For trend analysis, data were gathered from multiple sources, such as DataReportal, Social Blade, news articles, media sites, and scholarly research. Besides information from Nepali YouTube channels, including views, subscriber counts, upload frequencies, and interaction levels, are methodically collected and examined. Throughout the Nepali YouTube environment, this method seeks to identify patterns, trends, audience preferences, interactive forms, and monetization tactics used by independent news channels.

For KIIs, representatives from a range of Nepali media industries are interviewed. The KII participants consists journalists affiliated with the traditional news media, YouTubers, media educators and—were chosen via purposive sampling. The distinguished attendees were carefully chosen to guarantee a wide range of viewpoints and levels of experience in the field of Nepali media. Notable attendees include Janakraj Sapkota, who is well-known for his substantial contributions to Nepal’s mainstream media, and Tikaram Yatri, a skilled traditional media practitioner who has made a smooth transition to digital platforms such as YouTube, contributing insightful perspectives from both domains. Similar to this, Devaki Bist’s distinct viewpoint as a new media practitioner with a background in conventional journalism, combined with Shiva Dahal’s skill in bridging the gap between traditional and digital media, enhances the conversation on changing media landscapes.

Further elevating the depth and range of insights provided throughout the conversations are the participation of Bhanu Bhakta Acharya, an academician and advocate for media integrity, and the inclusion of prominent intellectuals like Professor Prabal Raj Pokhrel. The discussion gains significant depth from the involvement of Mr. Mahendra Ghatani’s vast radio broadcasting experience and Jeevan Bhandari’s activity in online media.

These individuals provide vital insights into the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations influencing Nepali journalism in the context of the continuing digital revolution through their combined skills and experiences. They were chosen on the basis of their varied experiences, specializations, and contributions to the area, guaranteeing an in-depth discussion of the topic during the scheduled interviews.

Findings and Analysis

The outcome of the Trend Analysis:

The trend analysis of Nepali YouTube channels offers insightful information about how the media sphere is changing as they have to rely on this social media platform to reach a wider audience. Not only the media but the end-receivers of communication process also has shifted from the traditional mode to the modernized form of message perception means. First off, there has been a discernible increase in the quantity of independent news channels on YouTube, which is indicative of the growing desire of Nepali viewers for varied information and alternate viewpoints. With their ability to present a range of opinions and objective reporting, channels like Aayush & Abhay, Vfx Karki, and News24 Nepal have been increasingly popular. This tendency, which gives viewers access to a variety of information sources, represents a move towards media pluralism and the democratization of news consumption.

Additionally, there is a noticeable change in the tastes of the audience, with more and more Nepali viewers using YouTube as their main news source. The platform’s ease of use, variety of content options, and attraction to younger audiences are all factors contributing to this change. YouTube surfaces as a competitive news consumption option, upending the established media ecosystem and impacting the future of Nepali journalism as traditional media sources struggle to connect with digital consumers.

In addition, Nepali journalists are using interactive YouTube video formats to improve user engagement and promote community engagement. Direct communication between journalists and their audience is made possible by features like live chats, Q&A sessions, and community interactions. This builds trust and encourages feedback. Nonetheless, the monetization initiatives of Music Nepal and Budha Subba Digital, among other YouTube news channels, raise questions regarding editorial independence, commercial pressures, and the moral implications of sponsored material.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, stakeholders must comprehend these developments in order to properly navigate the changing media landscape. Through the effective use of digital channels such as YouTube, interested parties can guarantee the production of significant journalism and promote positive public dialogue in Nepal. The trend analysis gives a thorough picture of how dynamic YouTube channels are in Nepal and sheds light on their significant influence on both the nation’s journalism industry and the larger media landscape.

The outcome of the KIIs

Here, we examine the findings from the Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and highlight Six key themes that summarize YouTube’s significant influence on Nepali media. The participant insights provided light on YouTube’s transformative role. These insights covered topics such as evolving media consumption patterns, ethical issues in new media practices, the difficulties faced by mainstream media, and the necessity of media and digital literacy initiatives. This thorough investigation offers insightful viewpoints from a range of stakeholders, enhancing our comprehension of the complex forces at work within the changing Nepali media environment.

