Online workshop on Impact of Disinformation on societies

Nabeel Tirmazi
AIBD and Pakistan Television Training Academy organised an online workshop
on the impact of disinformation on societies. The event was held in Islamabad
at Pakistan Television Headquarters while the webinar was hosted from AIBD
Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Eighteen news editors, producers and reporters from PTV News and PTV World
participated in this event which was focused on how to minimize the impact of
disinformation. Managing director, Mr Aamir Manzoor and Chief of News &
Current Affairs of PTV, Ms Katrina Hussain were also amongst the participants.  

The discussion examined various challenges of linear and online broadcasters and
analysed different case studies from other countries to counter the negative
impact of disinformation and misinformation disseminated through new and
traditional media.

Dr Rama Chandaran Ponnan, senior Broadcaster and media trainer along with
Mr Nabeel Tirmazi, programme manager, AIBD, delivered their presentations
on the subject.

Special focus was given to the online presence of reliable and authentic information
posted by the public broadcaster. The workshop also discussed the psychology of
social media users on sharing non-credible information.

The consultants discussed various censorship models and how public

broadcasters should have an effective and effi cient communication and
information sharing mechanism with the government departments along with
the media regulatory authorities. Participants were also of the view that strict
regulations should be imposed to control and monitor of fake news. 

The workshop was well-received by the participants and they agreed that
public broadcasters have a huge responsibility to spread awareness amongst
the masses about the ill effects of fake news on societal development. Mr
Aamir Manzoor, MD PTV, appreciated AIBD’s efforts and suggested that more
physical and online workshops should be organised for the capacity building of
local broadcasters. He also mentioned that he is looking forward to the
regional research results conducted by AIBD on Disinformation.