Rafiq Jan
An independent media, in any form, is unarguably known as the Fourth power. But the modern democracies have hijacked this powerful estate to use it as the mouthpiece of corporate elites and so-called custodians of democracy.
I am a voracious reader and love reading great work of eminent writers. I believe, product of a writer is reflection of his/her own character and also to a great deal can be a measure for judging the mindset they possess. In this fast-paced technological era, TV talk shows, op-eds, analysis by experts, and most importantly the tweets of the leading journalists are creating perceptions and are highly influencing the opinions of people.
Pakistan has many prolific writers who have done incredible work of voicing the concerns of the people which are otherwise inaccessible to reach the fortified chambers of ruling elite.
Media could have become a tool for promoting peace on earth, but it is unfortunately being used as a weapon of war, destruction and creating hatred. But, lust of fame and fortune has been dominating the hearts and minds of media conglomerates since last two centuries to an extent that it’s fair to rate them as a party to creating havoc globally. The invasions of many countries by super powers resulting in mayhem and killing of millions of innocent humans, e.g. by using media as a medium of propaganda. As a result, rather than becoming an instrument to unite the societies on common agendas, it has created massive divides.
The lust of power, fame and luxuries has become so infectious that even the most sacred profession of journalism looks beset with its seductions.
Prominent and highly esteemed print and electronic media forums have succumbed to the enticements of riches. Sucking up to the powerful ruling class and establishments has reached dangerously new heights where the honor of one’s profession is defined in terms of social status as well as the “bullying prowess”.
Our Media needs to fulfill its role and responsibility of discussing a broad range of opinions on issues critical to the prosperity and development of people rather than acting as a “conveyor belt for the lies of bureaucracy and politicians”. We must build a trickle-up media that reflects the true character of our country and its people. We need democratic media serving a democratic society and become the voice of populace instead of vying to win over each other for the sake of rating. Racing to one-up on each other in declaring themselves as superhuman in tweets and talk shows is the hype of sycophancy and a frenzy of flattery around powerful establishment and rulers. Praises that sound excessive and grotesque exaggerations of the adversaries’ slip-ups has become the mark of success.
In a rapidly changing political landscape in Pakistan these days the travails of the government seem to be aggravating while the mainstream media flatterers are busy in redoubling their efforts to achieve one-upmanship in wooing the stakeholders of this whole game.
Pakistani Government must formulate the appropriate rules of ethics and a code of conduct for mainstream media houses and individuals to follow in order to be at par with the international standards of journalism. All print and broadcast media channels should be bound to enact the grails for writers and all other editorial staff. Writers, reporters and editorial personnel must be selected through strong scrutiny of ensuring authenticity of their qualifications and track records before hiring. All those working in state and public media houses must be forced to follow the rules of state’s law as well as the organization’s rules of conduct and they must be made responsible for their irresponsible activities relevant to the profession.
Mainstream media needs to reconnect to its long-forgotten tenets and start working as the fourth power instead of working for the power. In this world where the partisanship reigns in all forms of media and journalism, this is an epidemic for which one cannot see any sign of abatement in the near future due to its deeply ingrained effects on our society where only the powerful has the rights to rule the roost.
