MASS

MEDIA

IN

PAKISTAN

(RAJA KAMRAN)
 MASS MEDIA IN PAKISTAN

Topic: Mass Media in Pakistan

Date: 06 August, 2008

By: Mr. Raja Kamran

1. We are living in the age of information explosion, where the world has shrunk into
a global village.

2. The vital function of Mass Media is that it is the thinking mode of any society.
Following are the types of Mass Media: -

(a) Print Media

(b) Electronic Media
(c) Interactive Media

3. Tools of Media. Since the media plays a war of words, the important tools
include ‘vocabulary’, being ‘vigilant about different developments’.

(a) Reading.
(b) Vigilant
(c) Punctual
(d) Alertness
(e) Lingual Competence

Recommended Reading: “Areopugitica” By John Milton

Assignment: “How is Pakistani Media Reshaping the Society”

“Effects of Media on Living Space and Value System.“
 MASS MEDIA IN PAKISTAN
rd
3 Class
22-08-2008
By Raja Kamran
Topic Factors / Reasons for Growth of Media

1. Mass media is wholesaler of M. Communication. Pak inherited 05 radio channels

on its birth. International Trend played important role in development of Mass Media in
Pakistan. Initial decades of Pakistani Media’s history have been dominated by PTV.

2. Government was compelled to permit freedom of media

(a) Liberalization of airway in India led to mushroom growth of TV channels.

(b) In Kargil war India was able to sell its viewpoint to the world and cashed on
its version while Pak suffered since it had only the state channel.
(c) Economic boom in telecom in Pakistan. Commercial nature of Media was
discovered in the economic advantages related to it. Revenue generated
by Media in 2002 was 2 billion and in 2007 this soared to Rs. 17 Billion.
(d) Literacy rate / level grew in Pakistan and played a role in media
development.
(e) Arrival of cable operators / network and its growth held vision.
(f) Govt policies played vital role, especially of President Musharraf.

Javed Jabbar. Said “Media is more powerful then nuclear devices” he worked on
PEMRA

3. Private sector was involved and posed challenge to state media. State Media to
compete with Pvt Media has to improve and become more open and provide realistic
stories, this reformed the State Media as well _ since realistic input was being provided
by the Pvt Media.

4. Pak Media Market was in raw form and was untapped; it had the potential to grow.
Phenomenon of community based radio channels i.e. FM channel, community based
services (print / elect) have played important role in media development.

5. Number of Press Media / Printing groups were permitted and have launched their
TV channels e.g. Jang Group – Geo, etc.

6. Mass media is the major source of providing news and entertainment to the
people who wants to know who is doing what and what is happening. Aristotle in his
book “Poetics” has written that “Media is a means of catharsis and is must for normal
living”.

7. The entertainment and news value of media has played very important role its
development. However, electronic media enjoys larger scope over print media, since it
has wider audience, is easily accessible and be understood by even illiterate people. The
media provides wide range of entertainment / news according to interest of people of
different age groups / liking / languages. Talk Shows Mania has brought more
liberalization and has revolutionized the concept since erstwhile taboo issues are
being discussed enhancing the awareness of people.

8. The realization in the people and Government about the role of media in
society / economic development is there. Indian soap operas have a large viewer ship
and their popularity has attracted lots of commercials / advertisement. The commercial
aspects attached to the media have contributed to its rapid development.

9. The Infrastructure Development has taken place. Modern state of art studios /
introduction of latest equipment / communication facilities like video conferencing, fax,
electronic data transfer, chat / mobiles, etc have brought in a revolution and contributed
immensely in the media development.

10. The advertisement / commercials have brought big money to media market. The
contents of programmes are changing. The high economic stakes attached to the media
have brought in Professionalism in all its related fields. Due open market, there is a
scarcity of professional media men. .

11. The abundance of media outlets has on one hand has created lot of employment
opportunities but on the other has posed challenges to the media men to excel in their
fields. Jang Group has more than 50,000 employees; media persons are getting
enhanced wages. Today we have number of highly professional and well-known media
persons who are stalwarts of Pakistani Media and form its backbone.

