Political activists in journalism
Journalists are expected to present facts and views to people in their newspaper columns or the electronic media. Their opinions and commitment to rule of law, democracy and supremacy of the constitution establish their credibility.
In 2010 a three-member group of independent Pakistani journalists, enjoying international credibility were a part of a team that dared to travel on a ship carrying 600 passengers to highlight the plight of 1.5Million Palestinians suffering Israeli occupation. Similarly, there were many men of honor who played a vital part in projecting the political struggle led by the Quaid and Allama Iqbal and their companions for the creation of Pakistan. These men suffered and faced harassment but continued in pursuit of principles which they believed in.
Some TV channels like Fox News are known to project Republican point of view in America and similarly there are newspapers funded by political parties that follow directives of a particular political party. Columnists and spokespersons linked to a political party write in newspapers where it is specifically mentioned in their byline that they are associated with a particular party. Unfortunately, what we are witnessing in Pakistan are a few political activists in the guise of independent analysts and journalists who, while following their party line, cross all limits of decency.
While one may not agree with views of Ayaz Mir, the fact remains that he is a journalist who has criticized and supported policies of various political parties, as the situation demands and even been critical of the paid establishment. The same cannot be said for likes of Imran Riaz Khan, nor for those who, in their columns, refer to PM as “Criminal PM”. It is time that editorial boards of the print and electronic media enforce journalistic discipline and sanity prevails.
Source: Pakistan Observer (Editorial) (Writer: ALI MALIK TARIQ)
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