Coverage of transgender issues in the daily newspapers of Nepal

Abstract

The transgender community's visibility and representation in media play a crucial role in fostering societal acceptance and understanding. This study examines the extent to which Nepal's leading newspapers prioritize the transgender community through their news coverage. The research aims to shed light on the frequency and depth of stories related to transgender individuals, offering insights into the media's role in shaping public perceptions. The primary objective of this thesis is to investigate the priority given to the transgender community by Nepal's prominent daily newspapers in terms of news coverage. The study seeks to uncover whether newspapers adequately address the issues faced by transgender individuals, thus contributing to the broader discourse on media's influence on social inclusion. A comprehensive six-month study was conducted utilizing a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed to comprehensively analyze the content of leading Nepali daily newspapers. Samples of news articles were collected and systematically analyzed to gauge the prevalence and depth of coverage on transgender topics. Additionally, Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted with five media experts to glean their perspectives on the issue. The analysis of collected data revealed a significant gap in the coverage of transgender community-related issues within Nepali newspapers. English-language newspapers demonstrated a modest effort in covering stories related to transgender individuals. However, no such stories were identified within the Nepali-language newspapers. The interviews with media experts provided consistent feedback, indicating a consensus that the coverage of transgender news and narratives in Nepali newspapers is insufficient. This study underscores the inadequate attention given to transgender issues in Nepali newspapers. The findings align with the experts' consensus that more equitable coverage is needed, akin to the prominence afforded to women's issues. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of journalists in creating a safe space for transgender individuals to share their stories openly and without fear of societal backlash. It also highlights the experts' recommendation for broader and more inclusive coverage of transgender concerns, fostering their normalization and integration into the fabric of society. Ultimately, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on media's role in shaping perceptions of marginalized communities and advocates for a more inclusive approach to news coverage.