12. Dozens of other factors have played role in the development of Pakistani Media.
It has been a “watchdog” on actions of the state, people strengthened the media. Media
has played important role in discussing un-touched subjects. It has helped harmonizing
the nation on otherwise contentious issues. The competition among the channels is
bringing in qualitative improvement in the content and other aspects of programmes.
 MASS MEDIA IN PAKISTAN

Topic Effects of Media

Date 22-08-2008
By Raja Kamran

1. Level of Awareness. The level of awareness has increased. Media has

contributed a lot in increasing the general knowledge, who is who and what is what,
knowledge of current issues etc. The programmes having media discussions, current
affairs, documentaries, etc have been instrumental in enhancing the common man’s
awareness.

2. Development Efforts of State. Media has assisted in development efforts of

state. Programmes like “Parah Likha Punjab”, “Coverage of Earthquake”, have
contributed in projecting efforts being made towards state development.

3. Development of Public Opinion. Media discussion / other programmes

highlight the issues, hold cross-discussions, and identify what are reasons / angles of
different interest groups / people. Stances of different segments of society on key issues
are brought out: it helps make / develop public opinion on different issues.

4. Helps in Educational Efforts. Media is also used by the state / society /

organizations to promote educational activity. AIOU uses media for education.

5. Supports Democracy. Media supports democracy by bringing out the

democratic norms and inculcating the same in the general public / polity. Providing live
coverage of parliament proceedings, activities of politicians, programmes on democracy
etc are few of the examples.

6. Support to Public Issues / Affairs. Media provides viewpoint of the public on

public issues. Media has given voice to the public.

Topic Impact of Media on Pakistani Society

Date 23-08-08

1. Media is strengthening development in Pakistan.

2. Media has supported Democracy.

3. Media has highlighted Public issues.

4. Media has given voice to neglected element of society.

5. Media has become entertainment industry; it satisfies all segments, age groups
of our society.
 CERTAIN NEGATIVE ROLE OF PAKISTANI MEDIA

1. Consumerism. Our society is consuming all messages being spread by the

Media. Media has made us a talking nation, the Mobile Mania-kids, ladies, youngsters
all are just talking on the mobile phones. The effect of media is very strong with respect
to advertisement on consumer products, instead of being producer media has made us
consumer.

2. Moral Vacuum. The dramas, programmes etc shown on media glamorize

everything they depict, this has created a moral vacuum and our younger generation is
going away for our values (religious, social).

3. Westernization. Western / Indian cultural invasion has taken place through

media and is permeating Pakistan society. Our commercials are depicting western
values and causing a loss of national identity. There are media talk shows on
subjects including sex etc which otherwise are taboo in our society.

4. Not Developing National Image. Our Media is blamed for not developing /
projecting our national image. Our media at times uses Indian language; projects Indian
stars in our ads, etc, the threats posed to our values are immense and must be
countered. Our country lacks a defined policy to promote national image through
media.

5. False Values. Pakistani Media is projecting false values in its programmes, etc.
The projection of family planning, love stories in dramas, hi-fi living styles / material
depicted in dramas, etc. are not real and are not based on ground realities.

(a) Media lacks compact programme to educate Pakistani nation.

(b) Projected values on media are not congruent with our values / ground
realities. It is actually projecting ‘False Values’.

(c) Programmes / dramas shown are exaggerated beyond imagination.

6. Manifestation of Interests. Media is negatively manipulating the interests of the

people. People of Pakistan are yet not critical / educated enough to realize this
manipulation / twisting of facts. There is a famous dictum that “a lie spoken 100 times
becomes greater than a truth”.

7. Exaggeration. Pakistani media is also blamed for overwhelming negative

exaggeration. It glamorizes issues, resorts to negative exaggeration of matters,
newspaper headlines are depicting violence, etc all this demoralizes the nation. At
times news are given without authentication / confirmation. Unethical material /
photographs / scenes are shown on our media promoting vulgarization. Media is
damaging basic fiber of our nation and has created a crisis of misidentification.

8. Dangers to Socialization. We remain fixed to TV screens at the cost of

socialization. We cut short our social activities just to watch some favourite programme
on TV. We are not undertaking socialization / giving time to our kids, parents, etc
because we are glued to TV etc. This is developing a generation gap. We are giving
more time to TV channels and less time to social activity and a sort of isolation is being
developed.
9. Sensationalizing / Creating Uncertainty. Our media sensationalize the
issues / accidents / incidents. When too much of information is available it creates
confusion. Our media is broadcasting every type of information at times even
compromising the accuracy and is creating uncertainty.

