Stop using anonymous sources in stories, Interior Minister tells journalists
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 23 May 2015
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Chaudhry Nisar has requested journalists to stop relying on anonymous sources for stories related to the Axact scam. He emphasized the importance of consulting official sources from the FIA for accurate information.Summary
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar told journalists Saturday to avoid using anonymous sources for their stories on the Axact scam as this would affect ongoing investigations. Talking to media persons, he said journalists should contact Federal Investigation Agency directors who are investigating the matter for official versions. “If you (journalists) don’t have material for your stories; please don’t quote FIA as your sources (in the stories),” he said, “you are our eyes and ears, guide us to do good for the nation.” Responding to a question, Nisar said he has been ordering inquiries on local media reports as well; so it’s silly to question why have I ordered inquiry on a report of a foreign newspaper. Some journalists who were not given PMLN tickets for elections due to my opposition have now turned against me, he said. Apparently referring to columnist Ayaz Amir who was also previously a member of the PMLN and MNA, he said the journalist has been using The News platform to settle personal scores with him. “The media should not be used for personal point scoring and baseless propaganda …. the media owners should also think about it,” he said.
KEY POINTS:
- Chaudhry Nisar advises against anonymous sources in journalism.
- Focus on obtaining factual information from FIA directors.
- Suggests journalists play a constructive role for the nation.
- Criticism of media being used for personal vendettas.
- Calls for media owners to reflect on their practices.
