Reliance on social media threat to Journalists’ Credibility
PESHAWAR – A reporter named Jan Alam Khan (name changed for security reasons) recently filed a story in a local Urdu newspaper in Peshawar regarding the interim cabinet in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government after the devolution of the Assembly by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government. During the selection process for the interim cabinet, various names surfaced and went viral on social media, suggesting that these candidates would be the expected members of the cabinet.
Jan Alam published a story about a candidate, accusing them of suspected corruption in the past, which resulted in their name being dropped from the list of shortlisted cabinet members. However, the candidate filed a writ petition and defamation case against Jan Alam. When the organization asked Jan Alam about the source of this news, he admitted that he had copied the name from a WhatsApp group. As a result, the reporter was terminated from his job.
The growing trend of local Urdu newspaper reporters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa relying on unverified news from social media platforms has raised concerns about personal safety and professional credibility. These reporters have been observed copying news from various WhatsApp groups, often lacking reliable sources and frequently spreading fake news.
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), introduced on February 21, 2022, through a presidential ordinance or decree, has made spreading fake news or defaming any person or state institution online an offense for which there is no provision for bail. The impact of unverified news goes beyond public trust and affects society as a whole.
Senior reporter Wisal Yousafzai from The Express Tribune has cautioned about the consequences of spreading false or unverified information. He emphasized the potential for panic, mistrust, and damage to the credibility of the entire media industry. Yousafzai highlighted the importance of investing time in verifying the accuracy of sources and publishing reliable, fact-checked information.
Yousafzai further noted that while social media cannot be ignored in this digital age, it is crucial for journalists, including English reporters, to verify information before reporting. Blindly using someone’s comments or quotes without verification can lead to injustice and the spread of misinformation.
Iqbal Khattak, the representative of Freedom Network Pakistan, shared that unverified reports often result in death or job loss for journalists. He urged journalists, especially those working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tribal areas, to avoid ambiguous and unverified news. He emphasized that life is more precious than anything else and urged journalists not to risk their lives by relying on fake or unverified news. He suggested that they should not depend solely on social media and instead verify information from relevant sources before publishing news.
Senior journalist Rifat Anjum emphasized the far-reaching consequences of irresponsible reporting, including public panic, erosion of trust in the media, and the spread of misinformation. Anjum stressed the paramount duty of journalists to prioritize truthfulness and responsible reporting, even when pressured to deliver breaking news quickly. Upholding responsible reporting is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring regional stability.
Arshid Aziz Malik, President of the Peshawar Press Club, called for self-regulation within the local Urdu newspaper industry. He urged the implementation of stringent editorial policies and the promotion of fact-checking initiatives among journalists. Malik emphasized the need to regulate the industry, uphold ethical standards, and establish robust editorial guidelines to counter the spread of misinformation. Such measures would ensure the accuracy and reliability of news published by journalists.
‘False or unverified information has serious legal implications for both journalists and media outlets
Syed Akhtar Shah Bacha, a senior lawyer from the Peshawar High Court, highlighted the potential legal consequences for journalists who fail to verify the accuracy of their news stories. Bacha expressed concern about the dissemination of false or unverified information, emphasizing the possibility of defamation lawsuits and serious legal implications for both individuals and media organizations. Bacha’s comments serve as a stern warning to journalists, stressing the importance of due diligence and responsible reporting. He emphasizes that journalists play a crucial role in upholding the truth and ensuring accurate information is presented to the public. By verifying facts and sources before publishing, journalists can mitigate the risk of legal consequences.
To avoid legal repercussions, Bacha emphasizes adherence to professional ethics and robust fact-checking procedures. Journalists must verify the accuracy of the information, ensuring the reliability of their news stories and protecting themselves and their organizations from potential legal liabilities. This includes verifying sources, cross-checking information, and seeking multiple perspectives to present a balanced and accurate narrative.
Bacha’s remarks serve as a reminder of the significant responsibility carried by journalists in delivering credible news to the public. By exercising due diligence and adhering to proper journalistic practices, journalists can maintain their integrity, uphold public trust, and contribute to a more accountable and transparent media industry.
Imtinan Shahid, Editor of Daily Khabrain in Peshawar emphasized that the newspaper follows a rigorous verification process, relying on the reporters to authenticate the news they submit before it is published. It is the responsibility of the reporters themselves to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information they provide.
Shahid further stressed the significance of presenting balanced and authentic news from every angle. While acknowledging the challenging nature of the job, with multiple news stories to manage simultaneously, he emphasized that the prime duty of the reporter is to maintain fairness and integrity in their reporting. This includes conducting thorough research, seeking multiple perspectives, and providing a comprehensive and unbiased account of events.
As the Editor, Imtinan Shahid recognizes the critical role played by reporters in delivering reliable news to the readers. By establishing a strong relationship of trust and accountability with the reporters, the Daily Khabrain aims to uphold its commitment to providing accurate and well-verified information to its audience.
Source: Peshawar Today
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