10 Overloaded with Information. Pakistani Media is discussing so many of topics

are actually bombarding the audience with information. Media has flooded us with
information.

(a) This is psychologically not good for our scenes and disturbs our body
functions.

(b) Media is stuffing our minds with all types of information and has converted
us into ‘generalist’. Media is misusing our energies.

(c) Media has become corporate; it possesses / uses lot of resources and
has phenomenal business / financial benefits attached to it, accordingly it
bombards the viewers with information. Different surveys are undertaken to find
out various methods on how to attract the viewers / readers. Media Marketing has
converted us into recipient. Media is spending so much of money on efforts to
attract / enhance its viewer ship.

(d) Commercials breaks are introduced at the peak points of a programme.

Such commercials are very expensive.

Assignment No 3 Role of State Media in Pakistan / Ptv as a Mouthpiece of

State

• Formation
• Structure, Nature
• Government Policy
• Past, Present, Future
• Comparison with other private channels

----------------------------------------------------

“Media is a double edged sword. It has its benefits, it has its vices.”
Topic Pakistan Television
Date 29-08-08
By Mr. Raja Kamran

Introduction

1. Television means seeing at distance. It was a brainchild of a French artist, Albert

Rabida who in 1882 made prophecy drawings about future life. However, these are the
scientific developments of late 19th and early 20th centuries that led to the invention of
Television in 1930 in its early form. TV initially was considered as radio with pictures.

2. Early Problems. Initially the transmissions were made live, since the contents
sent on air could not be stored. In 1956 Ampex Company invented video tape that
helped recording and ‘editing’ possible. This enhanced the quality of programmes made
/ aired.

3. Usages of TV. TV works on ‘air ways’. TV today is a world of facts and

fantasy. It has enabled us to move from our immediate existence. TV screen has
become ‘Shopping Mall’ of products / ideas. TV is a source of broadly shared images
and messages. It is mainstream of common symbolic environment. It is centralized
system of story telling. It transcends the barriers of literacy and mobility. It has become
a source of socialization – social programmes. TV is a propaganda / education tool –
utilized by state / organization and a nursing institution for promoting / nurturing literary
talent.

4. Ptv. Ptv was first established at Lahore on 26 Nov, 1964, Japanese assistance.
The report by Commission on Education, in 1958, included / recommended introduction
of TV for enhancing education level in country. However, subsequently commercial
utilization was allowed to meet financial requirement. In 1962 Pakistan, cabinet
realizing TVs potential as a tool of state machinery, decided to own it. In 1963 president
Ayub consented that TV was a necessity and not a luxury. NEC – Nippon Electric
Company of Japan was awarded the contract to set up TV stations in the country.

5. Initial broadcasts of Ptv included educational contents and transmissions were

restricted to 3 hrs daily. It was experimental phase and was working for national
solidarity, Islamic values, patriotism “Patriotic National Content”.

6. Initially radio professionals joined the Ptv, which were the only choice available.
Ptv promoted local heritage and always legitimized the sitting regime as a matter of its
policy. Today Ptv Academy with state of the art equipment and set up has been long
established and is providing necessary work force for all the fields including engineering,
technical assistance, production etc.

7. Ptv Stations and Channels. The diversity of viewers has required Ptv to
expand. Ptv Stations have been established at Lahore, Islamabad (HQ), Peshawar,
Quetta, Multan, Karachi and Muzafarabad. Talent of whole country is inter-linked thru
Ptv stations.

8. Ptv-2 was established in 1993. Initially Ptv had 16 relay stations and now there
are more than 50. In 1957 Ptv became “Public Limited Corporation”.

9. Purpose. To find out local talent from different parts of the country.
10. Ptv possesses considerable high powered re-broadcast stations. In 1975
Pakistan telephones established microwave-link connecting all stations forming a
network. TV transmissions initially were black & white and in 1976 colour transmissions
were started. It affected contents and affects on viewers. Central Training Institution
was established which provides training in fields of Engineering, Production, Current
Affairs, Management, etc. Ptv is registered as a limited company under Company’s
Ordinance Act 1984 and its 100% shares are owned by the Govt.
 MASS MEDIA IN PAKISTAN

Topic Ptv as a State Organ

Date 05-09-08
By Mr. Raja Kamran

Policy : Do the research.

