Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalismHum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI toolsEnhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory adsBlogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepensPTV pensioners continue protests over unpaid dues and medical facilitiesWill PECA 2025 law be repealed? PFUJ begins a legal battleDefying threats: Munizae Jahangir's story reveals what it costs to be a woman journalist in PakistanIndia revokes nonprofit and tax status of news outletsUkraine's security service opens criminal case after Ukrainska Pravda reportTwo Cambodian journalists detained over cyber scam torture videoThe Olympic Games: A timeless testament to human excellence and unity

First with the false news and into the Hall of Shame

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published February 24, 2017 |  Imran Naeem Ahmad

Join our WhatsApp channel

First with the false news and into the Hall of Shame

ISLAMABAD – It is a collective shame for the 29 television channels served show cause notices by PEMRA for airing false news about a bomb going off in Lahore Thursday.

The blundering news organizations include the so-called heavyweights claiming to be No. 1 and the first in whatever they do.

What they did Thursday was another first but none came up with the claim ‘first with the false news.’ None thought it fit to apologize for creating fear and panic among an already shaken public.

Geo, Dunya, Samaa, ARY, BOL, Express News, Abb Takk, Capital, DawnNews, Jaag, and others, all were on the list, all deserving to have their names etched in the Hall of Shame.

Wonder how could so many channels go wrong in reporting? The answer is simple. The channel that first ‘broke’ the news may have prompted others to do the same. They all did, tossing professionalism and ethic out of the window, only to have egg on their face.

It appears no one at these channels thought it appropriate to seek confirmations and verifications.

So fierce is the competition it is just about the race to be first. That eventually you fall flat does not matter; you get served notices from the regulator makes no difference; even threat of being fined is no problem, it seems.

Tomorrow will be another day, bringing more breaking news – some accurate reporting, some false news, some tall claims and some shamelessness – a fine mix that keeps the Pakistani media going.

 

 

 

 

 

When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

 January 23, 2025:  An in-depth look at the recent scuffle on a Pakistani talk show, its implications for media ethics, and the urgent need for TV channels to uphold decorum during debates.

Dangerous medical misinformation: How PTV's false narrative threatens cancer patients

Dangerous medical misinformation: How PTV's false narrative threatens cancer patients

 December 18, 2024:  A critical examination of dangerous medical misinformation broadcast on Pakistan Television, exposing how political propaganda can potentially harm cancer patients by spreading false treatment narratives.

Geo News faces backlash after controversial tweet targeting Richard Grenell

Geo News faces backlash after controversial tweet targeting Richard Grenell

 December 17, 2024:  Geo News faces criticism after a homophobic tweet targeting Richard Grenell, a Trump advisor advocating for Imran Khan's release, which was subsequently deleted.

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

Unethical reporting: Suno TV targets Matiullah Jan amid controversial arrest

 November 29, 2024:  Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.

Sipping tea, watching lies: The reality of Pakistani media

Sipping tea, watching lies: The reality of Pakistani media

 August 17, 2024:  A viral video exposes a shocking reality about Pakistani media, where fake news circulates unchecked. The clip, featuring a false report on the arrest of former IG of Jails, Shahid Saleem, highlights the pervasive issue of yellow journalism and raises questions about news credibility.

Dr. Omar Adil's sexist comments against female anchors spark outrage

Dr. Omar Adil's sexist comments against female anchors spark outrage

 July 25, 2024:  Dr. Omar Adil's sexist remarks against female journalists, including Gharidah Farooqi, have ignited widespread criticism, calling for full accountability and stronger actions against misogynistic language in the industry.

Suno TV censors PTI leader Zartaj Gul's scarf featuring Imran Khan

Suno TV censors PTI leader Zartaj Gul's scarf featuring Imran Khan

 July 13, 2024:  In a blatant display of media censorship, Suno TV blurred images of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on a scarf worn by PTI leader Zartaj Gul during a talk show. This incident adds to the growing list of censorship cases in Pakistani media, raising concerns about freedom of expression and media integrity.

Paid Praise: How government endorsements by influencers violated ethical standards

Paid Praise: How government endorsements by influencers violated ethical standards

 July 11, 2024:  The recent controversy in Punjab where actors and social media influencers were paid to praise the government's 100 days in office raises significant ethical concerns. Such paid promotions undermine the credibility of government achievements.

Newsroom
PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalism

PFUJ to IHC: PECA Law must be suspended to protect journalism

 February 11, 2025 The PFUJ has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to suspend the PECA Amendment Act, arguing that the law curtails press freedom and contains contradictory provisions. The court has issued a notice to the Attorney General for assistance.

Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

Hum News leads the way: First Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools

 February 09, 2025 Hum News Network becomes the first Pakistani channel to embrace AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek, enhancing productivity and innovation. Discover how this visionary move sets new standards in media.

Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

Enhancing trauma reporting: Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025

 February 09, 2025 The Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship 2025 is open for applications! This prestigious program at Columbia University offers journalists an intensive seminar on trauma reporting, media ethics, and responsible journalism. Apply by March 3, 2025.

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

Youm-e-Tameer-o-Taraqi or Youm-e-Tabahi? Government spends millions on self-congratulatory ads

 February 08, 2025 As Pakistan faces an economic crisis, the government splurges taxpayers' money on full-page ads and press releases to glorify its achievements. Critics call it a wasteful PR stunt. Read how public funds are being misused for political propaganda.

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

Blogger killed, editor missing as Mozambique's press freedom crisis deepens

 February 07, 2025 Mozambican journalist Albino Sibia was killed while filming police brutality, and reporter Pedro Junior was shot covering his funeral. Arlindo Chissale remains missing. These attacks highlight the dire state of press freedom in Mozambique amid post-election unrest.