Journalism Isn’t Just Copy-Paste and Translation—It’s the Art of Truth, Depth, and Storytelling

Journalism, long regarded as the first draft of history, thrives on truth, ethics, and storytelling. However, within the Nepali diaspora—particularly in the United States—a concerning trend is gaining momentum. Increasingly, journalism is reduced to a process of copy-pasting and uncredited translation, rather than a discipline rooted in originality and accountability. As a result, the public’s trust in Nepali diaspora media continues to weaken.

“Journalism isn’t just copy-paste and translation—it’s the art of truth, depth, and storytelling.”
— Sunil Dahal, writer at Virginia Times

The State of Nepali Diaspora Journalism

According to the Migration Policy Institute, over 126,000 Nepali immigrants lived in the U.S. as of 2021. In response, many community-driven news portals emerged. Yet, instead of investing in original reporting, many of these outlets translate or directly lift content from reputable sources like CNN, BBC, and The New York Times—often without permission or attribution.

This practice violates fundamental journalistic ethics. As stated by the Society of Professional Journalists, journalists must “acknowledge sources and give credit where it is due.” Moreover, misleading audiences into believing that plagiarized work is original directly erodes credibility.

“The central dilemma in journalism is that you don’t know what you don’t know.”
— Bob Woodward

The Widespread Misuse of Copyrighted Materials

In addition to article plagiarism, unauthorized use of copyrighted images and video clips is widespread. According to the International Federation of Journalists, such misuse is a global challenge, especially among under-resourced community media. Unfortunately, many Nepali diaspora outlets in the U.S. exploit copyrighted materials without licenses, exposing themselves to legal repercussions under the U.S. Copyright Act.

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
— Thomas Jefferson

Journalists’ Associations: Lacking Professional Focus

While associations like NEAJA and INNJA claim to support ethical journalism, many prioritize political relationships and networking over capacity-building. For example, INNJA’s 2024 Tokyo conference reportedly violated its own bylaws, and its anniversary program in Kathmandu was widely perceived as political lobbying rather than a platform for professional training on journalism.

Recently, a new organization—Federation of International Journalists (FIJA)—has been established in Virginia. However, it remains to be seen how actively and effectively it will contribute to strengthening ethical and original journalism in the Nepali diaspora.

“When a journalist lies, someone pays the price. And it’s usually the public.”
— Christiane Amanpour

“Good journalism is good business practice.”
— Mortimer Zuckerman

In contrast, journalist groups should focus on training, ethics workshops, and industry partnerships. As Global Voices reported, UK-based Nepali journalist Nabin Pokharel emphasized the importance of resource access, noting that the small business market makes ad revenue and original reporting harder to sustain.

Journalism as a Craft

True journalism is a craft that involves depth, diligence, and devotion. Rather than repurposing content from others, it demands original voices that reflect the community’s lived experience. For example, Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer-winning Filipino-American journalist, has used his own immigration story to drive policy discussion. Nepali journalists could adopt a similar approach, focusing on migration, identity, culture, and voice.

“If your mother says she loves you, check it out.”
— City News Bureau of Chicago

The Path Forward

Improving Nepali diaspora journalism requires structural and cultural change. Outlets must commit to ethical guidelines such as the SPJ Code of Ethics or those recommended by the International Press Institute. In addition, associations like NEAJA and INNJA must transition from event hosting to training-focused organizations.

“You’re not entitled to your own facts.”
— Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Moreover, collaboration with institutions like the Asian American Journalists Association could help with mentorship, grants, and editorial training. Finally, community members themselves must demand more from their media—more integrity, more originality, and more truth.

“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations.”
— George Orwell

Conclusion

In closing, journalism is not merely an act of rewriting or translation. It is a creative discipline that holds immense power to inform and uplift. For the Nepali diaspora, the time has come to evolve beyond shortcuts and invest in ethical, original, and impactful storytelling. Only then can community media truly serve its people and rise to the standards journalism demands.