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?
I believe DAWN is the only news media which does not go into sensationalism.
it is high time we should start criticising the critics. it seems there is a race going on between various tv anchors to show who can be more jingoistic. although freedom to access the news is a good thing, it needs to be exercised within the bounds of decency and common sense. i always argue that with the passage of time the media will mature. but at times i have my doubts, especially when relatively saner journalists start acting arrogantly.
I agree that the entire Urdu print media deserves a grade of F, with the exception of Hassan Nassar and a sprinkling of other columnists who write through logic. I would give the electronic media, both English and Urdu a grade of C. The English print media also deserves a C.
Overall the media in Pakistan is heavily biased, spreads conspiracy and panic, is anti-government and anti-military to the point of rebellion (not good), and engaged in political alliances.
The worst sin the Pakistani media has committed in recent years has been its glorification of terrorists and extremists. I remember when Nek Mohammed, the father of the Pakistani Taliban was killed in 2004, Dawn described it as a “murder”. Recently the media portrayed Lal Masjid gangsters as heroes. The propaganda of the militants that “Pakistan Army is killing its own people for dollars” was pushed relentlessly by the press .
I think DAWN newspaper still does a decent job…But the TV channels (including DAWN’s TV channel) seem to be in a shameful state of chasing their own tails….While they are doing a good job for taking the news/stories to the masses that are unable to read and for holding government accountable to some degree …. their relentless pursuit of jingoisam and idiocy analogous to US Fox News Channel and Jerry Springer Show has become sickening.
Pretty much the entire Urdu print and electronic media gets an “F” in my opinion for their jingoistic coverage and spreading of conspiracy theories. The only saving grace seems to be the English media especially papers like Dawn who adhere to very high standards of journalism and ethics.