Outline:
- Introduction
- Positive and negative roles
- A full- fledged industry
- Media boom
- Conclusion
The main ways of information and entertainment like television, radio, newspapers and the internet are called media.
The media is a double-edged sword. It can work positively as well as negatively.
In its positive role, the media is an important source of information and news. What happens around the world is shown instantly right on the TV screens. The new-found rule of media has also provide it a chance to create social and political awareness among the masses, thus making people aware of their social, economic and political rights. It scrutinizes the government working both in domestic and foreign affairs, and as such is a watchdog over the government policies. Moreover, media has become a source of revenue. The print and electronic media together earn around R.s 20 billion every year, while the industry as a whole provides employment to over 150,000 people.
Today, popular TV anchors discuss, analyze scrutinize government policies. They set the agenda and they form the public opinion. These anchors discuss and debate major political issues in their prime-time broadcast (8 to 10pm), when most of the people are glued to their TV sets. Therefore, a handful of TV anchors dominate the public policy debate, often promoting sensationalism based on under grounded speculation and unfounded theories. However, some anchors are more balanced and suggestive to government policies. Therefore, media in Pakistan place both a positive and negative role. Whether this role will be more effective and constructive in shaping the nation will depend on the level of majority, experience, professionalism and training in the media.
Seeing tremendous boom in the media, a growing number of people are eager to join the media industry. The growing role of media has enhance the importance a discipline like mass communication/ journalism.
The government has also announce the establishment of a media university to meet the growing demands a professional education and training. With these measures, it is hoped that media in Pakistan will have more majority, responsibility and professionalism in near future.
Over the years, the Pakistani media has seen many ups and downs in its growth and progress but the media boom in the beginning of 21st century has presented tremendous opportunities and challenges. In its very brief life, private electronic media has played an important and effective role in national politics. It has been bold, proactive, vibrant and penetrative both for the government and public. However, it is still young and lacks professional training, majority and responsibility. Nonetheless, given its potential role, it would be an important source a positive and constructive social-economic and political change in the country.
