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Motivated by a desire to explain complex historical, political, and social issues, he launched the platform to offer well-researched, accessible content tailored for Nepali audiences. In an era where misinformation is pervasive and digital consumption is rising, Tripathi stands out for his commitment to clarity, credibility, and compelling storytelling.

Recognizing the urgent need for fact-based digital narratives, The Nepali Comment actively avoids sensationalism and emphasizes rigorous fact-checking, often collaborating with journalists to strengthen its editorial standards. This focus on accuracy is particularly vital in Nepal, where media and information literacy is uneven and unverified information spreads quickly.

In December 2024, Tripathi participated in Nepal’s inaugural National Symposium for Digital Content Creators and Journalists, hosted by UNESCO. The event fostered frank dialogue about the dual role of digital content creators, as both potential misinformation spreaders and vital sources of information. The symposium emphasized collaboration between creators and journalists, showcasing how each group contributes to the dissemination of timely, factual stories. It was part of a broader UNESCO initiative that also supported the integration of media and information literacy principles into the editorial practices of over 375 media outlets across Nepal.

Supported by UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and the Safety of Journalists, this initiative is building a more ethical, resilient media ecosystem, one where digital content creators and journalists can mutually reinforce information integrity.
 

1. Content creators are frequently accused of prioritizing engagement and revenue over accuracy, sometimes at the expense of truth. Do you agree with this perception?

While it's true that social platforms incentivize viral content, it's an oversimplification to accuse all digital content creators of sacrificing truth for popularity. Algorithms often reward sensationalism, indirectly encouraging misinformation, but many creators resist this dynamic.

In Nepal, where media and information literacy is still developing, the risks are especially high. At The Nepali Comment, we intentionally avoid clickbait framing. We accept slower growth in exchange for greater credibility. A powerful example of this approach was our video about the death of a Nepali student at KIIT Odisha University. While the incident sparked intense anti-Indian sentiment, we chose not to label our video as an “exclusive” despite having sensitive primary-source material. Instead, we omitted unverified claims to prevent further outrage.

This decision reinforced our guiding principle: ethical responsibility must outweigh the temptation of virality. Our long-term credibility, not momentary popularity, is our most valuable asset.

2. What do you think journalists and digital content creators can learn from each other?

Journalists bring investigative depth, objectivity, and structured verification. Content creators bring storytelling innovation, digital engagement expertise, and platform fluency. Merging these strengths can produce transformative media.

A notable example was our video on Nepal’s escalating lead poisoning crisis. While mainstream media coverage was limited, we partnered with investigative journalists and researchers who provided verified data and expert insights. Our visual storytelling helped amplify their findings to a much broader audience.

This collaboration benefited all parties: journalists gained visibility, we delivered high impact content, and the public became more informed. It’s a model that shows how creative formats and journalistic rigor can together drive powerful change.
 

3. How is this particularly relevant in the context of Nepal? 

Nepal’s media environment is increasingly fragmented and mistrustful. At the UNESCO Symposium, it was evident that many traditional journalists view content creators with suspicion, believing they repurpose journalistic work without attribution.

While this may have been true in the early days of digital media, today’s landscape is different. Many creators have adopted strong verification and research practices, operating independently and ethically. The perception of creators as mere content recyclers is outdated and counterproductive.

Meanwhile, traditional media struggles with online visibility. Creators, by contrast, often engage millions. Collaboration, rather than rivalry, can address both challenges. Journalists bring depth; creators bring reach. Together, they can rebuild public trust and modernize media engagement in Nepal.

4. How do you balance virality with ethical storytelling?

This is one of the most difficult challenges in today’s hyper-polarized media environment. Viral content thrives on outrage and emotional manipulation, while ethical content demands nuance, accuracy, and restraint.

We faced this tension while covering a controversy involving a popular Nepali politician and a major media outlet. The public strongly supported the politician, and many creators capitalized on that sentiment for views. Instead, we chose a measured, fact-based narrative. Predictably, our video received fewer views and faced backlash from audiences expecting validation of their biases. Yet, this approach earned us respect in the long run. Many viewers later expressed appreciation for our principled stance, and some even said our content encouraged them to think more critically.

Our lesson: being ethical may cost short-term engagement, but it cultivates long-term trust.
 

5. How does journalistic fact-checking enhance content credibility and trustworthiness?

Fact-checking isn't optional, it’s an ethical obligation. Early in our journey, we didn’t fully appreciate this. Like many new creators, we focused on engagement without the rigor of systematic verification. But as our influence grew, we realized we had a responsibility to uphold truth.

Over time, we developed internal protocols that mirror journalistic standards: cross-verifying sources, consulting experts, and clearly distinguishing confirmed facts from uncertainties. These practices not only improved the quality of our videos but reshaped how our audience perceives us.

Fact-checking builds a reputation for trustworthiness, which is far more enduring than virality.

6. How can partnerships between journalists and creators be fostered?

Collaboration is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Many journalists are now entering the digital space, and their credibility strengthens it. However, they often underestimate the importance of digital-native strategies: thumbnail design, conversational tone, algorithm-aware editing, etc. As Marshall McLuhan said, “the medium is the message.”

This disconnect sometimes fuels resentment. Why do creators get more engagement? The answer lies in adapting to the platform, not compromising substance.

At The Nepali Comment, we always credit journalists in our videos, spotlight their work, and ensure their voices are central to the narrative. Our video on the lead poisoning crisis is a case in point: it raised public awareness, boosted reporting visibility, and supported advocacy.

Looking ahead, revenue-sharing and joint editorial ventures could institutionalize this partnership. Journalists bring credibility; creators bring digital agility. Together, they can deliver compelling, truthful content that informs and empowers the public.