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Category: General

Negligible number of responses of quarter-page advertisements

Prominent, quarter-page advertisements containing the text of the nine Terms of Reference of the Commission were published in all leading newspapers of Pakistan in Urdu, Sindhi and English. The advertisements invited members of the public and forums with a special interest in media policies and issues to provide their own views to benefit the Commission. Only a negligible number of responses were received which were entirely disproportionate to the circulation and readership of these leading newspapers. Is this lack of response an indicator of apathy and indifference on the part of the public about various aspects of the media in

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Opinion of the Media Commission about Print and Electronic Media

The Commission is of the opinion that both print media and electronic media individually and through their representative bodies, as also advertisers need to conduct sober, self-critical introspection to review, reform and renew their respective roles and responsibilities. At the same time, both Federal and Provincial Legislatures, and Federal and Provincial Governments need to conduct a comprehensive review of media-related legislation, policies and rules to remove defects and to update them to contemporary conditions as also to prepare for a rapidly changing future. In the succeeding Section of this Report, the Commission has identified specific areas and precise measures that

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The Four categories of Media

Print Media e.g. Newspapers and magazines with easy conditions of entry for publishers and editors, without differentiation between authentic, credible print media and on the other, a large number of “dummy publications”. Both types enjoy high levels of freedom of expression and in many instances also receive substantial benefits from Government-controlled advertising, irrespective of whether a newspaper is a genuine newspaper with a credible level of circulation or it is a merely token, ceremonial publication whose circulation may not exceed 100 or 500 copies a day but, because of corrupt practices, receives larger volumes of Government-controlled advertising. Electronic Media In

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Negative facets of News Media

1. Lack of adequate, comprehensive training in print journalism and in broadcast journalism before persons are given the opportunity to become reporters, anchors, news readers, content controllers, etc. 2. Advertisers virtually dictate prime time content preferences by using a narrow, relatively non-representative, heavily urban and consumption oriented rating system to pressurize channels into cut-throat competition and to a lowering of standards of content. 3. Excessive commercialism e.g. advertising messages superimposed on screens during unrelated content, prolonged mid-breaks etc. 4. Along with the “breaking news” race, hysteria, hype and trivialization. 5. Promotion of acrimony, conflict, grievance. 6. Fragmentation of audiences due

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Positive facets of News Media

1. In place of historic monopoly, a new range of choice for citizens, in news source-brands and in languages: Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, Seraiki, Pushto. 2. Candid, robust debate on politics and current affairs in Pakistan on a daily basis. 3. Instant news coverage for 24-hours a day, seven days a week, followed by simultaneous, instant analysis and comment, for better or worse! 4. The introduction and development of new talent and skills, on screen and behind the scene. 5. Substantial capital investment, creation of new employment opportunities. 6. Wide range of subjects covered despite preoccupation with politics. 7. Access

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