Dr Shahid Masoor is MD of Ptv (850,000 PM, salary). He is responsible for
implementation of Ptv policies.

1. Board of Directors. There are 11 members (Directors) who are responsible

for different branches of Ptv Corporation.

2. Ptv HQ is based in Islamabad. Prominent Ptv stations are Peshawar, Islamabad,

Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Karachi & Muzafarabad. All centres are interlinked with one and
other. It has number of (50) re-Broadcasting stations.

3. Ptv is leading TV of South Asia and has more then 6000 employees. The National
News Bureau is based at Islamabad and News Units are spread all over the country.
News Units are located at different places where information from local resources is
collected.

4. Programmes Division. Takes case of drama. Sales / Revenue Division takes

care of advertisements and financial matters. Current Affairs Division takes care of
programmes, talk shows on current affairs. Information on all current affairs is collected.
News Division takes care of news / newscasters. Sports Division plans for sports
coverage. Engineering Division looks after the Technical aspects of all operations
satellite system, transmission. Admin Division is responsible for the HRM, salaries of
employees etc. Education Division runs education linked programmes. Ptv
Academy is concerned with recruitments and training matters. IR Division is tasked for
the monitoring of international programmes on Pakistan, assessment and airing
programmes pertaining to national interests and is responsible for building of national
image etc.

Leading Centres of Ptv

1. History of Different TV Stations.

(a) Lahore Centre started in November, 1964. Permanent transmissions were

started in December, 1968. It is the most modern centre of Ptv. It has top of the
line production facilities, is linked with different transmitter centres. Its building
was inaugurated in 1970. Ptv Lahore has been the centre of cultural activities. It
has been producing a variety of programmes promoting the cultural activities,
national image, sports, and entertainment.

(b) Islamabad Centre came on the air in January,1967. It had a powerful

transmitter installed in Jan 1969 at Murree at height of a 7000 ft which enhanced
its operational range. Ptv Islamabad was connected to national network on March
30, 1987. It broadcasts variety of programmes and has approach to lot of viewers.
 (c) Karachi Centre came on air in Nov, 1969 and was a full-fledged centre /
station. Ptv Karachi presents variety of programmes as per the ethnicity of
Karachi / Sind only. It also has number of re-broadcasting stations.

(d) Quetta Centre came on air in Nov 1974. It connects 2 million people /
viewers of Baluchistan. Broadcasts programmes in local languages and is also
linked on the nation wide network.

(e) Peshawar Centre was inaugurated in Dec, 1974. Its viewer-ship is 7-8
million people who are covered through its re-broadcasting stations at Batkhela,
Cherat, Gultkhel.

Ptv Channels

2. Ptv has 06 working channels;-

(a) Ptv Home (previously– Ptv-1) presents all cultures of Pakistan and
provides entertainment, political, related programmes.

(b) Ptv-Two / Ptv World are now called Ptv News with prime responsibility to
provide news to people.

(c) Ptv National gives coverage in 07 languages of Pakistan. Promotes

nationalism and Govt policies to create unity among different segments of
our society.

(d) Ptv Bolan from Quetta was formed to promote progressive policies of the
Govt in the province of Baluchistan.

(e) Ptv AJK projects national image, and covers Kashmir cause even across
the broader along with activities on the Indian held Kashmir.

(f) Ptv Global gives programmes for Pakistanis settled abroad, it is divided in
Ptv UK, Ptv USA and Ptv Europe.

Ptv Programme .

3. Ptv broadcasts a variety of programmes. PTV dramas are most popular world
over. PTV has also projected folk music, Qawali along with variety of programmes
ranging from Youth Affairs, Sports(wonderful coverage), Culture, Education, News, Films,
Current Affairs, Religious, Women, Political etc.

Zia’s Regime

Censor Board
Do research on Ptv’s role in these areas.
Enlightened Moderation

Pvt Sectors
 MASS MEDIA IN PAKISTAN
Topic Radio
Date 06-09-08
By Mr. Raja Kamran

1. Limitations. The radio transmissions can be heard at once. The transmissions /

receptions are affected by atmosphere limitation. Additionally there are Technical
Barriers.

