Mass Media in Pakistan MCM304

Assignment #1 Fall 2023

By Pin✌️.

Question#1: Discuss any 2 issues faced by the media industry and journalists in Pakistan
along with the
proposed solutions.

Ans:1.Censorship and Press Freedom:

-issue:The media industry in Pakistan faces challenges related to censorship and
restrictions on press freedom. Journalists often encounter pressures to self-censor or
face government interference, impacting their ability to report objectively.
- Proposed Solution:Strengthening legal frameworks to protect freedom of the press,
ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of reprisals. Additionally, promoting
media literacy and public awareness can help create an informed society that values
diverse perspectives.

2. Safety and Threats to Journalists:

- Issue: Journalists in Pakistan face threats to their safety, including physical harm and
intimidation. This hampers investigative journalism and restricts the flow of information
to the public.
-Proposed Solution:Implementing effective mechanisms for the protection of
journalists, ensuring swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible for attacks.
Creating a culture that condemns violence against journalists and upholds their crucial
role in democracy can contribute to a safer working environment.

Question 2:Elaborate the below statement briefly and share your understanding on the
same.
“The purpose of journalism is not defined by technology, nor by journalists or the
techniques
that they employ. Rather, the principles and purpose of journalism are defined by
something
more basic: the function news plays in the lives of people.” wrote Bill Kovach and Tom
Rosenstiel in the book, The Elements of Journalism.

Ans:The statement suggests that the essence of journalism is not determined by the
tools or methods used, nor solely by journalists themselves. Instead, the core principles
and purpose of journalism are rooted in the role news plays in people's lives. According
to Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, authors of "The Elements of Journalism," the
fundamental consideration is how news functions within society and its impact on
individuals, emphasizing the importance of journalism in serving the public and
contributing to an informed citizenry.

Question 3:Briefly give your arguments on the below statement by giving an example of
any Pakistani
private TV channel.
“It is capitalism that incentivizes the degradation of our news. Since Gen Musharraf
liberalized the media, more and more businessmen have entered the industry with a
singular goal of maximizing their profits. They are not concerned with the press’ role in
ensuring a
functioning democracy.”

Ans:The statement contends that capitalism, driven by profit motives, has led to the
deterioration of news quality in the media industry. With more businessmen entering the
sector for profit maximization, the focus on the press's crucial role in fostering a
functioning democracy diminishes.

Example: Pakistani Private TV Channel

One example illustrating this trend is the prioritization of sensationalism over
substantive reporting by certain private TV channels in Pakistan. In pursuit of higher
ratings and increased advertisement revenue, some channels may emphasize
sensational stories rather than delivering in-depth, balanced news that contributes to a
well-informed public and supports democratic principles. This shift can be attributed to
the profit-driven nature of capitalism within the media industry.