YouTube Influencing Nepali Journalism in the Digital Age
According to the Key Informant Interviews (KII) carried out for the research on “The YouTube Revolution: Influencing Nepali Journalism in the Digital Age,” The participants unanimously acknowledge the profound influence of YouTube and other social media platforms on Nepali journalism. Mr. Jeevan Bhandari, an advocate for internet-based media, highlights the substantial viewership on YouTube, recognizing it as a transformative power in the digital age. Similarly, Tikaram Yatri agrees, the significant impact of emerging media platforms like as YouTube and Facebook on media viewers. This indicates a change in audience tastes and behaviors when it comes to consumption of information.

In addition, Ms. Devaki Bist emphasizes the influential impact of YouTube and other social platforms, emphasizing their capacity to alter audience behaviors and preferences. She highlights the necessity for digital practices to adjust to the changing media environment influenced by these platforms. The consensus among KII participants underlines the overriding notion that YouTube represents a new frontier in Nepali journalism, ushering in a digital revolution that necessitates adaptation and innovation from media practitioners.
The consensus among KII participants highlights the crucial significance of YouTube in influencing the future of Nepali journalism. As audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for news and information, media practitioners must embrace the transformative potential of YouTube to engage with diverse audiences and manage the developing media landscape. The acknowledgment of YouTube’s crucial role emphasizes the necessity for media organizations and journalists to modify their methods and plans in order to take use of the possibilities offered by this digital platform, while also dealing with the related difficulties and ethical concerns.

Mainstream Media’s Delayed Adoption of YouTube?

Janakraj Sapkota underlines the delayed adoption of digital platforms by Nepali mainstream media, admitting the industry’s poor response to the shifting media landscape. As a practitioner in both conventional and new media at Nepal’s major media source, his insight illustrates the obstacles faced by mainstream media in integrating internet platforms like YouTube.
Tikaram Yatri’s perspective underscores the notion that Nepali mainstream media has been reluctant to em   brace the relevance of new media platforms such as social media and YouTube. His view shows a resistance within conventional media circles to recognize the growth of alternative digital platforms as viable sources of information and news transmission.
Additionally, the viewpoint of Ms. Devaki Bist and Mr. Jeevan Bhandari, together with other participants, further reinforces the story of mainstream media’s slow acceptance of YouTube and other digital platforms. Their cumulative insights reveal an agreement among industry practitioners about the problems and barriers faced by traditional media outlets in adopting digital change.

Overall, the KII comments shed light on the structural constraints and cultural opposition within Nepali mainstream media that have delayed the timely adoption of YouTube and other digital platforms. The insights shared by the participants underline the necessity for mainstream media companies to overcome these barriers and adapt to the developing media landscape to remain relevant and successful in the digital era.

Shifting Media Consumption Habits
The research reveals a major shift in media consumption patterns, with a growing preference for digital channels such as social media and YouTube. The replies from the participants reflect this tendency, demonstrating an agreement among industry practitioners regarding the increasing tastes of media consumers.
Participants overwhelmingly agree that audience behavior is undergoing a shift, with increasing numbers resorting to social media and YouTube for content consumption. This trend is ascribed to numerous factors, including the accessibility, ease, and diversity of content available on digital platforms. Mr. Jeevan Bhandari underlines the growing significance of social media and YouTube as key sources of information and entertainment for viewers across demographic divisions.
Furthermore, the participants’ observations underline the need for media organizations to change their methods to suit to evolving consumer preferences. Mr. Tikaram Yatri notes that conventional media outlets must realize the shifting landscape and embrace digital platforms to remain relevant and communicate with their viewers effectively. Ms. Devaki Bist repeats this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of knowing audience behavior and producing information that resonates with their interests and preferences.
The KII also emphasize the democratizing effect of social media and YouTube, allowing varied views and perspectives to reach a wider audience. Mr. Janakraj Sapkota underlines the role of digital platforms in empowering content creators and enabling more inclusion in media coverage. The unanimity among participants emphasizes the transformative influence of shifting media consumption habits in the Nepali media landscape, underlining the necessity for media companies to adapt and innovate to meet the increasing requirements of their consumers efficiently.
In conclusion, the KII replies give persuasive evidence of the tremendous influence of evolving media consumption habits in Nepali media. The ideas offered by the attendees underline the necessity of embracing digital platforms and implementing audience-centric approaches to content generation and delivery. As media consumption continues to grow, it is vital for media companies to stay alert to shifting trends and embrace digital platforms to boost engagement, reach, and relevance in an increasingly digitalized media world.

