Local’s News – a call for news stories

We just checked the headlines in the daily papers. Was there a lot about manoeuvres in the high halls of power in Kathmandu, national issues like the economy and crime, and a bit of foreign affairs too? Indeed, like on any other day. The local level was not that prominent in most newspapers. Does that mean that little of broader interest takes place out in the districts and villages? Well, it depends on where your interests lie. On our part, we miss “local’s news” sometimes. It’s as though events in Kathmandu are “Nepali news” while local events can be left uncovered without missing what’s happening in the country.

Some of the most telling stories about where Nepal is headed, however, often originate and have to be found at the local level. Perhaps relatively little of what’s going on is being reported because often you have to be present locally to pick up the stories. Take a recent example. Did you know that opium is now being produced in large quantities somewhere in the Terai? If yes, there is still a big chance that you – as we suspect is our own case – only know half of the story. The other half would have to be told by the locals who live and breath it. Or what about stories on more positive issues, like local festivals and sports events? They are often recorded and told best by locals too.

If you’re local reporter or simply live in a district town or village and want to share local news, we would be very interested to post it. Our mailbox is always open to any news items: a news tips or a full-fledged story, as well as audio and video material. It could be about politics or business, culture or sports, festivals or tragedies, justice or corruption, or any other issue that you find important to tell about. Feel free to write in Nepali too – we’ll translate. You can also join our Local Reporter’s Network here today.