Medias role and credibility factor

Posted on September 15, 2011

Mohammad Jamil Print medias role at the time of its emergence in early 17th century was to inform the people, but with the passage of time it was expanded to mould public opinion and create cohesion in the society. However, for media to become a credible source, it should provide reliable and accurate information, and has to work with utmost diligence to offer reports and comments objectively. Analysts should present their analysis, which should be unbiased and free of prejudices. At the same time their analysis must lead to constructive recommendations for policy makers to safeguard the national interests. William G Pollard had said: Information is a source of learning. But unless it is organised, processed, and available to the right people in a format for decision making, it is a burden, not a benefit. However, credibility of media as a source of information is of paramount importance.During proceedings of recently held three-day judicial conference organised by Supreme Court Bar Association, the participants among other things agreed that there should be no media trial and the media should not be allowed to encroach upon the space of the judiciary. It is true that print and electronic media have played an important role in creating awareness among the masses and exposing scandals of corruption and graft, but some anchorpersons and media men of private TV channels in their talk shows often incite politicians of different political parties and between the pillars of the state and create fissures among them. Some of them act as self-styled spokespersons of the judiciary, and in the process tarnish judiciarys image. A few of them do not realise their national responsibilities, and often criticise the government, armed forces and intelligence agencies. Just compare Pakistani media with the American, Israeli and Indian media and observe that the latter have invariably promoted their national interests, and carry concocted stories, concerns about Pakistans nuclear assets and possibility of these falling into militants hands. However, people in America started understanding the governments lies. A poll released by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press in July 2009 revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans think the news stories they read, hear and watch are frequently inaccurate. That marked the highest level of skepticism recorded since 1985, when this study of public perceptions of the media was first done. The poll didnt distinguish between Internet bloggers and reporters employed by newspapers and broadcasters, leaving the definition of news media up to each individual who was questioned. The survey had polled 1,506 adults on the phone in late July 2009.In Pakistan, there is no dearth of biased and grossly irresponsible anchorpersons and media men that have penchant to pitch one political party against another and highlight the differences in the pillars of the state. They have the tendency to criticise government and the armed forces, one way or another. These elements tried to denigrate military especially after 2nd May episode and terrorists attack on Mehran Naval base. Some anchorpersons on private TV channels and columnists in print media try to lower the prestige of the armed forces in the eyes of public, raising doubts about their capabilities of defending the integrity and sovereignty of the country. Through negative commentaries, they have been creating misperceptions about the Armed Forces and the ISI. At the same, they downplay militarys sacrifices and achievements. Anchorpersons on private TV channels also invite pseudo-intellectuals and so-called defence analysts who suggest that the government should enter

into negotiations with the militants, though they know what happened after agreements with Tehrik-iTaliban in Swat. Quite a few anchorpersons wittingly or unwittingly endorse the views and ideas floated by the US and their mouth pieces Washington Post and New York Times, while some others are either running NGOs funded by the US and western countries, or have acquired consultancies from UN organisations. These palmed-off journalists are doing disservice to Pakistan. There are indeed patriotic elements in the media, who comprehend the issues in their true perspective and dispel the impression of present state of despondency, conspiracy theories and misperceptions. Today, the nation is confronted with gigantic challenges, both external as well as internal. Externally, a heady super power is sending ominous signals, and hardly a day goes by when Pakistan is not humiliated, in the US congressional chambers; is not pilloried on the US administration floors and is not demonised in Americas print and electronic media. Internally the nation is hopelessly entangled in a vicious terrorism involving a multiplicity of terrorist forces including foreign proxies, homegrown militants, sectarian fanatics, ethnic firebrands and criminal thugs. To extricate the nation out of this quagmire, it needs tall leaders with a good set of brains and creative thoughts. It is unfortunate that Pakistan does not have that category of leaders, yet the ruling and opposition parties and their leaders can use their collective wisdom and work in unison to make Pakistan a self-reliant country to rid the dependency syndrome that compels Pakistan to do Americas bidding. There is a perception that elements at the social pyramid the educated class, pseudointellectuals, or intelligentsia both Mandarins and Resistantes have not performed their rightful duty of providing adequate leads to the overwhelming illiterate and immensely religious hoi polloi. Anyhow, it is moral obligation of the right thinking and responsible media men to react strongly to irresponsible behaviour, no matter who commits the act. So the irresponsible minority needs strong sanctions from within the media to protect the good name and integrity of those who act responsibly. Media in the past had played prodigious role during Pakistan movement in uniting the Muslims of the subcontinent. And it was because of this unity that Muslims of the undivided India were able to carve out a separate homeland for them under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam. During 1965 war also, the media had made a commendable contribution towards uniting the nation and boosting the morale of the armed forces. The result was that Pakistan could resist and repulse attack by India much larger in size and having enormous resources. At this point in time when Pakistan is confronting challenges to its internal and external security, Pakistani politicians, intellectuals, writers and media men should rise to the occasion and play their role to counter hostile Indian propaganda and protect national interests. Lastly, media gurus should find some time for introspection and stop spreading despondency and passing derogatory remarks against the armed forces.