2. Structure of Radio Pakistan. Broadcasting Corporation of Pakistan (BCP) has

5 wings: -

(a) Programme Wing. This wing is responsible for overall programming of

Radio: -

(i) Home Service for local listener. Issues Queue Sheet – schedule of
whole programming

(ii) External Services. External Services for listeners abroad –

catering for their requirements – prepares packages for oversees
Pakistanis gives 10 hrs a day transmissions and covers 71 countries. It
has five short range transmitters, including 01 for South East Aria, 02 for
Europe and 03 for Middle East. Programmes are transmitted for 9 hrs in
14 local / foreign languages. Its function is to project our natural point of
view and promote goodwill.

(iii) Control Production Unit (CPU). The BCP also maintains Pakistan
Archive and has 9000 hrs of historic recordings of important events /
programmes; it has 18000 recorded tapes and 5500 plays. These tapes /
recordings are our historic assets and available with CPU.

(b) News and Current Affairs Wing.

(i) Emerging needs of Current Affairs are provided by this wing.

Programmes are given in both Urdu and local languages.

(ii) Media Monitoring. Views of other agencies / countries on our

policies, activities are monitored and copy is given to our foreign office. It is
monitoring of what other media are saying about us. What material is
being said / broadcasted by which country / media about us. This Role is
however, only of gate keeping but not analysis / Advisory. It caters for the
linguistic needs of listeners; providing info to people – recent revolution of
electronic media / screen in Pakistan.

(c) Engineering Wing of PB Corporation. The wing is responsible for: -

(i) Maintenance and operation branch – takes care of all broadcasting

(ii) Planning & research management, over lapping transmissions,
technical operations, equipment installation etc
 (d) Administrative Wing. The wing is responsible for all administrative
matters including recruitment, promotion, transfer, training, etc. The present
strength of PBC employees is 5000.

(e) Finance and Accounting Wing. Finance and Accounting Wing operates
on commercial lines; its responsibilities include developing Sources of Income,
availing Govt Subsidies and generating revenue through commercials.

3. Radio Pakistan played very important role in 1965 war but failed during 1971 war
in enhancing the morale of people thru its programmes / songs.

4. Audience of Radio is heterogeneous. The FM Radio has brought revolution in

radio industry. Radio broadcasts religious programmes on eid / shab-e-barat; Youth
affairs are discussed on Radio Pakistan. Child and women programmes are
broadcasted by Radio Pakistan.

5. The target audience is identified and different timing / packages are determined
for different audience availability. Programmes are arranged according to the psyche
of audience. Radio targets the audience because it has commercial aspects attached.

6. Rural Development. Radio provides awareness to rural population on Health,

Education, Women, agriculture, programmes for the benefits of farmers etc.

7. Publicity. Public service programmes include health etc.

8. Sports Programmes. Provide coverage of sports activities; live coverage of

matches, etc.

9. Dramatic Literature. Sound effects

10. Science & Technology. Programmes on Science & Technology

11. Politics. PBC has played important role in enhancing the political awareness of
public.
 MASS MEDIA IN PAKISTAN

Topic Print Media / Print Journalism

Date 12-09-08
By Mr. Raja Kamran

1. Newspapers are social / commercial phenomenon because they talk about social
issues of concern and have extensive commercialism attached.

2. Past and Present of Newspapers. Newspapers are large industry world over
which include printing presses, hawkers, editors, etc and offer employment opportunity
for thousands. History is traced to 59 BC in times of Pheros when hand written bulletins
were posted in on walls of holy temples, called “Acta Diurna,”

3. Roman System of Information Dissemination. Announcements were made

at given place / time where people would gather at given time. Stone plates were used
for writing messages. In temples we find written / engraved inscriptions on walls in
Egypt. It is however, difficult to give exact origin of newspapers / press.

4. Chinese have the credit in field of paper making and printing. In 500 AD we have
printing traces in history of China a man, Zing Pao in Peking worked on printing.
Chinese wrote their syllabi, oldest book is also written in Chinese province – kanso
pruizco by Whong Chi Aay. Type printing was begun by ancient Chinese named Pi-
Shing during 1041-1049.

5. Arab took the idea of printing from China; in 12 century Muslims put in first paper
mill in Spain.

6. Gutenberg printing press in 15 century provides the breakthrough and brought

new printing to Germany. Old German Poem masterpiece of printing – Bible in Latin
language and comprised of 1285 pages of 42 line on each page in 1456.

