Media Matters!!!

One of the few things which have improved in last couple of years is the independence of media. I do not say that it is broadcasting/publishing truth all the time but still competition keeps the channels /Newspapers alive and focused. In order to survive and compete, channels are giving more and more importance to investigative journalism. Those Anchors and programs which got initially successful just because masses were clapping at the fighting between guests and participants now have to find new tools to sustain program ratings. They are reinventing charisma of presenters, playing MMS clips of scandals and breaking corruption related stories. On one hand I really admire wonders of competition between media groups but on the other hand “V” also need to be careful that this competition is not “Perfect competition” of economics in which “No single buyer and seller can influence the market”. With the rising strength of media, few media players /groups are rising even more quickly than the media industry(and they can take advantage of their prominence and influence) and that is what “V” need to watch out from!

“V” need to be more analytic before forming any opinion based on a media report. Most of the sponsorship is supposed to come from Karachi which is under influence of MQM so channels are very careful in broadcasting anything against Altaf hussain and his supporters. In fact channels have to run coverage of MQM party meetings because otherwise their broadcast in Karachi can be stopped via cable operators. Similarly Anchors at ruling party’s payroll become lenient on government inefficiencies and start justifying its failures (Consider response of Rauf Klassra , abbas ather and Nazir Naji at various talk shows and in their own columns).Similarly some presenters/columnists seem to be at Opposition’s payroll (likes of Irfan Siddique and Ata ul haq qasmi etc).

“V” as viewers need to be aware of the developments taking place in our country and in this regard “V” need to analyze what media presents and highlights but at the same time in case of a breaking story or a scandal “V” should consider coverage by media opponents to have a clearer picture about the Issue. For example If a news breaks at GEO than “V” can wait for Dunya, DAWN NEWS or Express to cover the same incident before displaying any reaction or forming any opinion. Some times on the same channels presenters arrange to air both sides of the story so “V’ can analyze through arguments, body language and tone variation of the guests about how much they believe in their own and party point of view.

Some people might say that these talk shows or columns are loosing significance because nothing seems to be improving but the way developments are taking place at the strategic ends,Role of media is crucial in bringing the updates.”V” need to spend more time in analyzing what the local and international media covers and what it hides.I feel that media has raised awareness of an average Pakistani about national issues and power structure in the country.