Upholding Ethical Standards in New Media Journalism Practices

Regarding “Upholding Ethical Standards in New Media Journalism Practices” provided light on the various ethical difficulties facing new media in Nepal. Professor Praba Raj Pokhrel and Bhanu Bhakta Acharya emphasize the need of accountability and ethical standards across all kinds of media, calling for a principled approach to journalism practice. However, the comments from KII participants reveal a consensus that new media, particularly platforms like social media and YouTube, present serious ethical issues.
The participants generally acknowledge the existence of ethical challenges within new media journalistic techniques. Many note the need for increased self-discipline and commitment to ethical norms among practitioners in the new media ecosystem. While some practitioners show a willingness to confront and correct these flaws, they also understand the necessity for cooperation from government authorities and mainstream media to create accountability and transparency.
Moreover, the KII demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the ethical problems facing new media, with participants noting that ethical failings are not specific to new media alone but also pervasive across traditional media platforms. This accolade emphasizes the complexity of the ethical situation in journalism and the necessity for coordinated efforts to solve these concerns across the media ecosystem.
In conclusion, the KII response underline the importance for new media practitioners to promote ethical norms and accountability in their journalism activities. While acknowledging the prevalence of ethical problems, the willingness of practitioners to improve and engage with stakeholders indicate a commitment to protecting journalistic integrity and creating public trust. Moving forward, concerted efforts by both new media practitioners and regulatory agencies will be vital in resolving these ethical challenges and fostering responsible journalism in the digital era.

Traditional Media and Government Failures in Promoting Media and Digital Literacy Among Audiences
Regarding the consumption pattern of Nepali audiences and the role of traditional media and government entities in developing media and digital literacy. The participants universally perceive a disturbing trend wherein audiences are consuming negative content on new media platforms more than positive content. This observation underlines the need for heightened media and digital literacy among Nepali viewers to detect credible information and engage critically with media material.
Most participants feel that both government bodies and traditional media have failed in sufficiently fostering media and digital literacy among the population. They note out that efforts to educate audiences about responsible media consumption and digital literacy have been insufficient, resulting to a lack of knowledge and understanding among Nepali consumers.
The consensus among KII participants is that a deliberate effort is needed to enhance awareness and promote media and digital literacy among Nepali audiences. This encompasses activities intended at teaching the public on the necessity of critically analyzing media material, discriminating between credible and false information, and developing responsible digital citizenship.
The KII comments underline the urgent need for coordinated initiatives involving government entities, traditional media, and other stakeholders to address the challenges of media and digital literacy in Nepal. By boosting public knowledge and comprehension of media consumption habits and digital literacy abilities, stakeholders can empower consumers to navigate the digital realm more efficiently and contribute to a healthy media ecosystem.
Call for Social Responsibilities of the Media

