Adil Najam
We know that ATP readers are tough graders. In the past you have graded the performance of Pakistan’s current leadership (also here) as well as Pakistan’s past leadership – for good as well as for bad (also here). We ask you now to grade the performance of Pakistan’s media.
Most people agree that the news media has played a very influential role in shaping Pakistan’s current politics – some might say, for the good; others might argue, for the bad? What do you say?
Our focus here is on the news media. We are purposely not asking you which particular TV channel or newspaper or radio station you like. That is a matter of preference, and often of political persuation. It is important, but is not the intent of this ATP Poll. We also understand that you probably think that some media outfits are doing a great job and that others are not. That, too, is not the question.
What we seek is your opinion of how the media – as a whole and in its entirety – is doing? Of course, some will be better than others; and others worse than some. But when you look at all the media – in all its mediums – together, how do you rate them? Good, bad, or ugly?
hmm
d
and then ad ; ba
——-> bad
I understand the point of amalgamating the print and electronic media together, but we won’t be able to infer anything from the results. I would suggest that you use two polls, one for the print media and one for the electronic media.
I think the print media has always done a great job. The electronic media, however, gets a far lower grade. Most of our news channels, it seems, tend to resemble Fox News (sensationalist, tabloid like, profit driven) rather than the BBC (more neutral, pursuit of public interest stories).
Some comments from the ATP Facebook Page:
– “Yak Yak Yakety Yak……Mostly Table Talk!”
– “Good poll. I voted and gave them a B. There is a lot of chatter, but overall they do keep politicians honest because the politicians are afraid.”
– “C. mostly rubbish on non issues”
– “Well i dont think so that politicians are much afraid of media but pak media can be more stronger n can play a role in pak future but they are not so good if media is plying a role then there is no way that these moron leaders can rule us again”
– “great source to spread dis-information except a few.”
– “should be closely monitered n must b answerable otherwise good”
– “koi ek banda sincere nai hai mulk k lye kaam krne k lye; sb ko goli mar do…”
– “media ko bi kch zaida hi azadi de di hai; halaq se nai utar rahi…”
– “mere halaq se nai; media k halaq se…”
– “”
Pakistani News media comprises of the print and electronic media.
I think the print media is still has a lot of credibility and in the years they have started focussing on the issues of common man.
The electronic media still has a long way to go. Couple of things in recent past have put a dent on the real purpose of media:
Here are some examples:
1. The recent “Imtiaziation” of all the news channels where at one point the same person was on the talkshow exactly at the same time.I had literally turn off the TV. Is this acceptable ?
2. Uncensored Talkshows where the two women political leaders engaged in abusive language and the anchor who himself is a renowned columnist sits and watches.
3. Anchors / Journalists who try to push their agenda and sometimes don’t let the guest speak up.
4.Breaking news for. MQM chief speeches ? And not of the speeches of PM and President.
6.Headlines showing the new movies of Shahrukh Khan. Does this really a headline ?
They have exposed a small sample of the more spectacular/titillating abuses of power but don’t really fulfill the required role of “watchdog”. I don’t think the media in Pakistan is very interested in this role either, although they don’t appear to be in fear of the govt. I gave them a “D”–they do get some small credit for tackling stories like the women buried alive in Baluchistan, etc. But not too much :(