With more than two decades of experience in journalism, Sama Thapa has earned recognition as one of Nepal’s accomplished television journalists, distinguished by her editorial judgment, articulate presentation and ability to bring significant yet underrepresented issues into mainstream public discourse.

Throughout her career, Thapa has held important editorial, production and programming responsibilities across leading media institutions. She served as Associate Editor at AP1 Television, contributing to the development of television content and current-affairs programming. Her broadcasting experience began in radio as a Program Coordinator, where she developed expertise in programme production, research, audience engagement and editorial planning.

Thapa currently hosts and leads Prime Time, a flagship daily current-affairs programme. As its principal presenter, she contributes to both its editorial direction and on-screen delivery, bringing together major national developments, analysis and substantive conversations. Her interviewing style combines clarity with incisive questioning, enabling her to examine complex issues while maintaining a professional and balanced journalistic approach. The programme has developed into an important forum for public discussion and contemporary affairs.

Over the years, Thapa has also hosted and produced programmes including A Closer Look, Sarokar, AP Center and Koshish. Across these platforms, she has consistently pursued stories that warrant greater public attention, particularly those concerning communities and individuals whose experiences are frequently overlooked.

Her work extends beyond television broadcasting. As a contributing writer for Annapurna Post, she has participated in wider public conversations through journalism and commentary. Her professional practice reflects an understanding of media as both an information channel and an instrument for social awareness, accountability and constructive dialogue.

A significant dimension of Thapa’s work has been her involvement in public-awareness campaigns addressing child rights, early marriage, acid attacks, road safety and other social challenges and taboos. By bringing these subjects into mainstream discussion, she has contributed to greater visibility of issues that often remain inadequately represented in conventional media narratives.

Thapa has also pursued international professional development. She is an alumna of the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), where she participated in the Storytelling and Visual Writing programme organized by the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication in Oklahoma. She is also an alumna of the Reuters Academy, strengthening her exposure to international standards and contemporary approaches to journalism.

Academically, she holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Tribhuvan University. Her academic background complements her journalistic practice by providing a broader perspective on society, culture, human behaviour and the structural factors behind many of the issues she covers.

In 2021, Thapa received the Prabal Jana Sewa Shree Padak, one of Nepal’s significant state honours, for her contribution to journalism. The recognition was conferred by then-President Bidya Devi Bhandari.

With a career spanning radio, television, print journalism, programme production, current-affairs broadcasting and social advocacy, Sama Thapa has established a distinctive professional profile within Nepal’s media landscape. At a time marked by misinformation, polarization and rapid technological change, her emphasis on credible reporting, substantive dialogue and public-interest storytelling remains particularly relevant.

Her career reflects the evolving responsibilities of contemporary journalism—informing audiences, questioning established narratives and creating space for voices that deserve to be heard.