Participants raise concerns about the increased focus on economic profit at the expense of social responsibility among new media platforms, notably YouTube-based journalists. Professor Prabal Raj Pokhrel believes that media entities have a basic social responsibility beyond commercial profits. He underlines the need for media practitioners to prioritize ethical issues and respect journalistic values in their content generation and delivery. Many participants echo this sentiment, underlining the importance of media’s role in serving the public interest and developing informed citizenship.
However, there is a consensus among participants that certain new media outlets, like YouTube-based journalists, put profit over social duty. Traditional journalists, represented by Tikaram Yatri, bemoan the lack of devotion to journalistic ethics and ideals among some new media practitioners. They say that profit-driven objectives have damaged the integrity of journalism, resulting to sensationalism, privacy breaches, and ethical infractions.
Mr. Mahendra Ghatani presents examples when new media platforms have broken ethical limits by intruding in individuals’ personal lives. This remark underlines the necessity for media practitioners to observe ethical standards and exercise caution in their reporting and content development.
Overall, the KII comments underline the urgent need for media practitioners, particularly those in the new media ecosystem, to address social obligations and ethical issues. Following established journalistic ethics and ethical rules, media outlets can build trust, credibility, and accountability in their dealings with audiences and society at large. This confirms the view that media have a key role to play in molding public discourse, promoting social cohesion, and advancing democratic values in Nepal’s growing media ecosystem.

Discussion and Conclusion

The inference made from the thorough examination of the trend analysis and Key Informant Interviews (KII) provides insightful information about how Nepali journalism is changing in the digital age. The convergence of the results from the two approaches through triangulation strengthens the validity and comprehensiveness of the study’s conclusions.

Significant changes in media consumption patterns, the emergence of independent news channels, and the increasing inclination of Nepali audiences towards digital platforms such as YouTube are all revealed by the trend analysis of YouTube channels in the country. The rise of independent channels is an indication of the democratization of news consumption and media pluralism, providing viewers with a range of viewpoints and objective reporting. Furthermore, traditional media outlets are under pressure to modify their approaches and effectively interact with digital viewers in light of the growing audience preference for YouTube as news source.

The KII responses corroborate these tendencies even more, as all participants recognized how social media and YouTube have revolutionized Nepali journalism. However, issues with the mainstream media’s sluggish embrace of digital platforms, unethical new media journalism methods, and the inability of government agencies and conventional media to encourage media and digital literacy among consumers all need to be addressed. Notwithstanding these obstacles, there is a general understanding of the media’s critical role in promoting moral principles and serving the public good.

The results of the two approaches’  triangulation highlight the intricate media environment in Nepal as well as the numerous difficulties that face media organizations and journalists. A comprehensive picture of the changing media ecosystem is offered by the insights gained from the trend analysis and KII, which also emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of living in the digital age.

In order to effectively navigate the evolving media ecosystem, players in Nepali journalism going forwards need to pay attention to the lessons this study has to offer. In order to further intrigue the democratic values and public interest goals of journalism in Nepal, it is essential that traditional and new media outlets collaborate, embrace digital platforms, maintain ethical standards, and promote media literacy. Through tackling these obstacles and utilizing the transformative capacity of digital media, interested parties can steer the path towards a thriving, all-encompassing, and conscientious media landscape in Nepal.

References

1. DataReportal. (2023). Digital 2023: Nepal. Retrieved from https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-nepal
2. DataReportal. (2024). Digital 2024: Nepal. Retrieved from https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-nepal?rq=nepal
3. Social Blade. (n.d.). YouTube Stats Summary / User Statistics for Nepal. Retrieved from https://socialblade.com/youtube/top/country/np/mostviewed
4. News reports and websites of media organizations.
5. Academic research articles related to journalism, media, and digital platforms.
6. Interviews conducted with KII participants.

List of KII Participants:

7. Mr. Tikaram Yatri – Traditional media practitioner with extensive experience and notable presence on YouTube.
8. Mr. Shiva Dahal – Seasoned traditional media expert transitioning to YouTube.
9. Mr. Janakraj Sapkota – Long-time contributor to Nepal’s leading mainstream media outlet.
10. Ms. Devaki Bist – Experienced professional in traditional media, currently practicing new media.
11. Professor Prabal Raj Pokhrel – Distinguished Professor at Tribhuwan University.
12. Mr. Bhanu Bhakta Acharya – Academician, Author, Advocate for Journalism Integrity, specializing in socio-political issues, communication, and digital divides.
13. Mr. Jeevan Bhandari – Activist of internet-based media and practitioner of new media.
14. Mr. Mahendra Ghatani – Seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in radio broadcasting.