Khasokhas: Empowering the Nepali Diaspora through Digital Journalism

In the vast landscape of media, smaller in-language community outlets often struggle to find their footing and thrive. However, Khasokhas, the pioneering Nepali weekly in the USA, has defied the odds and risen to become the voice of the Nepali diaspora in America. From its humble beginnings in 2012 as a print version, Khasokhas has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing the digital era and harnessing its potential to reach millions.

A Journey of Evolution: From Print to Digital Dominance

Khasokhas ventured into the media industry as the first Nepali weekly in the USA, with a modest circulation of just a few thousand copies. Although distributed for free, the logistical challenges of reaching the dispersed Nepali community made distribution an uphill battle. Recognizing the need for innovation, in 2017, Khasokhas bravely stepped into the digital realm, exploring digital platforms to broaden its reach.

The decision to go digital proved to be a game-changer. By 2019, Khasokhas had gathered an impressive viewership of 4 million. When the publication fully embraced the digital age in 2020, the number of viewers skyrocketed to 12 million. With the world grappling with the pandemic, Khasokhas halted its print version, becoming fully digital.

Covering Community Issues and Advocacy Journalism

As the Nepali community continued to grow rapidly in the USA, Khasokhas took on the responsibility of being the community's advocate and voice. Community journalism became the heart of its mission, and the publication started covering various issues and activities of the Nepali diaspora. Khasokhas not only reported on the community's accomplishments but also highlighted its needs.

Advocacy journalism became a potent tool for the publication, driving meaningful change within the community and beyond. From advocating for a Nepali language exam at the New York DMV to pushing for Temporary Protected Status for Nepali people in the USA, Khasokhas demonstrated the power of media to impact policy and protect the rights of thousands of individuals.

Providing Vital Resources and Fact-Checking

In addition to covering community issues, Khasokhas identified the lack of essential resources available to the Nepali-speaking community in their native language. The publication took it upon itself to bridge this gap by establishing resource centers dedicated to immigration, taxes, housing, and other essential matters.

In the wake of the pandemic, Khasokhas stepped up to provide crucial COVID-19 resources. From information on unemployment benefits and vaccine availability to aid for food and financial support, Khasokhas became a lifeline for many in the Nepali community during uncertain times.

Fact-checking also became a priority for the publication, countering misinformation and disinformation circulating during the pandemic and beyond, ensuring that its readers had access to accurate and trustworthy information.

Challenges Faced by In-Language Community Media Outlets

Khasokhas' remarkable journey to digital dominance was not without challenges. In-language community media outlets, in general, face several hurdles:

Financial Struggles: Many in-language media outlets lack the resources to transition to digital platforms, leading to limited content quality and audience reach.

Advertising Access: In-language media outlets find it challenging to attract mainstream advertisements due to their limited audience.

Technological and Distribution Challenges: Third-party advertisements and platforms like Facebook's News Page Index often pose challenges for in-language media outlets, affecting distribution and revenue.

Fear of Lawsuits: Lack of resources to defend against legal challenges may deter in-language media from publishing important news stories.

Lack of Government and Grant Support: In-language media outlets often face limited support from government agencies and struggle to secure grants.

Seizing Opportunities for Growth and Impact

While challenges persist, several opportunities await in-language community media outlets:

Targeted Advertisements: Building partnerships with advertisers targeting specific communities can be a lucrative revenue source.

Diverse Audiences: In-language media can cater to diverse and underserved audiences, amplifying their voices and stories.

Community Partnerships: Collaborating with community organizations and local businesses can generate advertising opportunities and strengthen relationships.

Grant Funding: Seeking grants from foundations, non-profits, and government agencies can aid in producing high-quality content and expanding the audience.

Organizing Community Events: Hosting events and conferences can raise awareness and attract sponsors interested in reaching specific audiences.

The Future of Khasokhas and In-Language Community Media

Khasokhas has undeniably carved its place as a beacon of hope and information for the Nepali diaspora in the USA. By leveraging digital platforms, advocating for community needs, providing vital resources, and practicing advocacy journalism, Khasokhas has become a testament to the potential of in-language community media outlets.

However, it is crucial for these outlets to continue innovating and adapting to changing landscapes. By focusing on hyperlocal reporting, addressing community needs, and securing diverse revenue streams, in-language community media outlets can thrive and play an indispensable role in enriching the lives of their communities.

The journey of Khasokhas and its impact on the Nepali diaspora in the USA serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of media, and how a dedicated team can make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands.

As media evolves further, it is essential for society to recognize and support the vital work of in-language community media outlets like Khasokhas, ensuring that diverse voices are heard, and their stories find their way into the hearts and minds of millions.