Negative Role of media In world and In Pakistan

There is rhetoric throughout the world that role of media is not positive at all. Though “Burke” termed it fourth pillar of the state yet it has not realized its gross importance in a civilized society. Media is supposed to be a mirror of a society. But, owing to temptation of commercialism and personal vested interests media is not abiding by its rules and ethics.

There are thousands of channels throughout the world. Each channel has a different plans and policies. Few speak the words of government and a few speaks the words of enemies. Someone has rightly said that virtue is not sell-able vice brings a lot of price. Media presents the whole world sinking in the ocean. It promotes terrorism and commercialism all the time. Inevitably, there are thousands of problems prevailing in every society yet promotion of peace and hope can make the difference. Take an example of Pakistan. Theoretically Pakistan means a land of pure people but media has shown it a land of terrorist organizations. There are thousands of street terrorists existing in United States and in other European countries but their media has never displayed a culture of killings and murders. Unfortunately, wherever in the world a mishap occurs it is presented as Muslims did this or responsible for it.  It is worthwhile to mention here, once there was a report on BBC of which headline was Muslim terrorist attacked on NATO.

Are we peace lovers or terrorist exporters? Certainly Muslims means followers of Islam which means peace then why are we maligned or labeled as terrorist? The same role intentionally or unintentionally has been vitally exercised by Pakistani media. All the day, news of havoc comprised on sensation is appearing on our TV screens while natural beauty and human and natural resources exist in Pakistan are partially touched. What is the difference between west and east media then?

One the one hand media demands for human values and on the other hand it shows dead bodies filled with bloods and torture bearing marks. Fifty years ago there was a provision in media ethics that dead bodies should not be printed in the newspapers. This provision is whether part of Pakistani media or not but all the day Pakistani media shows dead bodies of the people on the TV which has no doubt created the concept of volatility and insecurity. Psyche of the people has been plundered and they are left at the status of depression and callousness. According to State bank of Pakistan 64 percent foreign direct investment in the country has been nosedived, why investors are frightened of investing in our country? Its answer is crystal clear that at the international level we are regarded as unsafe and most dangerous nation which had also been stated by many investors, companies’ owners and politicians.

It may be fiction for people but it is bitter reality that there is media war throughout the world. Most of the states fund different state and private owned channels to promote their message. And this what we happened to see last year. . It was reported year that 340$ million would be doled out to Pakistani media just for presenting America as a friend not foe, of which, outcome, came under the knowledge after the commencements of programs like voice of America in which culture of America that  has been nicely portrayed. On the other hand, programs like Big Boss and India award programs had also started appearing on our TV screens.

Not only this, there are plenty of Indian channels that create political and social hype. They used to present Pakistan as the most dangerous enemy of India.  And, NDTV has lagged behind many channels in this regard.

It is time to realize that Media has nothing to do with the politics. It is mirror of a society and it should present what is truth and reality. Last but not the least; Negative role of media in Pakistan should be lessened,  it should realize its equal responsibility of building a nation rather than criticizing everything for the sake of criticism.