Government College University hosts interactive session with editors, journalists | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Government College University hosts interactive session with editors, journalists

LAHORE: Government College University (GCU) Young Journalists Society (YJS), on Thursday, hosted an interactive session with eminent editors, columnists and journalists, titled “Evening to Remember”, on the issue “Challenges confronting fourth pillar of state”.

Daily Times Editor Rashed Rahman, Daily Pakistan Editor Mujeebur Rahman Shami and renowned anchorperson and columnist Aftab Iqbal were the chief guests of the event. GCU Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Ikramul Haq was also present on the occasion. While addressing the audience, Rashed Rahman said that a historic turning point occurred when the printing press was invented, which was soon followed by the advent of newspapers. He said that the printing press played a crucial role, both in the pre-partition and post-partition periods.

“The journalistic world today has been introduced to two new terms, namely new media and old media,” he said, adding that new media is the most democratic form of media. He added that during General Ziaul Haq’s regime in 1980s, a term had been invented, called “Lifafa Journalism”.

Rahman further said that media was losing the country’s youth as its audience and if the trend continued, it would become very difficult to steer them back towards fields of media and journalism. He also shared some of his student life memories when he was a student at GCU and also a member of GCU’s Dramatic Club.

Separately, Mujeebur Rahman Shami said that free media reflected the true picture of a society and only countries having complete media freedom could excel in all spheres of life. He added, “The growth of electronic media over the past few decades has been very rapid in Pakistan. The media can shape and have deep impact on public opinion.”

Meanwhile, Aftab Iqbal said also shared some memories of his student life at GCU. “In my opinion, the major challenge we face at the moment is of maintaining high quality news reports and upholding journalistic values in such a small yet extremely competitive market,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Ikramul Haq said that the media was a watchdog of public interest, carrier of information, promoter of a free and balanced debate, and was the most dynamic institution representing the civil society.

Towards the end, Mujeebur Rehman Shami and Rashed Rahman distributed shields amongst the members of Lahore Education Reporters Association (LERA) and YJS members. The event was followed by dinner and a musical night.
Source: Daily Times
Date:6/25/2011