Roshan Shrestha
Verified
(Nepali journalist)
Covers:
Investigative journalism, digital scams, media ethics, civic rights, Nepali politics, tech policy, social justice
Doesn't Cover:
Celebrity gossip,reviews, fashion trends.
Nepali Journalist | Founder of @khojsamacharen and @wikinp | author | Voice for the Voiceless | Born in Bahrabise.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist wasn’t in a newsroom — it was out in the field, investigating a local corruption issue that mainstream media had ignored. I self-published the findings on a blog, and the story gained traction. That experience of chasing truth independently, without institutional backing, shaped my entire approach to journalism.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I’ve tried a typewriter once during my early college days — not for necessity, but curiosity. The mechanical rhythm, the sound of each keystroke, and the fact that there’s no ‘backspace’ taught me a lot about precision and thoughtfulness — something still valuable in digital journalism today.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has turned every smartphone into a newsroom and every citizen into a potential reporter. It’s accelerated the speed of news, blurred the line between fact and opinion, and made amplification more powerful — and dangerous. For journalists, the challenge is no longer just reporting the truth, but also defending it in real time.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favorite fictional journalist is Clark Kent. Beneath the Superman cape, he’s a symbol of truth and justice — not just in heroism, but in journalism too. I admire how his reporting is driven by integrity, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of what’s right — values I strive to uphold in real life.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means being the voice of the unheard, the questioner of power, and the seeker of truth — even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s not just about reporting what happened, but about uncovering why it happened and who benefits. It’s a responsibility to hold institutions accountable and empower the public with verified, impactful information.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One of the funniest I’ve come across was #GoatInGovernment, which trended after a village claimed a goat was more honest than local politicians. It was hilarious, but also a subtle protest — classic Nepali satire at its best.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer story pitches to be sent via email, clearly outlining the key angle, relevance, and any supporting data or sources. A concise subject line and a short summary in the first paragraph really help me assess whether it's a fit. I appreciate pitches that respect my beat—especially those tied to investigative topics, public interest, or underreported issues in Nepal.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a combination of mobile and desktop tools depending on the task. For writing and editing, I rely on Google Docs and Grammarly. For designing visuals and thumbnails, I use Canva and Photoshop Express on mobile.
For managing my website (Khoj Samachar), I use WordPress and Elementor. I also monitor analytics using Google Search Console and Google Analytics.
For mobile reporting, I often use my Samsung Galaxy phone with apps like Open Camera, XRecorder, and Kinemaster.
What's your favorite social network?
My favorite social network is X (formerly Twitter) because it allows real-time engagement with news, public opinion, and global conversations. I also actively use Facebook to reach grassroots-level audiences and connect with local communities in Nepal.
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish Edward Snowden followed me — not just for the symbolism, but because it would mean my work is pushing the right boundaries.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist to amplify the voices that often go unheard. Growing up, I witnessed how corruption, injustice, and misinformation could shape lives — especially for ordinary citizens. Investigative reporting gave me a way to challenge power and bring facts to light. Through platforms like Khoj Samachar and my app, I strive to make credible information more accessible and empower people to ask questions that matter.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I worked on a small wall newspaper during high school where I reported on school events and wrote opinion pieces about student issues. That early experience helped me realize the power of giving voice to those who are often unheard — something I’ve carried into my professional work.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
One of the stories I'm most proud of is the investigative series I led on digital fraud and misinformation targeting Nepali migrant workers. The reporting not only exposed scam operations exploiting vulnerable families but also pressured authorities to take action. The impact of that series inspired me to build the Roshan Shrestha App — a verified digital space to fight disinformation, provide access to government tools, and empower everyday Nepalis.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Journalism is not just about writing news — it’s about holding up a mirror to society.
I started my journey with a small wall newspaper in school, and today I run an independent digital platform, Khoj Samachar. So to young journalists, I say:
Stay curious. Always seek proof from every side.
Speak for the people, not the powerful.
Don’t chase popularity — chase the truth. Use your pen to empower, not to please.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm most responsive between 9 AM and 11 AM Nepal Time on weekdays. I appreciate pitches that are concise, well-researched, and clearly explain why the story matters to my audience.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch wasn’t flashy — it came from a migrant worker’s family whose voice had been ignored for years. It wasn’t just a story; it was a responsibility. That single pitch exposed a web of labor exploitation and digital fraud, and led to actual government response. That moment reminded me why I chose journalism.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever got was a press release about a celebrity scandal that had no public relevance and was clearly paid placement. It reminded me how easily noise can overpower truth — and why journalists must stay focused on impact, not popularity.
What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is black coffee — strong, honest, and straight to the point. Just like journalism should be.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
sually in the field chasing stories, talking to real people, or capturing moments that often go unnoticed. The streets and voices of Nepal are my real newsroom
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Aside from my own platform, I regularly read Al Jazeera and BBC for global perspectives, and occasionally Fox News to understand contrasting viewpoints. Diverse sources help me maintain balance and challenge biases in my own reporting.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception is that investigative journalism is always negative or sensational. In reality, my beat is about accountability and empowerment — not just exposing problems but also highlighting solutions, educating the public, and pushing for structural reform. It’s not about creating outrage; it’s about creating impact.
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