In Pakistan, the fourth estate houses a circus tent. I speak, of course, about our free and vibrant media. It is understood by all that a free press, one that embodies every citizen’s right to speech and expression as well, is one of the defining hallmarks of a democracy. It is far less understood that the media should demonstrate responsibility, both in the discharge of its duties and in the way it puts forth analysis and opinion.
A democracy is only as strong as its people are informed. In a country like Pakistan, holding down the fort against a tumultuous future, the media should self-reflect on the following points. On the issue of hard news, are the producing segments offering the public a comprehensive, informative look at the story? On the issue of agendas, is the media cognisant of its vital obligation to distinguish between analysis and opinions, between reporting and editorialising? On the issue of public quality of life, is the media offering the public constructive engagement?
Unfortunately, all this is not happening.
For the last one week, I have watched prime time news nightly from seven to 11 pm. It would certainly be unfair of me to say there were no substantive, analytic and thought-provoking news segments and discussions. On several issues, notably foreign policy, the discussions are fact-based, thoughtful and nuanced. However, for the most part, media channels seem to be focused on generating as much of a circus amongst its analysts as possible. Talking over each other, yelling, resorting to personal implications, repeating unproven accusations, I soldiered through these hours nightly.
By and large, I did not find many shows giving people the information they needed to make their own decisions about the driving issues of the day. It is the job of the media, for example, to share what a particular political party’s proposal on energy is, rather than just tear it down for 30 minutes. I also saw ideological grounds for attacking the right/left/centre/government structures, fooling viewers into thinking that political spin, speculation and rumours are actually the news. All of this can lead to ignorance and hostility.
In an ideal setup, accuracy of facts, impartiality and accountability reign supreme. It is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain the principles of ethical journalism, especially in the age of citizen reporting a la Twitter and the digital age. Self-reflection leading to self-regulation is a big ask but that has to be done to build up the public trust in the press. Pakistani journalism faces the same challenges as the rest of the world; it has to learn that sensational and unethical actions may have short-term gains but do not build that vital trust. This will not happen overnight, as anything truly sustainable must make time. There is progress, and it ought to be acknowledged and encouraged.
One of my highlights of the weeklong news-watching was Qanoon Bolta Hai with Miss Fatima Shaheen as the host. Miss Shaheen, an intelligent and insightful advocate for social development and a respected barrister in her own right, seemingly seeks to fill the gap left by news shows that cover only politics or entertainment in varying degrees. Her PTV Home programme is based on raising awareness of Pakistani legality. Pakistan has progressive laws on the books, relating to women, children, minorities, the transgender community, domestic workers, senior citizens, etc. She invites such people to ask the policy stakeholders and legal experts what the laws that exist are to serve their protection and needs. Often times, this is the first time individuals are hearing this level of guidance, which not only enables them to protect themselves from falling prey to various crimes/atrocities but also gives the world the message that, despite its shortcomings, Pakistan indeed has a functional legal system in place designed to protect the people.
Another PTV element, Live at 5 with Imran Hassan, has the well-spoken and highly-informed Mr Hassan cover a wide array of topics this writer did not see elsewhere to the same extent. From informative economic data to breaking down the science behind climate change, Mr Hassan does not shy away from engaging the public with clear and concise backgrounds.
It is heartening to see the state’s television channel led by example, as well as key leaders in the private sector. On Business Plus, regardless of the time I tuned in, I would hear straight numbers for major corporate deals, explanations for financial trends and indicators, and well-expressed fiscal prophecies.
It is very easy to say we need a radical new framework for media standards but, in reality, we simply need to build on the current successful reporting cited above and elsewhere. With these examples paving the way, the hope is others will follow suit. Pakistan will be the winner, at home and abroad.
The writer is a student at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC