The Rise Of ‘Fake Media’ In Pakistan

TV news channels are supposed to provide information based on facts with objectivity and honesty. Sadly, all this is sorely lacking in the expanding media milieu in Pakistan. Without a touch of Bollywood melodrama and sensation, our news today is incomplete. Our news bulletins have turned news channels into ‘infotainment channels.’ Is it because of the rating competition, marketing considerations or plain lack of professionalism?

While speaking at a private university, a producer of a popular infotainment show on a private TV channel admitted that at least 50 percent of their “show” was based on “fake stories,” and the channel dramatized it in such a fashion that it looked real.

He was speaking about a show that is among the top-rated infotainment show aired on every Saturday and Sunday. It would not be difficult to assess, then, the kind of information we feed our viewers.

One must appreciate the confession made by the producer but was he the only person responsible. Such shows normally have a producer, an assistant producer, a researcher and the anchor himself, who  act as a captain because he or she is the one who often face criticism in the media, whether it is his or her fault or not. Anchors and reporters are the real face of any channel.

One of the channels recently fired its bureau chief in Hyderabad after numerous complaints against him, including airing a “fake crime story.” When the show was aired, it hit the headlines, got good ratings and the channel made special promos for promotional purposes and the issues were also covered in the news bulletin. Now was it ethical on part of the anchor, channel and all those involved to air the story? Why was only the producer fired?

The police arrested the bureau chief in what has been described by his colleagues “in a most humiliating” manner. “He was picked up like a terrorist or a criminal. They did not even allow him to wear his shirt,” said Ali Hasan, former president of Hyderabad Press Club.

When he was released on bail of Rs.1 million (according to the bureau chief) after 24 hours of police custody, I called him to find out his side of the story. He was afraid to talk, his voice was chocked and he said little about his ordeal. “I am innocent, I did nothing. It has nothing to do with the story but I can’t say at the moment why I was picked up and on whose order,” he said.

When I spoke to a senior staffer of his channel, he confirmed that there were number of complaints against the bureau chief including the story aired in the popular show.

The channel may take more action against some of the other people involved in the story and the show, but the fact is: Was this the only show where we often see stories far from facts.

What many team members and anchors of different shows do not realize is that such stories could threaten their lives, not because of their “boldness” but due to “fake or non-factual” stories.

A story based on facts and proper investigation can attract viewers depending on its production quality and content. So, why to look for a “desk story?”

Many private TV news channels have crime shows aired at prime time from 7pm to 11pm. Even in the morning shows events are “dramatized” (factual or non-factual) and as a result infotainment now has a dominant role while news and current affairs have taken the backseat.

The Islamabad High Court recently took notice of a show in which a female anchor “raided”  - a term more often used by bureaus of different channels and newspapers for policing – a prostitution den. Except for showing “sex scenes” she allegedly showed everything, as she asked all kind of probing questions from the “call girls.”

Though “infotainment” is not confined to crime shows, those heading such programmes are under tremendous pressure to bring more and more crime shows. The content of these shows is often dominated by sex stories as it gets “good rating.”

We, the reporters, producers and acnchors, don’t hesitate to raid houses, cafes, private parties any more.

Now in the race and competition, the channels have ran out of true stories – though there are millions of them provided someone interested can go find them – and turned to concocted stories.

Instead of promoting investigating journalism and allowing reporters to investigate true news stories on crime, terrorism, financial scams, political scandals, we have adopted a more negative approach.

I know for a fact how some of our colleagues put pressure on different departments and at times blackmail the police and other departments like customs, excise and taxation etc.

When the private ownership of news channels was allowed in 2001, the channels attracted viewers as they offered 24/7 news. Compared to the print media’s combined circulation of some five million, the viewership of the news channels crossed 30 million.

The credit goes to the “news.” But now the channels have increased the ratio of infotainment. In the initial years, we used to have re-enactment, which was later taken over by dramatization. Now we have complete drama in the “news channel.”

Some of us still remember what happened when one of the channels ran a “fake story” about a madrassa in Karachi that kept its students in chains. Everyone who handled the story knows the actual facts, yet a fake story was aired. The outburst was more lethal from the madrassa than they expected. The team members went underground and ran from one city to another to save their skin.

The fake stories, often presented as real stories, are not only unethical but often put the anchors, producer and team members in embarrassing position. At times, they are left with no other option but to offer a public apology. But when the crunch comes – in the shape of action from the police, law enforcement agencies or from non-state actors – it is only the staffers that suffer.

There is nothing wrong in reenactment and actors presenting a story for as long as the story itself is not fictitious. After all, the basis of journalism and ethical media is to look for stories based on “facts” that have to be accurate.

We need to promote healthy journalism, not fake journalism. Pakistani media has come a long way after a tireless struggle. People have lot of faith in us. Let’s not destroy it in the name of commercialism and the mad race for rating.

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The author is former secretary-general of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

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Image courtesy: Google Images

 Source:http://www.freedomnetwork.org.pk/?p=2181

Of blood is a better story to sell, or should it?

One of the fundamental problems with Pakistani media is to treat news more as a commodity than as a social good. This crude concept leads journalists to use fancy words, metaphors, proverbs, and emotionally-charged arguments etc which exaggerate or misrepresent the meaning. For example, “When we say ‘the man is a lion’, we use the image of a lion to draw attention to the lion-like aspects of the man. The metaphor frames our understanding of the man in a distinctive ‘yet partial way’. One of its interesting aspects is that it always produces this kind of one-sided insight. Another interesting feature rests in the fact that metaphor always creates distortions. The man is a lion. He is brave, strong, and ferocious. But he is not covered in fur and does not have four legs, sharp teeth, and a tail!” states Morgan in ‘Images of Organization’.

The commodity concept also pushes TV journalists to use high pitched tones – often choosing to report heavily on juicy aspect of stories with shock value rather than reporting on more pressing issues to the general public. One might say that if media is reflecting the society, then these sensational ways of speaking are justified, considering that Pakistanis are nonetheless loud and emotionally charged people, relative to say the British. But then there is something called ‘Adab-e-Mehfil’: simple things like not speaking before one’s turn, not speaking loudly and so forth. Plus, it would not hurt to ask TV guests to present cultured and educated way of argumentation, based on facts and logic, instead of campaigns of slander, filled with cheap tricks and mocking undertones.

A related part of the problem is: ‘If It Bleeds, It Leads’ to borrow the title of Mathew Kerbel’s famous book. This implies that media in Pakistan is obsessed with the short end of the problem, or the symptom as it is quite rightly said. The challenge of social inequities, usually the root cause, rarely gets air time at best a personalized story or a documentary and then, move on to something more exciting such as a blast.

Source: http://www.tbl.com.pk/clashing-views-on-media-ethics-in-pakistan/

The future of media industry in Pakistan

The future can only be assessed on the basis of the present local media scenario and developments abroad in recent times. The current media explosion is obvious to all of us; however we must first distinguish the high growth ones, which currently, is the electronic media. The ground reality is that in a low literacy country like ours, audio- visual medium has a stronger impact on the masses than print media. Furthermore, those groups which hold a strong presence in electronic and print do hold a significant advantage over those who don’t.

Let’s come to the main issue related to media, with particular focus on electronic media content and take an honest look at what content do we really see on Pakistani channels. Almost all entertainment oriented channels are cheaper versions of Indian channels. Some of them are already heavy on telecasting Indian content, whereas others are busy copying formula programming that they feel is commercially successful. I am personally disappointed by the low self-esteem that seems to be depicted by our electronic media industry, the ripple effect of which permeates through Pakistani viewers.
I say this because only two decades ago Pakistani dramas were zealously sought by Indians, which are now nowhere to be seen. The question is what happened and where did we go wrong? I feel that the answer lies in the fact that we don’t recognize our strengths- rather, we believe in short cuts and getting influenced by others.

My final analysis on the subject—we must all wake up or be prepared to lose the battle. Whether we like it or not the media game is very big and the only thing that can sustain small players is quality content relevant to viewers.

Ahmed Kapadia
CEO, Synergy
Advertising
Source:http://www.ahmedkapadia.com/blog/press-interviews/opinion-the-future-of-media-industry-in-pakistan/

Pakistan’s Media War

Are we surrendering “Media War” without fighting?

In this world, where selfish realm has most of the time subjugated selfless ethics, nurturing a nation, that to (an ideological one) is in fact a complicated affair. This does not mean at all, that signifying the dogma of an ideological nation can be converted into its weakness, but indeed in-signification of the same through own wrongful deeds without understanding the importance of its presence in the roots can prove extremely fatal. On the other hand carrying the flag of ideology with light hands and without conviction can also make a nation falter. Just to elaborate, a famous commoner quote that Pakistan cannot be erased from this globe as it came in existence on 27th Day of the Holy Month of Ramadan, may sound logical to us as good faithful of Islam but then, where our test as an individual and as a nation lies?

I think this concept of a guaranteed prosperity, which definitely prevailed in the most part of our history, has worsened the capacity of character building of Pakistanis. 

At this point in time Pakistan is fighting wars of different attributes and intensities and if we peep through the corridors of history this is nothing exceptional to Pakistan, it holds good for every nation existing on this planet.

To fight these low intensity conflicts or high intensity wars on all fronts we should ask ourselves following:Why we are fighting?What we are fighting?And most importantly how we are fighting?

 The answer of “Why” lies in the basic complexion of human Psychology which always look towards attainment of authority with mere absence of any harnessing power. Individuals combines into a society and societies constitute nations, so the question comes into mind then “why as nation we except morality and justice for us from others”? People of Pakistan must realize it now-It is the SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.The answer of “What” is even simpler we are fighting the need and greed to be fittest, possessed by other nations. It is indeed as simple as it is said “For greed, even all nature is too little……………….”

Certainly “how” need deliberate analysis of weapon systems available to us to fight and win.It is said and proved, number of times that wars are not won only through Armies or the military muscle alone-after witnessing the geniuses of power of media- flexing media muscle with precision for own interest is certainly a more workable and an economical option. One of the immediate deductions after this can be-“The road for Pakistan with free media should be unambiguous and less bumpy from now on…………….”

I feel very proud when our belligerent media rightly points out the evil deeds of devils roaming in our society polluting every walk of life. It is even more heartening to see exposed corrupt policemen, politicians, criminals and even sometimes highly respected independent judiciary and Army.

Media, which is now considered as one of the strongest element in the power corridors of Pakistan, must remember that making crowd a nation is a continuous and ongoing process. Responsibility to drive an average nation to supremacy requires a concentrated effort of state and media managers so that every individual should act like an institution in itself whish can catalyze this process of becoming nation and improving on and on.

When I was in my childhood, our silver screen and mini screen icons use to say a peculiar sentence “Pakistan’s Armed Forces are the guardians of geographical boundaries of our country and we are on guard for its ideological frontiers”. At that point in time, I use to laugh it out that how can one be compared with a soldier, who is always ready to lay his life for the country but after understanding the importance of strategic communication and its techniques, I had to alter my opinion especially when I heard this from somebody like Donald Rumsfeld (The Perception Management Factory of United States).

 “In this environment, the old adage that ‘A lie can be halfway around the world before the truth has its boots on’ becomes doubly true with today’s technologies…the longer it takes to put a strategic communication framework into place, the more we can be certain that the vacuum will be filled by the enemy”- Donald H. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, Remarks delivered at Harold Pratt House, New York, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2006.

There is yet another classic example for concise application of Strategic Communication technique when Ms Sonia Gandhi talked about the successful cultural invasion of India on Pakistan through her satellite channels. Our satellite channels are certainly doing a wonderful job to occupy media space, and in some case regaining it through brilliance in the field of Dramas and Teleplays. All credit goes to our entertainment channels like HUM, ARY, TV ONE and many more…………… but for improvement one has to be critical in nature.

It’s time to discuss our “Amman Ki Asha”, what a beautiful concept for solidifying the perpetual cultural onslaught by Indian media, completely in denial to the core ideology of Pakistan. Yes! One should expect this from enemy as said by Rumsfeld, but should we do it to ourselves?

As they say “Nazar main rehthey ho jab tum nazar nahin attey”, Yes indeed! Very logical in the context of terrorist activities conducted by TTP (Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan) and BLA (Baluchistan Liberation Army), the covert face of Indian Intelligence Agencies but tangent to what Mr. Jinnah fought for……….

The most astonishing fact about Amman Ki Asha was recently surfaced, when the slogan “LOVE PAKISTAN” was objected by Indian establishment and the observation was conveyed to Times of India in this regard. This incident has actually exposed the latent objective behind this conspiracy which can let us down yet again (God Forbid).

We should not forget 16th December 1971, who so ever was responsible for that, will be taken to task-certainly role of Indian Government tops the list-history, has always been able to find the truth and is extremely cruel in this regard, but commercial pollution of media must be stopped before putrefying our roots of ideology.

Failure of this potent weapon system (media), especially, if found parting its way with the enemy (may be unintentionally), for contaminating the ideology of Pakistan will lead to anarchy and chaos both in mind and soul of this nation. The war of survival is likely to suffer-it’s time to weigh between the priorities and opportunities.

Source: http://www.opinion-maker.org/2011/03/pakistans-media-war/

Impact of Social Media on Students

Social networking websites like Facebook, twitter, MySpace, youtube and etc. are very much common among youth. Social media has several impacts on students and their academic work as Students use social media websites for discussion and for study purposes. Social media has become a vital part in modern society. Social media is becoming increasingly important for this era, because of increasing global outreach potential offered by the internet. Students can contact, address and influence many other people at the same time all around the world, via various forms of social media.

Social media also have some positive points, as it helps people in online communities and enhance communication. Social media has been used in many ways in this era as it is the era of technology. Youth is learning fast on social media and using it for constructive purpose also. One can educate people about the society, good and bad, values, ethics and culture, if its use is preceded in a positive way. Sometimes, Students use these social media tools in their studies also. They talk about their lectures, subjects or a single topic of their syllabus with their campus community groups.

Many of teens, youth but also adults also use it. Many of them don’t know how to use it safe. Over the past few years, social media networks have become one of the most popular applications on the internet. Social networking sites attracts youth, teens specially students towards them. While chatting and talking to friends, students forget about the time. Somehow, it is wastage of time, by saving that time students can learn more by studying.

Social media is just like a trap for students as students get so much involve in it. For some teens and tweens, social media is a primary way to interact socially. In spite of gathering and going out with friends, students prefer social media to contact and make fun with their friends. New generation usually now love to spend their time in using internet and mobile phones.

Use of social media affects students so much, not only their studies but also their relations. A large number students log on to one of their favorite social media website so many times on daily basis. Some if the students keep using cell phones for texting and instant massaging.

For youth and students, it is not much beneficial as social media websites are not much safe and students who use social media get so much addicted to it and they forget about their other activities and responsibilities. Too much use of social media websites is risky for the students as they lose their personal data and information, they upload on the websites. Not only on internet but also when students meet each other in their educational institutes, they keep discussing about their activities and data uploaded by them and their friends.

World is moving and developing fast, use of social media is not much bad, but it is worse, when used in a negative way. For parents it is advised that, while students are using social networking site or any other social media tool, it is the responsibility of parents to watch over them and tell them how to use it in a good way. Do not make so much hard and fast rules for children, that they begin to feel being caged. Proper guidance and counseling will works to teach students, children and youth the best and positive use of social media.

Quality of Curriculum in Business Schools

One cannot help but wonder why the quality of Pakistan’s university education is looked down upon all over the world, when almost all other countries in our immediate South Asian neighbourhood are treated with far better regard. While how we fare outside Pakistan is a cause of concern, a much more alarming situation is faced by students in the local job market. In the increasingly competitive world of recruitment and selection, most university students fail to do well. Even those who are lucky enough to find jobs, end up losing them, or hit the glass ceiling. Causes can be traced to the six years of education that these students receive before trying their luck in the professional arena. Employers complain that fresh graduates hardly know what to do on the job in a situation which is completely different from what they are prepared for in college through learning from books.

One cannot but fail to lay some blame on the curriculum of business schools in Pakistan, as it gives a lot of information, but very little encouragement to students. They are hardly pushed to think independently, or tested with elements that they are likely to face while on the job, and the students eventually end up as ‘knowers’ but not as ‘doers’. This problem needs to be addressed immediately to keep Pakistan from having a complete generation of business students, who have been wasted by the very system that claims to work for their improvement.

Consumers trust advertising in print media more than other media

Despite important changes in media consumption in recent years, consumers continue to have most trust in advertising in magazines and newspapers. It seems the power of the printed word still rings true and has great value when evaluating advertising. When asked how much trust they attach to advertising in the various media, consumers gave magazines and newspapers a score of 63%, TV 41% and Internet 25%. What’s interesting is that so-called traditional media such as direct mail and catalogues also outscore social media and the Internet respectively.

When asked about the role of advertising in purchase decision making, almost seven out of ten said advertising in magazines and newspapers is most important to support purchase decisions. Proving the importance of direct mail, almost 90% of consumers value addressed and non-addressed mail above social media.
These figures prove the continued effectiveness of advertising in the various printed media. Advertisers benefit from the leading consumer trust in print media, as readers more positively evaluate their advertising compared to when it is placed in other media. And at the same time advertisements placed in print media play an important role in the purchasing process.
These results are based upon a pan-European survey conducted by VTT, the Finnish research institute. More than 700 consumers in 13 countries were asked about their media usage and their attitude towards advertising. The results also show four distinct consumer segments: Slow Bons Vivants, Busy Mix-and-Matchers, Tolerant Surfers and Youthful Digilovers. The Slow Bons Vivants represent 23% and are print users who associate digital media with their hectic working life. Busy Mix-and-Matchers (46%) easily shift between digital and print media and appreciate print media. Tolerant Surfers (19%) are digital media users with a positive attitude towards print media. Finally, Youthful Digilovers, the smallest segment (12%), are pure digital users who do not see the benefit of using print media.
Although advertisers are shifting budgets towards digital channels, consumers continue to have the highest trust in print and refer to advertisements in magazines and newspapers as a great source of information to support their purchase decisions. A recent survey from Ablock Plus, a browser add-on to block online ads, showed that 95% of consumers don’t trust online advertising and that 33% trust TV advertising. The latest figure is in line with the results from the VTT study and underlines the strength of print media