7. In 1874 print journalism took start in UK by William Caxton – ‘Homer’s Elliot. First
newspaper Adolf was published in Germany in 1615 it was weekly journal, name of
newspaper ‘Frankfurt’. By 1639 there were 16 newspapers published in Germany.

8. In 18 century, newspapers started in UK. In 1702, a newspaper “daily corrant"

was started in UK.

9. In 1928, Dho Gorth German scholar gave 5 standards of newspapers.

1st Std. It must be published periodically; duration should not be more

than one week.
2nd Std. It should have mechanical reproduction.
3rd Std. Anyone could have access for its publication
th
4 Std. Must vary in content (should be of public interest, common interest,
diversify matter).
5th Std. There should be continuity of organization for timely publication.
Topic: Press in Sub-continent.

1. Hand written newspaper was a custom, it was a system of providing information.

2. Muslim Rulers / Sultan’s of Dehli had “BAQA-E-NAVEES” written. Mughal’s

introduced new thing; Mohammad Bin Tughlaq would send horse riders to deliver the
news / convey messages of the king. Mosques were utilized for announcement.

3. First press in S-Continent was setup at Goa in 1550 by Christian missionaries.

East India Coy, Mr. James Augustus Mickey is pioneer of journalism in S-Continent;
started his first journal in which he was a critic of Govt.

4. First printing press in Bombay was started in 1674 by British to meet requirements
of British living in city of Bombay. 2nd printing press was setup in Madras in1772 and 3 rd
in Calcutta PP in 1779; ‘Hicky Gazette’ was the first English newspaper of sub
continent.

18th Century Journalism in India

5. (a) Translations, Community Communication

(b) Only weekly Newspapers, in English for English audience.
(c) No law for journalism, because British thought it not applicable to them.
(d) Contents were mostly poems, essays, and translations.

6. Journalism in Local Language. Muslim language in India was ‘Persian’. All

Muslim efforts were recorded in Persian language. British preferred issue from Calcutta‘
JAAN-JEHAN NUMA’ by Munshi Sada Sukh under British guidance in Urdu language –
then converted in Persian.

7. Calcutta, ‘MISRAH’, by ‘RAJA RAM MOHAN’. In 1850 – ‘Kohinoor’, weekly

was published from Lahore. Itar Sukh Rai – News & literary articles with largest
circulation. Christian missionaries started several newspapers in India. Hindus started
own newspaper. Literate populace was very less. Most newspapers use to write in
favour of Govt and most of these were owned by Non-Muslims.

8. Quality of Newspapers. Prominent aspects of newspaper before 1857 war

(a) Most of the papers were weekly newspapers.

(b) No Headlines, no lead stores, no editorial comments were included.

(c) Most of the newspapers were of 04 papers.

(d) Written in literary language by literary people.

9. Circulation. In 1836 – 120 hand written newspapers were sent from Delhi.
Pinted newspapers were 300 copies – number started to increase with time.

Kohinoor Lahore - 350 copies

Daily Urdu Delhi - 79 copies
Sadiq-ul-Akhbar Delhi - 200 copies
Syed-ul-Akhbar Dehli - 50 copies
Noor-ul-Absar Agra - 244 copies
Fawaid-ul-Shaliqeen Delhi - 110 copies
Malba Inder - 108 copies
Zahireen-e-Hind Banaras - 75 copies

(a) Poor / low literacy ratio; price was beyond the reach of common man. Not
available on stalls. Printers use to send it to the buyers.
(b) British used to buy Urdu newspaper to learn Urdu.
(c) People still didn’t feel the need of reading newspapers.
(d) Newspapers were not based on advertisement, and all income was from
sale only. Newspapers depended on subscription.
(e) Minimum monthly expenses were Rs. 40 PM for publishing of newspaper.
Average expenses were Rs. 100 Pm for big papers. Expenditure on
editor, rent, miscellaneous charges.
 HOW MASS MEDIA IS RESHAPING OUR LIVING SPACE

Mass media in Pakistan has come a long way. From the early
days of state controlled media, today Pakistani media has started
to exert itself and is well on its way to achieve a more meaningful
and free status. Steffen Cohen in his book ‘The Idea of Pakistan’
has acknowledged the fact that the media in today’s Pakistan is
perhaps the freest in the region and many other parts of the world.
While the struggle for a free media continues against the odds, its
effects in reshaping of our society at large have already started to
take shape.

There are many known factors that have contributed to the

sudden surge in the media development, but to give the devil its
share, it had been the last authoritarian rule that perhaps gave the
maximum liberty to the media ever in the country’s history.

The media in the country Media having such an influence on

our lives, it has both harmful and beneficial effects. Beneficial
because it provides us all the information we need from all over
the world, it entertains us and at the same time it helps us find
more about a topic we are interested in. On the other hand, TV
and the Internet destroy communication between the members of
the family.

Media nowadays is considered a window for learning and is also

considered to be our main window to the world. Media has evolved
from simple text in papers, to voices in radios, to voices with
pictures in television and movies, and off course now to an
internet. Media was primarily used to deliver news across the town
and to beef up the people with the information they need for their
everyday life. Then, newspaper was the only form of media until
radio came into the picture. When radio came it became the most
popular form of media. Then when television was born, it replaced
radios and people turn to television for sources of information. But
before the end of the millennium, Internet was born. Internet is
now the most popular form of media not only to youngsters but
also to adults because of its diversity and usefulness. Media has
changed a lot since it started

Net work television reaches audience in the weekday evening. And

the most people access around the clock, It obviously entertain us;
and to advertise the products, in the area of information alone,
mass media provide much careful reporting on a vast array of
issues and events that are necessary to our lives every day. The
action of our political leaders, the attitudes and opinions of people
the daily performance of the stock market, health news, weather
forecasts, sports. Infect we have come to know important
information provided every day by mass media, and off course
without which we could not exist as civilized society in the twenty-
first century. We learned that even democratic governments
sometime lied and misled in order to achieve their ends. So this is
media who is performing his job as watchdog and we relay on the
mass media who give us essential information about our leaders.

What, then, should we be thinking about mass media are we their

victims, or do they serve us well? Mass media enrich our minds
with essential information make our live easier with meaningful
entertainment and delightful diversion and help us achieve a
society where the good of all will prevail.
There is just so much more information. And people have access to
it anytime of the day; you no longer have to wait till the morning
or evening to get any information and news, audience becoming
more knowledgeable, they know more about politics?, they seem
more knowledgeable about things like health, sports, they do know
more about foreign policy, Health care policy but on the other side
because of the influence of foreign media “TV Channels” as
Muslims we are going faraway from our custom ethics and the
most important our religion. And it is might be the drawback of
mass media. For example if we look at some of our Pakistani
Fashion or Music TV Channels can we say that its present our
culture or our moral values that one Muslim should have so Media
presents unrealistic body types promoting people, especially
women, through TV shows, commercials, magazines or any form of
advertising, the media enforces a certain body type which women
try to follow. The so-called perfect body type causes many
negative effects on women. Women start to feel insecure about
their bodies by looking at media images daily. This provokes
women to diet more because they feel more pressure to be slim.
Especially teenager girl are very influenced by that kind of TV
Shows, commercials etc. some TV Channel show a very valiant
type of program who has a very bad impact on children for
example a wrestling show that brought bad effect to the children.
Exposure to media violence cause increased levels of aggression
and violence in young people but the sources are not particularly
wicked people who set out to delude and mislead us. So it will
require bright young people with good motives to be attached to
careers in mass media. And it will require intelligent and educated
audiences who understand the meaning of media, so they can
make proper choices about messages they receive.
Assignment

Topic : Pakistan Television as State Organization

Date : 29 August, 2008

1. The Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) is Pakistan's national television

broadcaster with its headquarters at Islamabad. As of 2008 the PTV family includes six
channels i.e. PTV Home, PTV News, PTV National, AJK TV, PTV Bolan and PTV Global.

History

2. The Ptv began live transmissions on November 26, 1964, in Lahore and today
has centres at Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta. Originally the broadcasts were
black and white, and colour transmissions were started in 1979. Ptv also has an
academy founded in 1987 to teach students who wished to work in the medium. Ptv
dramas and teleplays during 70s to 1990s were considered as the best in Indian
Subcontinent. Ptv has been allowed by the Government to raise a sizeable amount of
capital including Rs 25 pm TV fee charged to all the consumers of electricity. Ptv has
more than 50 rebroadcast stations in operation and covers 38% area and 86.48 %
population of the country.

3. The early team of Ptv included Mr. Nisar Hussain, Mr. Aslam Azhar, Mr.
Muslehuddin Mr. Mumtaz Hamid Rao and Mr. Zafar Samdani

Policy

4. The broader perspective to start electronic media in the country was to inform and
educate the people through wholesome entertainment and to inculcate in them a greater
awareness of their own history, heritage, current problems and development as well as
knowledge of the world at large.

5. In fulfillment of its broad objectives, Ptv's policy on various national and

international matters has always been guided by the cardinal principles of educating
viewers about the values that are vitally important in building a united, integrated and
disciplined society. These objectives are achieved through variety of programmes on
religion, education, entertainment and culture.

6. The projection of new emerging social order is highlighted in Ptv's general

programmes focusing directly and indirectly on the themes like morality, civic or national
responsibilities, drive against narcotics, environmental pollution, agricultural reforms in
discussions, shows, etc.

7. Ptv programmes are family oriented and broadcasts carters for the eastern &
Islamic values. It acts on social development theory of media, and shows informative
programmes about health and social issues.

8. Ptv plays a vital role in promoting government propaganda by ignoring ground

realities and often display talk shows hosted by pseudo-journalists who vainly try to
assure people that "All is well in the 'Land of Pure' ". However, lately a shift in the Ptv’s
policy has been noticed, and now talk shows / discussions are aired in which
government’s policies are openly discussed also giving opportunity to voices from the
opposition. It however, supports government policies on national and international
matters as a matter of principle.

News Division

9. Ptv news broadcasts are in Urdu, English, Arabic, Kashmiri and other regional
languages catering for both international and local viewers. The news bulletins are aired
on national network and also through satellite to more than 38 countries.

10. The scope of news coverage is quite wide and includes latest important
happenings (both national and international), visits abroad of VVIPs and other important
events. Ptv has arrangements with Reuters TV, to satellite news items to PTV round the
clock.

11. Ptv News also projects the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir
and countering Indian propaganda. Ptv has visualized several activities of Indian forces
and Kashmiris in its programmes and news. Its permanent news bureau at
Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, covers various events including visiting foreign journalists
and delegations. Ptv news has also sent its camera team to Afghanistan to cover the
fighting and plight of common man.

Current Affairs

12. Current Affairs programmes have been regular features of Ptv transmissions,
ever-since its inception. A separate Current Affairs Directorate was established in 1982.

13. Current Affairs programmes, in regional languages, on themes mainly revolving

around local and provincial matters are aired. Programmes on special occasions such as
live telecast of Armed Forces Parade on Pakistan Day, Live telecast of Flag Hoisting
Ceremony on Independence Day, Head of State's Address to the Nation, documentaries
on important national projects, live telecast of certain sessions of Senate and National
Assembly are also televised. In the programme Open Forum, Federal Ministers/Minister
of States are invited to answer the questions through e-mail, on Telephone and by
Media/Experts sitting in the various studios of PTV.

International Relations

14. Ptv Division participates in the International Television Festivals / Competitions

held in different countries by sending best PTV-Programmes and has won many laurels.

15. A lot of PTV plays and documentaries have been provided to foreign countries for
the projection of Pakistan and its people. Conversely, Ptv also procures foreign canned
programmes on hire/rental basis including feature films, science fiction, comedy,
adventure, classic drama etc.

Ptv Film Censor Board

16. PTV Censor Board was formed in 1968 and was separately instituted within PTV
in December, 1980 to clear and certify bulk of imported and locally acquired programmes
with speed and efficiency.
Ptv Today

17. Currently, Ptv can be received via satellite in South Asia, East Asia and in the
Middle East. Selected programming can be seen on Prime TV (with a partnership) in the
United Kingdom and Europe: Offered exclusively for the United States on Dish Network,
and recently launched in Europe.

Managing Director

18. Dr Shahid Masood is the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Ptv since June

2008 and is a journalist, columnist, TV show host and a political analyst / commentator.
Previously, he had been affiliated with ARY One World, as its senior executive director
and was the chief of ARY One World. He is author of three bestsellers (two volumes of
Views on News, and End of Times). His appointment, through politically motivated, is
likely to raise the standing of Ptv in the world of media.